The Incredible Flower Road Trip Through Pennsylvania Is The Ultimate Spring Adventure
By Beth Price-Williams|Published April 17, 2024
×
Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Pennsylvania is known for its finicky weather, but there’s one thing we can always count on. All those rainy days of late winter and spring mean an abundance of beautiful flowers that decorate the landscape throughout the warmer months. One of my favorite parts of the season is seeing the first flowers that spring up in my yard; that means the warm weather and new adventures are on their way. Is there any better adventure than a road trip? Not likely. When the wanderlust hits, hit the road on this incredible flower road trip through Pennsylvania.
Ready to hit the road on an epic spring adventure? Pack your bags (and lots of snacks!); gas up the car, and don't forget your camera. Here are the Google Maps directions for this flower road trip through Pennsylvania. Customize it to meet your needs and interests by adding or removing stops. Whatever you do, have fun!
1. Lancaster County Central Park – Lancaster
Lancaster County Central Park, 1050 Rockford Rd, Lancaster, PA 17602, USA
Let's kick off our road trip at Lancaster County Central Park, where you can easily spend an entire day if you have the time. Start your visit at the Garden of Five Senses, where you'll stroll past colorful flowers and a waterfall. The park offers a full menu of fun beyond the flowers, too, including trails, picnic tables, and a skate park. It's even home to a covered bridge.
Advertisement
2. Trexler Nature Preserve – Schnecksville
Trexler Nature Preserve, 4935 Orchard Rd, Schnecksville, PA 18078, USA
Our next stop brings us to Trexler Nature Preserve, a breathtaking natural area that's best explored on one of its trails. At just over nine miles, the Trexler Border Trail takes about four hours to complete but it will take you past fields of wildflowers, over footbridges, and to scenic vistas that boast breathtaking views.
Stroll past rows and rows of lavender at Hope Hill Lavender Farm, which is typically open from April through August with limited hours the rest of the year. (Always check before heading to any attraction to confirm the days and hours.) Stop to smell and take photos of the lavender; meet the resident farm animals, and browse the farm shop at this Pennsylvania flower farm.
4. Hershey Gardens – Hershey
Hershey Gardens, 170 Hotel Rd, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
We'll head to Hershey Gardens next. The gardens feature a variety of flowers - from daffodils to tulips - depending on the season. One of its defining features is the tulip garden, which features more than 24,000 flowers. The one-mile path that meanders through the gardens is wheelchair accessible.
5. Country Joy Flowers – Elizabethtown
Country Joy Flowers, 3086 Colebrook Rd, Elizabethtown, PA 17022, USA
If you want to pick flowers, our next stop is just the place. Country Joy Flowers is a u-pick flower farm, although this is one stop that will only be doable if you're traveling during the summer. Generally open from early July through late September, u-pick ends at 11 a.m. in the summer due to the heat. For a flat fee, you can fill a two-gallon bucket.
6. Shenks Ferry Wildflower Preserve – Conestoga
Shenks Ferry Wildflower Preserve, 857 Green Hill Rd S, Conestoga, PA 17516, USA
Our final stop brings us to Shenks Ferry Wildflower Preserve. Wear comfy shoes for your journey along one of the trails that wanders through this 70-acre natural area that's home to around 70 types of wildflowers, including violets and Virginia bluebells.
What do you think of this flower road trip through Pennsylvania? What other stops would you add? Let us know in the comments! Looking for more springtime fun? Check out some of the best things to do in Pennsylvania in spring.
Before you slip behind the wheel on your next spring adventure, make sure you’ve packed everything you need with OIYS’ road trip essentials packing list.
