Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Carbondale, Pennsylvania and City of Binghamton, New York
Carbondale, Pennsylvania, and the City of Binghamton, New York, are two charming destinations for a weekend road trip packed with adventure. These two towns are only a stone's throw away from each other, but they are both significant in their own way. The journey provides picturesque views of forests, rustic towns, and historic sites. The halfway point of the trip is at New Milford, PA, where you can grab a bite to eat from one of the diners or restaurants.
Top 5 Things to Do
1. Visit the Steamtown National Historic Site
Steamtown National Historic Site is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Carbondale, Pennsylvania. The National Park Service operates this historic site that includes a museum of steam locomotives. Visitors can see fully-restored locomotives and equipment, including the Lackawanna Railroad's "Phoebe Snow" passenger train. Steamtown National Historic Site offers a truly unique experience for everyone to enjoy.
Interesting Fact: The site was once the Scranton Yards, which was the largest rail yard in the world, covering forty yards.
2. Explore the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour
The Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour, located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, is a thrilling trip back in time. This tour transports visitors between the natural beauty of Pennsylvania's northern anthracite coal fields and the dark, damp, and dangerous conditions in which miners worked. Visitors descend 300 feet underground to learn about the mining lifestyle, labor, and the danger of mining.
Interesting Fact: The coal mine was active for over a century until 1966.
3. Take a Walk on the Catwalk in the Kinzua Sky Walk
The Kinzua Sky Walk is suspended 225 feet above the valley floor and is a popular attraction for thrill-seekers. Though it used to be a metal structure of a railway bridge, it now serves as an observation deck to take in the breathtaking views of the Kinzua Gorge. The Sky Walk is a unique spot that should not be missed when driving through the State Park.
Interesting Fact: The Kinzua steel railway bridge was once the tallest and longest railway structure in the world when it was first built.
4. Join History at the Roberson Museum and Science Center
The Roberson Museum and Science Center is a popular destination in the City of Binghamton, New York. The museum boasts beautiful exhibits, planetarium shows, and a 2-story mansion that brings visitors back in time. The center that visitors can marvel at the extensive collections of art, artifacts, and natural history specimens, studies, and projects.
Interesting Fact: The mansion that houses the museum, Roberson Mansion, is among the biggest historic homes in Binghamton, and it has around 47 rooms!
5. Nature Hiking at the Binghamton University Nature Preserve
The Binghamton University Nature Preserve is an extensive system of hiking trails surrounding the Binghamton University campus. The trails are popular among hikers, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the Beauty of the preserve with trails that wind around streams and ponds, through the forest, and onto hilltop vistas that overlook the area.
Interesting Fact: The Nature Preserve features diverse forest ecosystems that cover over 182 acres of woodlands.
Conclusion
The road trip from Carbondale, Pennsylvania, to the City of Binghamton, New York, is a great getaway for those who want to experience both history and nature. It takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to travel the 70-mile stretch. With the five activities outlined in this article, visitors can take in the unique beauty of the area, enjoy the fascinating history and culture, and create unforgettable memories.