Spring — That wonderful time of year filled with new beginnings and the perfect time to embark on new adventures, especially here in Pennsylvania! From iconic biking trails to parks filled with nature’s wonders, Pennsylvania has adventures for everyone to get out and embrace the season!
Whether you’re ready for windows down on your drive or still grabbing a sweater for the road, the covered bridges of Lehigh Valley set the stage for a lovely afternoon drive. Along the 50-mile, self-guided tour, you’ll get a view of the region’s seven remaining covered bridges. Turn off your GPS and go old school with turn-by-turn directions provided by Discover Lehigh Valley.
The Greater Reading Trail System offers outdoor enthusiasts a nice range of biking trails and experiences for everyone — from beginners to highly skilled mountain bikers. Bring your full arsenal of bikes (the non-motorized kind) and ride trails that connect to one another, as well as cool urban centers. More than 125 miles of trails in five major preserves await!
A true gem of the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, Succop Nature Park features 50 acres of woodlands, trails, open natural spaces, and two ponds perfect for a variety of outdoor activities. While they offer several nature-themed programs throughout the year, spring is the perfect time to join them for a Birds and More Nature Walk on Thursday mornings to spy some of the native birds and spring flowers that call Succop home.
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Philadelphia skyline as you walk or bike the 2,000-foot-long Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk that extends the Schuylkill River Trail from Locust to South Street. Pedestrians, runners and bicyclists can literally walk over the river to some of the best skyline views around. The over-the-water path is 15 feet wide and includes four scenic overlooks for those who want to relax and take in the boardwalk’s spectacular waterfront views.
Named one of the “10 Best Places to Get Away this Fall” by National Geographic Traveler, as one of the country’s best hiking and biking trails the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) is also a great getaway in spring! Start from Pittsburgh and bike the trail, exploring charming trail towns, such as Ohiopyle, Confluence, Rockwood, and Meyersdale along the way. For the ultimate journey, bike the entire 150 miles from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, where the GAP joins the C&O Canal Towpath for a continuous trail experience — 333 miles long — to Washington, D.C.!
Sip your way into spring along the Mason-Dixon Wine Trail! Enjoy tours of six local, award-winning wineries and go behind the scenes of the winemaking process. Throughout the year, the trail’s wineries offer festivals, concerts, and special events, highlighting the unique experiences and rich history they have to offer.
With rolling terrain, cascading waterways, and lush farmlands, Pennsylvania provides the perfect backdrop for golfers! Grab your clubs and visit one (or many!) of the many iconic golf courses in PA, including the oldest course in America, Foxburg Country Club, or honor one of golf’s true legends and PA’s own, Arnold Palmer, and try for a hole in one on the same course where he perfected his stroke, the Latrobe Country Club.
For spring fun in PA State Parks, check out the VISIT PA website. Follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, Threads, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state. Don't forget to never miss an update and sign up for our monthly PA travel e-newsletter.