Every county in Pennsylvania has something fun to offer. And Bedford County is no different!
As a top destination in south-central Pennsylvania, there are plenty of fun things to do in Bedford County. From history to the outdoors to exploring small towns, there is something for everyone!
If you’re thinking about visiting “Small Town America,” don’t forget to check out some of the activities on the list below!
We especially enjoyed visiting Old Bedford Village and exploring the trails at Omni Bedford Spring Resort. What will be your favorite?
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Fun Things to Do in Bedford County, PA
Live History at Old Bedford Village
If you enjoy visiting living history museums, you’ll love Old Bedford Village! With over three dozen buildings constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries, Old Bedford Village allows you to see how technology changed how people lived in south-central Pennsylvania.
Open seasonally from Memorial Day Weekend through the end of October, Old Bedford Village is one of the more popular things to do in Bedford County. Pack a picnic lunch and give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the old log cabins and other structures on the property.
Visit the Fort Bedford Museum
Fort Bedford played a significant supporting role in the French and Indian War. The British used the fort as a staging ground and central storage area. Colonel Bouquet and General Forbes used the fort as their headquarters as the British Army moved westward. Later, it was used as a supply base.
Now, the Fort Bedford Museum sits near the fort’s original site and gives visitors a glimpse into the past with artifacts and model displays. The museum is open seasonally, May- December.
Tour the Covered Bridges in Bedford County
Did you know there are 14 covered bridges within Bedford County? One of them, the Claycomb Covered Bridge, provides the entrance to Old Bedford Village.
You can easily visit nine of them following the Bedford County Covered Bridge Driving Tour, which will take you about 90 minutes to complete. Every bridge has a distinct look and unique features.
The covered bridge tour would be fantastic in the fall when the leaves are turning colors and providing gorgeous backdrops to the bridges.
Check Out The Coffee Pot
Who doesn’t love a unique roadside attraction? The Coffee Pot on Pitt Street in Bedford was once part of a gas station designed to attract drivers on Lincoln Highway.
Now, the 18-foot-tall structure is an excellent place for a photo op while you’re in Bedford!
Shop in Downtown Bedford
There is nothing like shopping and exploring in a cute small town. Bedford has several unique shops and restaurants along Pitt Street, like the unique Founders Crossing or the sweet Bedford Candies.
If shopping works up your appetite, you have plenty of options to choose from. Some of the most popular choices are the Pub at the Golden Eagle Inn or the Bedford Tavern.
Hike the Trails at Omni Bedford Springs Resort
The Omni Bedford Springs Resort is a luxury hotel that caters to golfers, families, and those wanting a relaxing spa vacation. In addition to all of that, the property has several miles of hiking trails, some leading past the namesake springs.
Visitors can park at the small parking area on Sweet Root Road, about 500 feet from Springs Road/Business 220. A larger parking area is next to Red Oak Lake, about 1 mile down Springs Road from the resort’s main entrance.
The hiking trails at Omni Bedford Springs Resort range from easy to difficult and are half a mile to 4.5 miles long. They are multi-use trails, so you may encounter mountain bikers and off-road vehicles along your hike.
Ski and More at Blue Knob All Seasons Resort
Blue Knob State Park is located in the northeast corner of Bedford County and has plenty of year-round activities, like hiking, biking, and horseback riding. During the summer months, visitors can cool off at the swimming pool. But the real fun is found during winter when visitors can cross-country and downhill ski.
Downhill skiing is offered at the Blue Knob All Seasons Resort. Visitors can ski on 34 slopes and trails. They also have snow tubing! And during the fall, the ski lifts are open to take in the beauty of the changing leaves.
Swim and Boat at Shawnee State Park
Shawnee State Park in Schellsburg offers many fun outdoor activities throughout its almost 4,000-acre property. From boating, fishing, and swimming in Shawnee Lake to hiking and mountain biking, there is something for everyone.
Stay overnight at Shawnee State Park, which has tent and RV sites available from mid-April through early December. Some sites have electric hookups. The park also has camping cottages and yurts. Larger parties might enjoy the lakeside lodge, which sleeps up to eight people.
During the winter, Shawnee State Park offers some winter hiking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice skating (when conditions allow).
Bike Along the H&BT Rail Trail
The Huntingdon and Broad Top Mountain Railroad was used to transport coal from 1852 until the mid-1950s. Now, 12.6 miles of the railroad line have been converted to a public recreational trail, running from Riddlesburg to Tatesville, following the Raystown Branch Juniata River. The H&BT Rail Trrail was completed in 2019.
Enjoy the Illusion at Gravity Hill
There are several “gravity hills” in Pennsylvania. And Bedford County is home to one of them! The Bedford County Gravity Hill is located on Gravity Hill Road in New Paris.
After turning on Gravity Hill Road from Bethel Hollow Road, drive about 2/10 miles until you see “GH End” spray painted on the ground. When we visited, the paint was very light, but we could still make it out. Keep driving until you see “GH Start.” At this point, you can put your car in neutral and take your foot off the brake. You’ll feel like you’re going uphill!
There is another section of Gravity Hill Road that also offers the illusion. Stay on Gravity Hill Road until you read telephone pole number 69. This will be the starting point of the second illusion.
Gravity Hill isn’t too far from Shawnee State Park, so combining both activities is easy.
Where to Stay in Bedford County
Many of the above activities are in or near Bedford, PA, so staying close to town is a good idea. Of course, the Omni Bedford Springs Resort is a perfect option, putting you close to downtown Bedford, the hiking trails at the resort, and the Coffee Pot.
We stayed at the Hampton Inn Bedford, which was close to Old Bedford Village and the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The rooms were comfortable and spacious and the complimentary breakfast was a nice perk.
Related Content
Read It Now. Pin It For Later!
