The day-to-day can get to be a drag. That monotony can lead us to a yearning for adventure. Why don’t you mix things up a little bit? Here are some adventurous places in Pennsylvania to visit if you want to feel a little bit brave…or just exhilarated.

1. Lost River Caverns, Hellertown
Lehigh Valley, PA/ Flickr
Lost River Caverns is named as such because the source of the river that runs through its five chambers has yet to be discovered. Enjoy a tour of this mysterious limestone cave system, and don't forget to check out the museum before you leave. To learn more about one of the most adventurous places in Pennsylvania, visit the website for Lost River Canyons.
2. Three Rivers Heritage Trail, Pittsburgh
Allie_Caulfield/ Flickr
The Three Rivers Trail spans about 25 miles along Pittsburgh's rivers and offers gorgeous views of the city, as well as a fabulous alternative route by which to get from point A to point B. You can walk the trail, but I'd recommend biking it-- and you can even take it onto the Great Allegheny Trail which will take you all the way to Washington, D.C.! Find more on the website of the The Friends of the Riverfront.
3. Lil Lehigh Trout Hatchery and Museum of Indian Culture, Allentown
Allie_Caulfield/ Flickr
Allie_Caulfield/ Flickr
This is a unique, peaceful stop in the Lehigh Valley. Feed the fish and marvel at their sheer numbers, and check out the taxidermy animals inside the bait shop at the fish hatchery. At the Indian Culture Museum, which is located right down the street, you can learn about the area's rich history. Stop by the official website of Lil Lehigh Trout Hatchery.
4. Rhoneymeade Arboretum & Sculpture Garden, Centre Hall
Rhoneymeade Arboretum & Sculpture Garden
Here is one of Pennsylvania's best-kept secrets. This pristine property will sooth your spirit, with its plentiful plant life and many statues. There is even a labyrinth-like structure to explore. Visit the official website of Rhoneymeade.

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5. Penn's Cave, Gregg Township
Geofrey Flores/ Flickr
There are a few caves in Pennsylvania worth visiting, but what makes Penn Cave so special is that it's the only one that includes an underwater river. You will enter the cave by boat-- how neat. Learn more about all there is to do at Penn's Cave and Wildlife Park.
6. Mütter Museum, Philadelphia
Aaron Watson/ Flickr
The Mütter Museum might just be one of the creepiest places in the state, definitely not for the faint of heart. Explore this massive collection of medical oddities, including skulls, deformed skeletons, and preserved tumors. Visit the official website of The Mutter Museum.
7. Ohiopyle State Park, Ohiopyle
GeoGal0928/ Flickr
Do you like white water rafting, kayaking, hiking, or camping? Ohiopyle is the perfect spot for these adventurous outdoors activities. It's also home to several waterfalls, including Ohiopyle Falls and Cucumber Falls. Located in western Pennsylvania, it's definitely worth a visit. Stop by the official website of Ohiopyle State Park.
8. Cherry Springs State Park, Coudersport
Jon Wood/ Flickr
Cherry Springs is home to some of the darkest night skies on the eastern side of the country. Come here for stargazing, whether you're an amateur astronomer or simply a person who can appreciate a stunning view. Learn more on the official website of Cherry Springs State Park.
9. Dutch Springs, Bethlehem
Dutch Springs/ Facebook
There's really no place quite like Dutch Springs. The aquapark includes an assortment of gigantic inflatable structures that will allow you to bounce, slide, climb, and fling yourself into the water from on high. If you like scuba diving, this is also a must-visit destination; the scuba course includes submerged airplanes and buses for you to explore. Head over to the official website of Dutch Springs.
10. Bake Oven Knob
Michael Stokes/Flickr
Bake Oven Knob is located near Hawk Mountain and is a hugely popular destination for hikers. It offers an unbelievable view of the surrounding lands-- and is also rumored to be haunted.

What are your favorite adventurous places in Pennsylvania? Let us know in the comments! Then check out this adventure bucket list in Pennsylvania to see which destinations belong on your bucket list.

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More to Explore

adventurous places in Pennsylvania

Beth Price-Williams | October 16, 2020

What are the best outdoor adventures in Pennsylvania?

Adventures abound in Pennsylvania. If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly outdoor adventure, make your way to Adventure Sports in Hershey. The outdoor playground features a full menu of fun activities, from laser tag to go karts and bumper boats. If you prefer a good, old-fashioned hike, on the other hand, visit Bushkill Falls. Although you’ll have to pay an admission fee, you can hike to eight glorious waterfalls. The popular destination also offers miniature golf, paddle boats, and mining for gemstones. You can even have a picnic or go fishing.

What are the best hikes with a view in Pennsylvania?

Some of the best Pennsylvania hikes come with sensational views. Even if you’re a beginner at hiking, you’ll find a ton of picturesque hiking trails in PA. Dingmans Creek Trail is an easy trail, at just under 1.5 miles, that leads to the jaw-dropping Dingman Falls. If you’re a fan of waterfalls, you’ll definitely want to follow this trail. Highland Trail, in Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area, is a bit longer at 2.2 miles. The scenic trail will take you to a shimmering river with rapids and a waterfall. Chickies Rock Overlook Trail is less than a mile long and culminates with sensational views of a river and a forested area.

Which state parks should I visit in Pennsylvania?

We have no shortage of outdoor adventures in Pennsylvania. In fact, if we only spent time at the 121 state parks that dot the state, we would probably have enough to do for a lifetime. With so many state parks in PA, it’s no surprise that some go unappreciated. Ravensburg State Park, for example, is a tiny state park, at 78 acres, that packs a big punch. It features a one-mile hiking trail, a cascading waterfall, and camping. Little Buffalo State Park boasts a huge pool with two slides while Laurel Hill State Park is home to a sandy beach that leads into the 63-acre Laurel Lake.

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Featured Addresses
Lost River Caverns, 726 Durham St, Hellertown, PA 18055, USA
Three Rivers Heritage Trail, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
2901 Fish Hatchery Rd, Allentown, PA 18103, USA
Rhoneymeade Arboretum & Sculpture Garden, 177 Rimmey Rd, Centre Hall, PA 16828, USA
Penn's Cave & Wildlife Park, 222 Penns Cave Rd, Centre Hall, PA 16828, USA
The Mütter Museum at The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, 19 S 22nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA
Ohiopyle State Park, 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470, USA
Cherry Springs State Park, 4639 Cherry Springs Rd, Coudersport, PA 16915, USA
Dutch Springs, 4733 Hanoverville Rd, Bethlehem, PA 18020, USA