Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Cary, North Carolina to Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania

Cary, North Carolina, and Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania are two cities that are roughly eight hours apart by car. If driving from Cary to Clarks Summit, a halfway point is Springfield, Virginia. The road trip offers travelers the chance to explore a diverse range of attractions, cuisine, and natural beauty. Whether you're going solo, with friends, or family, there are plenty of exciting things to do along the way.

Top Five Things to Do

1. Explore Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is a stunning natural park that stretches for 105 miles through Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. The park offers breathtaking vistas, hiking trails, and diverse wildlife. At the park, visitors can explore the many hiking trails, which vary in length and difficulty. One of the most popular hikes is the 1.6-mile Dark Hollow Falls Trail that leads to a picturesque waterfall. If you prefer a scenic drive, take the Skyline Drive, a 105-mile scenic byway that passes through the heart of the park.

Interesting Fact: Shenandoah National Park was established in 1935 during the Great Depression era. Workers built facilities, trails, and roads using only manual labor and hand tools.

2. Visit Gettysburg National Military Park

Gettysburg National Military Park is another must-visit destination on the Cary to Clarks Summit road trip. The park commemorates one of the most critical battles of the Civil War that took place in July 1863. Visitors can take a ranger-led tour of the battlefield, visit the Museum and Visitor Center, and explore the Soldiers' National Cemetery, where Abraham Lincoln gave his famous Gettysburg Address.

Interesting Fact: Gettysburg was the largest battle fought in North America. Over three days, more than 165,000 soldiers fought and over 51,000 were killed, wounded, or missing.

3. Take a Factory Tour at Hershey's Chocolate World

If you have a sweet tooth, Hershey's Chocolate World in Hershey, Pennsylvania is a must-stop destination. The attraction offers free admission and several different tours, including a Chocolate Making Tour and a Trolley Works Tour. The Chocolate Making Tour includes a glimpse into the chocolate-making process, a ride through the factory, and a chance to create a customized candy bar. The Trolley Works Tour is an entertaining and educational tour of Hershey's history, led by singing conductors.

Interesting Fact: The Hershey Company was founded in 1894 by Milton Hershey. His original milk chocolate recipe made Hershey's one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in the world.

4. Tour the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. is a city steeped in history and politics, making it an incredible destination to explore. One must-visit attraction is the United States Capitol. Visitors can take a guided tour that includes the Rotunda, the Crypt, the National Statuary Hall, and more. The tour gives visitors an inside look at how Congress operates and a chance to learn about the building's history.

Interesting Fact: The United States Capitol took 33 years to build and was first used by Congress in 1800. The building has been expanded and renovated throughout the years, resulting in its current appearance.

5. Explore Scranton's Steamtown National Historic Site

Scranton's Steamtown National Historic Site is a treasure trove of railroad history. The site offers a museum, historic locomotives, a roundhouse, and many other attractions. Visitors can explore the museum's indoor exhibits, which include video presentations, interactive displays, and artifacts. The outdoor exhibits include historic locomotives and cabooses, which visitors can climb aboard.

Interesting Fact: Steamtown National Historic Site was created in 1986 to preserve and interpret the history of steam railroading in the United States.

Conclusion

With so many attractions to explore, the Cary to Clarks Summit road trip is perfect for those who love adventure and discovery. Traveling between two states, from North Carolina to Pennsylvania, offers a diverse mix of experiences, from natural parks to historic sites, unique museums, and sites of national interest. The trip takes about eight hours, allowing plenty of opportunities to enjoy the journey. Whether you want to explore the great outdoors, learn about American history, or indulge your sweet tooth, this road trip has something for everyone.