Discovering hidden gems in Pennsylvania is kind of like finding out a big, juicy secret. You can’t really tell anyone about it, because you made a promise you wouldn’t. Then, again, you just want to tell everyone you know. The ultimate hidden gem road trip in Pennsylvania will take you to seven hidden gems across the state, some better known than others, that will make you feel like you know a juicy secret.
Here are the Google Map directions for the hidden gems road trip through the Keystone State. You can add more destinations, change course, or customize the road trip to your needs, timeline, and interests.
Google Maps
- White Cliffs of Conoy – Marietta
Google Maps/Micah Howard Beautiful white cliffs stand 60 feet over the Susquehanna River, beckoning visits and offering stellar views of the river and beyond. You’ll have to follow the 1.5-mile trail that leads straight to the White Cliffs of Conoy. If you climb on the cliffs, be extremely careful of dropoffs, and watch your step. Read more about the White Cliffs of Conoy. White Cliffs of Conoy, Marietta, PA 17547, USA
- ChesLens Nature Preserve – Coatesville
Google/Daniel GW Spanning just under 1,300 acres, ChesLen Preserve offers visitors the opportunity to explore among nature. Its picturesque hiking trails will lead you through such stunning natural scenery as meadows brimming with blossoming flowers and wooded areas that will protect you from the full glare of the sun. The nature preserve also features a children’s outdoor play area. Find more information, including days and hours, on the official website of ChesLen Preserve. Natural Lands’ ChesLen Preserve, 1199 Cannery Rd, Coatesville, PA 19320, USA
- Stoneleigh Natural Garden – Villanova
Google Maps/matthew krissel A fairy tale setting awaits when you visit the outdoor gardens at Stoneleigh Natural Garden in Villanova, Pennsylvania. Meander past such beautiful natural scenery as towering trees, native plants, and colorful flowers. (Wait until you see the artistic shapes of some of the trees.) Don’t forget to snap photos of a wooden statue of curious rabbits. The natural garden hosts events throughout the year, so be on the lookout for those, too. Find more information, including days and hours, on the official website of Stoneleigh Natural Garden. Stoneleigh: a natural garden, 1829 County Line Rd, Villanova, PA 19085, USA
- Kalmbach Memorial Park – Macungie
Facebook/Kalmbach Memorial Park Tucked in Macungie in the Lehigh Valley, Kalmbach Memorial Park is the definition of tranquility and natural beauty, and a total hidden gem. Wander along one of its beautiful trails, where you’ll pass colorful flowers, a flowing stream, and a waterfall. You can even sit on one of the benches, and soak in the peacefulness. Stop by the official website of Kalmbach Memorial Park for more information. Kalmbach Memorial Park, 200 Cotton St, Macungie, PA 18062, USA
- Lacawac Sanctuary – Lake Ariel
Facebook/Lacawac Sanctuary Field Station & Environmental Education Center Definitely bring along a pair of comfy shoes on this road trip, because you have quite a few stops that allow for scenic hikes in our lovely state. Lacawac Sanctuary boasts a series of trails that will lead you through a wooded area dotted with gardens and nature displays. You’ll also pass a natural bog, where you might catch sight of local wildlife. The sanctuary also hosts events throughout the year. Here’s the official website of Lacawac Sanctuary. Lacawac Sanctuary, 94 Sanctuary Rd, Lake Ariel, PA 18436, USA
- Montour Preserve – Danville
Facebook/Montour Nature Preserve For our next stop on this hidden gems tour de force of Pennsylvania, you’ll definitely want to bring a pair of long pants, especially if you want to do a little fossil digging. Yep, you can dig for fossils at Montour Preserve and take home what you find. Just make sure you bring a bucket and anything else you may need to dig. You may be able to find quite a few fossils that date back as many as 400 million years. The preserve also features hiking trails, a lake that’s perfect for kayaking, and an abundance of local wildlife. Check out the official website of Montour Preserve. Preserve Road, Preserve Rd, Anthony, PA, USA
- Isle of Que
Susquehanna Greenway A tiny 5.5-mile long island, Isle of Que is right next to the charming town of Selinsgrove. (You might want to carve out time to visit Selinsgrove, too.) Go boating on the Susquehanna River, or stroll around the neighborhood. The riverbank also provides a picture-perfect spot for watching the sunrise or the sunset. Check out our article on Isle of Que for more information. Isle of Que, Selinsgrove, PA 17870, USA
Have you been to any of the destinations on the hidden gems road trip in Pennsylvania? What did you think? What are your favorite hidden places to visit in the Keystone State? Let us know in the comments below! If you’re into exploring beautiful hidden gems in PA, you might also want to plan a visit to these seven natural wonders in Pennsylvania you can witness for free… some are total unexplored treasures!
