Road Tripping from Camp Hill to Mount Penn: Your Ultimate Itinerary
A road trip is arguably one of the best ways to explore Pennsylvania's must-see places and picturesque scenery. A venture from Camp Hill to Mount Penn, a 120-mile drive, covers a wide range of cool spots, historical sites, nature trails, and other attractions. This article will take you through the best things to see on your road trip from Camp Hill to Mount Penn. First, let's take a peek at the highlights, including the central landmark halfway point, Lititz, PA.
The trip from Camp Hill to Mount Penn takes approximately 2 hours. Along the way, visitors can explore the beautiful Susquehanna River, make a stop in Hershey, visit the historic Lititz, and arrive at Mount Penn, which overlooks the city of Reading. Let's explore the top five things to do on this spectacular road trip.
1. Get your Sweet Tooth Fix in Hershey, PA
Hershey's Chocolate World is a Mecca for chocolate lovers of all ages. The visitor center features immersive exhibits, interactive experiences, and even a chocolate tasting designed to showcase Hershey's history and chocolate-making process. The site also features other attractions such as the Factory Works Experience, Hershey's Unwrapped, and the famous Hershey Trolley Works Tour. Not only will visitors get a chance to taste some chocolaty goodness, but they can also enjoy some family fun and learn something new.
Fun Fact: The town is named after the founder, Milton Hershey, who established the Hershey's chocolate empire in the early 1900s.
2. Explore Lancaster County and try out famous PA Dutch cuisine
Lancaster County is home to beautiful rolling hills, pristine farmlands, and prominent Amish communities. Kettle-cooked chicken corn soup, shoofly pie, and ham pot pie are among the staple dishes visitors can try. A great way to explore this county is through a bus tour. The tours will take you through the scenic landscapes, unique architecture, and horse and buggy rides. Experience the authentic Amish traditions and culture while treating your taste buds to some delicious food.
Fun Fact: The Amish are known for their simplistic way of life, which includes a ban on the use of electricity, modern technology, and even zippers.
3. Get lost in the beauty of French Creek State Park
Located near Elverson, PA, French Creek State Park is a hiker's paradise. The park spans over 7,500 acres and features more than 35 miles of hiking trails, birds, and water activities such as fishing and kayaking. It also boasts over 200 campsites, yurts, and cabins, making it an excellent place to unwind and soak up nature's beauty. Visitors can hike through the mountains and valleys, stop by the Hopewell furnace for a historical perspective, or take a dip in the creek.
Fun Fact: French Creek is the largest tributary of the Schuylkill River, providing drinking water and aquatic habitats for several Pennsylvania towns.
4. Discover the Treasure Trove that is the Reading Public Museum
The Reading Public Museum is a cultural center that hosts an eclectic collection of art, antiquities, science, and nature exhibits. The museum's most notable exhibits include The Multicultural Art Gallery, The Neag Planetarium, and The Mesozoic Era Fossils. Visitors can also check out the Clyde Peeling's Reptiland, which features over 40 species of exotic reptiles, amphibians, and arachnids. The museum is a perfect blend of learning and art and provides visitors with a unique experience.
Fun Fact: The museum's original building dates back to 1928, and it opened with three exhibitions, including an exhibit dedicated to one of the first airplanes flown in the US.
5. Hike the Skyline Trail at Mt. Penn Arboretum
Located along the stunning Reading skyline, the Mt. Penn Arboretum is a beautiful park that visitors can access via the Skyline Trail or drive up Duryea Drive. The park features a diverse range of wildlife and plant species, peaceful gardens, marked trails, and observation decks. Visitors can enjoy a picnic under the towering trees, explore the park's history at Pagoda, or take in sweeping city views while hiking the Skyline Trail.
Fun Fact: The Pagoda, which dates back to 1908, was built to serve as a hotel and resort. It currently serves as a gift shop and a unique landmark in Pennsylvania.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the road trip from Camp Hill to Mount Penn is an amazing experience that offers visitors a great mix of history, art, culture, food, and nature. Taking approximately two hours, visitors can explore Hershey's Chocolate World, taste PA Dutch cuisine in Lancaster County, immerse themselves in nature at French Creek State Park, learn something new at Reading Public Museum, and hike the beautiful skyline trail at Mt. Penn Arboretum. The midway point of Lititz, PA, is a perfect spot for visitors to take a break and explore some of the town's quirky shops and eateries. Whether you're a local or a tourist, the Camp Hill to Mount Penn road trip is an adventure worth embarking on!