Central Pennsylvania Attractions and Sites
Country Drives, Art, Natural Areas and Local Produce near Lewisburg
Visitors to Central Pennsylvania are overwhelmed with its striking beauty, from country farms to tall old growth trees or the blue waters of the Susquehanna River. Central Pennsylvania offers a variety of outdoor and indoor activities and attractions.
Tall Timbers Natural Area
Located 18 miles west of Lewisburg, the Tall Timbers Natural Area amazes visitors with picturesque views of quick moving streams and tall trees. 250 acres of old-growth hemlock, white pine, pitch pine and hardwoods grow along the Swift Run, a steep hollow. Visitors to the area are amazed to find these old-growth and second-growth trees only minutes from farmlands. For a cool, refreshing break from the humid heat, take a hike through the forest of the Tall Timbers Natural Area and Snyder Middlesworth Natural Area. Walk along the swift streams or attempt a climb up the steep hills of rock. Trails lead about 1.6 miles to the top of Tick Mountain. Several picnic areas are located in the area: Rock Springs State Forest Picnic Area and Snyder-Middlesworth State Forest Picnic Area, which are both great places for picnics or gatherings, along the water's edge.
To find the Tall Timbers Natural Area and Snyder Middlesworth Natural Area take PA Route 235 to Hunter Road, then turn left to Short Mtn. Road. Turn right onto Swift Run Road, pass the Rock Springs State Forest Picnic Area, and take the next right into the Snyder-Middlesworth State Forest Picnic Area and parking for the Tall Timbers Natural Area.
Whispering Pines Fruit Farm
Just outside of Mt. Pleasant Mills in Snyder County, visitors find one of the quaintest country stores in the area: Whispering Pines Fruit Farm. From delicious apples and orchard fruit to fresh bakery items or cooking ingredients, Whispering Pines to a great place to stop. Visitors feel a sense of nostalgia as they step into the country store, finding simple pleasure in its products. This store is a great place for fresh, local produce and bulk items. Stop by Whispering Pines for fresh shoo-fly pie, whoopie pies or fresh bread. Bring a piece of Pennsylvania Dutch culture home.
Susquehanna River Valley and Route 45
Drive the Purple Heart Highway through Central Pennsylvania, to the banks of the Susquehanna River. Along the route, visitors enjoy many historic and culture attractions, finding traditional and contemporary art and crafts. Historic tours and attractions are popular stops along the route. Whether for the attractions along the way or just the scenic drive, Route 45 provides an experience for everyone. Route 45 runs west-east, from Water Street in the west to Mooresburg in the east.
The Susquehanna River Valley includes the counties of Snyder, Union and Northcumberland in Central Pennsylvania, as all three border the confluence of the river.
Shikellamy State Park
Shikellamy State Park, located just outside of the town of Shamkin Dam, overlooks the confluence of the West and North Branches of the Susquehanna River. The park offers spectacular views of the joining river branches, as well as views of Sunbury and Northcumberland. The park includes hiking and biking trails, and picnic areas. Fishing and boating are also enjoyed by visitors to the park area of Lake Augusta, a 3,060-acre lake formed by the world’s largest inflatable dam on the Susquehanna River. The Adam T. Bower Memorial Dam is located three miles downstream from the park.
