Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania and Grayson, Kentucky
Driving from Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania to Grayson, Kentucky is a long journey, but it's a journey filled with surprises. This road trip takes about 10 hours, covering a distance of about 600 miles. The route is scenic, taking you through the beautiful countryside, mountains, forests, small towns, and historic landmarks. There are many places to stop and explore, each with its unique charm and attraction. If you're looking for a memorable road trip experience, here are five unexpected places you should visit.
Halfway Point: Hazelton, WV
Before we dive into the five places, it's essential to mention the halfway point of this trip: Hazelton, West Virginia. This small town located in Preston County has a population of about 400 residents. It's the perfect place to stretch your legs, grab a bite to eat, and rest before continuing your journey. Hazelton has a lovely park where you can enjoy a picnic, and there's also a gas station and convenience store if you need to refuel.
1. Ohiopyle State Park, PA
The first unexpected place to stop is Ohiopyle State Park, located in Fayette County, PA. This 19,000-acre state park has something for everyone, from hiking, biking, and horseback riding to fishing, white water rafting, and rock climbing. You can even go on a guided tour of the park's natural caves and learn about the geology and history of the area. Ohiopyle State Park is also home to the iconic Ohiopyle Falls, a 20-foot waterfall that's a spectacular sight to see. After a day of outdoor adventure, head over to Falls City Pub for a mouth-watering burger and craft beer.
2. New River Gorge, WV
Next up is the New River Gorge, located in Southern West Virginia. This National Park is known for its stunning views, world-class whitewater rafting, and outdoor recreation. You can hike, bike, kayak, fish, and even zip line across the gorge. The bridge that spans over the gorge is also a must-see attraction. At 876 feet high, it's the third-highest bridge in the US and provides breath-taking views of the gorge. After spending the day exploring, relax at the Smokey's on the Gorge restaurant with a plate of mouth-watering BBQ ribs.
3. The Land Between the Lakes, KY
The Land Between the Lakes is a 170,000-acre National Recreation Area located on the border of Tennessee and Kentucky. This scenic area is a nature lover's paradise, with plenty of hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and water activities. The area is also a significant historical site, with many museums and historic landmarks to explore. The Elk and Bison Prairie is a particularly popular attraction, where you can observe herds of elk and bison roam free in their natural habitat. After a day of exploring, head over to Patti's 1880's Settlement restaurant for a slice of their famous two-inch-thick pork chop.
4. Cumberland Falls, KY
Cumberland Falls, also known as the "Niagara of the South," is a 68-foot waterfall located in southeastern Kentucky. This natural wonder attracts thousands of visitors each year, and it's easy to see why. The waterfall is stunning, especially during a full moon when you can witness the famous "moonbow." You can also go hiking, fishing, and camping in the surrounding Cumberland Falls State Park. After a day of admiring nature's beauty, head over to the Falls Creek Restaurant for a plate of delicious fried catfish.
5. Carter Caves State Park, KY
The last unexpected place to stop on this road trip is Carter Caves State Park. Located in northeastern Kentucky, this park has a series of underground caves that are a must-see attraction. You can go on guided tours of the caves, where you'll see impressive rock formations, underground rivers, and maybe even some bats. The park also has many other outdoor activities, such as hiking, horseback riding and fishing. After a day of adventure, head over to the Tierney's Cavern Restaurant for a plate of their famous hot wings.
Conclusion
A road trip from Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania to Grayson, Kentucky is not just a drive; it's an adventure filled with unexpected surprises. You'll see the best of nature, history, and culture and eat some of the most delicious food along the way. So pack your bags, fuel up your car, and hit the road. You won't regret it.