Google Maps
Google Maps/Micah Howard
Beautiful white cliffs stand 60 feet over the Susquehanna River, beckoning visits and offering stellar views of the river and beyond. You’ll have to follow the 1.5-mile trail that leads straight to the White Cliffs of Conoy. If you climb on the cliffs, be extremely careful of dropoffs, and watch your step. Read more about the White Cliffs of Conoy.
White Cliffs of Conoy, Marietta, PA 17547, USA
Google/Daniel GW
Spanning just under 1,300 acres, ChesLen Preserve offers visitors the opportunity to explore among nature. Its picturesque hiking trails will lead you through such stunning natural scenery as meadows brimming with blossoming flowers and wooded areas that will protect you from the full glare of the sun. The nature preserve also features a children’s outdoor play area. Find more information, including days and hours, on the official website of ChesLen Preserve.
Natural Lands’ ChesLen Preserve, 1199 Cannery Rd, Coatesville, PA 19320, USA
Google Maps/matthew krissel
A fairy tale setting awaits when you visit the outdoor gardens at Stoneleigh Natural Garden in Villanova, Pennsylvania. Meander past such beautiful natural scenery as towering trees, native plants, and colorful flowers. (Wait until you see the artistic shapes of some of the trees.) Don’t forget to snap photos of a wooden statue of curious rabbits. The natural garden hosts events throughout the year, so be on the lookout for those, too. Find more information, including days and hours, on the official website of Stoneleigh Natural Garden.
Stoneleigh: a natural garden, 1829 County Line Rd, Villanova, PA 19085, USA
Facebook/Kalmbach Memorial Park
Tucked in Macungie in the Lehigh Valley, Kalmbach Memorial Park is the definition of tranquility and natural beauty, and a total hidden gem. Wander along one of its beautiful trails, where you’ll pass colorful flowers, a flowing stream, and a waterfall. You can even sit on one of the benches, and soak in the peacefulness. Stop by the official website of Kalmbach Memorial Park for more information.
Kalmbach Memorial Park, 200 Cotton St, Macungie, PA 18062, USA
Facebook/Lacawac Sanctuary Field Station & Environmental Education Center
Definitely bring along a pair of comfy shoes on this road trip, because you have quite a few stops that allow for scenic hikes in our lovely state. Lacawac Sanctuary boasts a series of trails that will lead you through a wooded area dotted with gardens and nature displays. You’ll also pass a natural bog, where you might catch sight of local wildlife. The sanctuary also hosts events throughout the year. Here’s the official website of Lacawac Sanctuary.
Lacawac Sanctuary, 94 Sanctuary Rd, Lake Ariel, PA 18436, USA
Facebook/Montour Nature Preserve
For our next stop on this hidden gems tour de force of Pennsylvania, you’ll definitely want to bring a pair of long pants, especially if you want to do a little fossil digging. Yep, you can dig for fossils at Montour Preserve and take home what you find. Just make sure you bring a bucket and anything else you may need to dig. You may be able to find quite a few fossils that date back as many as 400 million years. The preserve also features hiking trails, a lake that’s perfect for kayaking, and an abundance of local wildlife. Check out the official website of Montour Preserve.
Preserve Road, Preserve Rd, Anthony, PA, USA
Susquehanna Greenway
A tiny 5.5-mile long island, Isle of Que is right next to the charming town of Selinsgrove. (You might want to carve out time to visit Selinsgrove, too.) Go boating on the Susquehanna River, or stroll around the neighborhood. The riverbank also provides a picture-perfect spot for watching the sunrise or the sunset. Check out our article on Isle of Que for more information.
