Pennsylvania Bucket List: 10 Must-Do Adventures in the Keystone State

Hike to the Tallest Waterfall in Pennsylvania

Raymondskill Falls in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is considered the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania. At 178 feet tall, it’s pretty impressive!

Although the hike to the falls is pretty short (less than 1/2 mile out and back), there are several stairs to both the lower and upper viewing platforms.

The trail to Raymondskill Falls is open year-round. However, the upper parking lot is closed from January through mid-April. During busy months on weekends and holidays from 10 am to 4 pm, the trail is only accessible by shuttle bus. The parking area for the FREE shuttle is at the Milford Knob Trailhead/North Contact Station.

Ride the Monongahela Incline

Pittsburgh is an incredible city with so many things to do. One of our favorite activities in Pittsburgh is riding the Monongahela Incline.

It’s easy to get to if you’re walking around the city (just cross the Smithfield Street Bridge), and it offers some incredible views of the Monongahela River and the city.

While you’re at the top of the mountain, grab a bite to eat along Shiloh Street before heading back down.

Go Rafting on the Youghiogheny River

Western Pennsylvania has some of the best state parks, including the gorgeous Ohiopyle State Park. The small town is fun to visit, but while you’re there, you need to get out on the rapids of the Youghiogheny River.

Several companies offer guided tours and boat rentals. The Youghiogheny ranges from Class I/II to Class IV/V, so you can book tours for a beginner level and still have a lot of fun!

Whitewater rafting tours range from 3-6 hours, depending on the company and tour type. Some companies allow children as young as 4 to participate. Visit the PA DCNR website for the list of licensed commercial outfitters.

Enjoy Longwood Gardens

Voted one of the best botanical gardens in the United States, Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square encompasses over 1000 acres of woodlands, gardens, meadows, and more.

You’ll want to visit many times throughout the year to take in the various species of flowers that grow throughout the year. Don’t forget to stop by the fountains for a show!

Longwood Gardens is also one of the best attractions at Christmastime, with millions of lights decorating the large property. Plus, there are incredible decorations inside the conservatory.

Visit Presque Isle State Park

The most visited state park in Pennsylvania is Presque Isle State Park, and it’s easy to see why.

With gorgeous beaches along Lake Erie, biking and hiking trails, and unique things to do, like climbing up Presque Isle Lighthouse, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to fill your day. It’s one of the best things to do in Erie!

Before entering the park, don’t forget to stop by the Tom Ridge Visitor Center to learn more about the history and ecology of the park and the Great Lakes.

Drive Through Gettysburg Battlefield

Considered the turning point of the Civil War, the Battle of Gettysburg was one of the bloodiest, claiming over 50,000 casualties. It’s a significant part of US History, and that’s why visiting the battlefield should be on everyone’s Pennsylvania bucket list.

Start at the visitor center to walk through the museum, watch the film, and take in the cyclorama. All three exhibits give you a great perspective on what transpired over the three-day ordeal.

Afterward, drive through the battlefield. You can follow along with one of several self-guided tours, including the FREE one offered by the National Park Service or a paid one with a GPS map and audio narration.

There are more fun things to do in Gettysburg once you are done, including getting a bite to eat at one of the many delicious restaurants.

See 21 Waterfalls on One Hike at Ricketts Glen

If you ask anyone about the bucket list of things to do in Pennsylvania, the Ricketts Glen State Park waterfall hike will be a top answer. And for good reason!

You can see up to 21 waterfalls on the seven-mile hike. But if that feels too long, you can shorten the hike to about 3 miles and see 18 of the waterfalls.

This is a very popular trail, especially in the summer and on the weekends. Also, keep in mind that the trail closes for the winter (unless you have proper equipment) due to ice, typically from November through March.

Visit Independence Hall and Liberty Bell

You can’t have a Pennsylvania Bucket List without including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell! Everyone visiting and living in the Keystone State should see where it all began.

Start your day at the Independence Visitor Center to learn about everything to do in Old City. Then, make your way to the Liberty Bell (no reservations required). There is a small exhibit to peruse before you reach the bell.

Afterward, head to Independence Hall (advanced reservations are needed at select times). There, you can take a guided tour of the rooms where the Declaration of Independence was signed (and argued over). While there, don’t forget to tour Congress Hall (where the Constitution was ratified).

Hike or Ride to the Abandoned Turnpike Tunnel

Did you know there is an 8-mile section of the Pennsylvania Turnpike that has been “abandoned”? And along that section, you can find two different tunnels!

To get to the tunnels, many people ride their bikes, starting at the entrance in Breezewood, PA, right off Lincoln Highway. The first tunnel, the Rays Hill Tunnel, is about 1.5 miles from the entrance.

However, you can also get to one of the tunnels, the Sideling Hill Tunnel, via a short trail in the Buchanan State Forest. Park at the Civilian Conservation Corps Sideling Hill Camp on Oregon Road and walk less than a half-mile to the tunnel.