Isle of Que, Selinsgrove, PA 17870, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden gems in Pennsylvania May 07, 2022 Sarah M. What are some hidden places in Pennsylvania? The Keystone State is a veritable treasure trove of adventures; you’ll find an abundance of hidden gems, hidden places, and hidden secrets in all corners of Pennsylvania! One of our favorite under-the-radar place in Pennsylvania is Salt Springs State Park. The hidden gem state park in PA is positively brimming with hiking trails, lush foliage, waterfalls, and local wildlife – especially during the spring! Another hidden gem in Pennsylvania we simply can’t get enough of is Hammersley Wild Area, one of the most resplendent and remote places in all of the Coal State. It’s so remote and unspoiled, in fact, that motorized vehicles are not permitted in the wild area – so you’ll have to explore on foot (which we think only adds to its hidden gem appeal!). However, if you are an intrepid explorer who is willing to work a little, you’ll be treated to some of the most beautiful views in the entire state. Lastly, Pine Creek Gorge, which is better known as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, isn’t exactly a hidden gem, but it is most certainly one of the most treasured natural treasures in the state and it’s always, always worth exploring. It’s a popular place to visit during the peak of fall foliage in Pennsylvania, but it shouldn’t be ignored during the other seasons of the year. Summer, in particular, is absolutely brilliant at Pine Creek Gorge, and the quiet solitude and verdant greenery is sure to sweep you off your feet.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden gems in Pennsylvania
May 07, 2022
Sarah M.
What are some hidden places in Pennsylvania? The Keystone State is a veritable treasure trove of adventures; you’ll find an abundance of hidden gems, hidden places, and hidden secrets in all corners of Pennsylvania! One of our favorite under-the-radar place in Pennsylvania is Salt Springs State Park. The hidden gem state park in PA is positively brimming with hiking trails, lush foliage, waterfalls, and local wildlife – especially during the spring! Another hidden gem in Pennsylvania we simply can’t get enough of is Hammersley Wild Area, one of the most resplendent and remote places in all of the Coal State. It’s so remote and unspoiled, in fact, that motorized vehicles are not permitted in the wild area – so you’ll have to explore on foot (which we think only adds to its hidden gem appeal!). However, if you are an intrepid explorer who is willing to work a little, you’ll be treated to some of the most beautiful views in the entire state. Lastly, Pine Creek Gorge, which is better known as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, isn’t exactly a hidden gem, but it is most certainly one of the most treasured natural treasures in the state and it’s always, always worth exploring. It’s a popular place to visit during the peak of fall foliage in Pennsylvania, but it shouldn’t be ignored during the other seasons of the year. Summer, in particular, is absolutely brilliant at Pine Creek Gorge, and the quiet solitude and verdant greenery is sure to sweep you off your feet.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The Keystone State is a veritable treasure trove of adventures; you’ll find an abundance of hidden gems, hidden places, and hidden secrets in all corners of Pennsylvania! One of our favorite under-the-radar place in Pennsylvania is Salt Springs State Park. The hidden gem state park in PA is positively brimming with hiking trails, lush foliage, waterfalls, and local wildlife – especially during the spring! Another hidden gem in Pennsylvania we simply can’t get enough of is Hammersley Wild Area, one of the most resplendent and remote places in all of the Coal State. It’s so remote and unspoiled, in fact, that motorized vehicles are not permitted in the wild area – so you’ll have to explore on foot (which we think only adds to its hidden gem appeal!). However, if you are an intrepid explorer who is willing to work a little, you’ll be treated to some of the most beautiful views in the entire state. Lastly, Pine Creek Gorge, which is better known as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, isn’t exactly a hidden gem, but it is most certainly one of the most treasured natural treasures in the state and it’s always, always worth exploring. It’s a popular place to visit during the peak of fall foliage in Pennsylvania, but it shouldn’t be ignored during the other seasons of the year. Summer, in particular, is absolutely brilliant at Pine Creek Gorge, and the quiet solitude and verdant greenery is sure to sweep you off your feet.
