11 Inexpensive Road Trips In Pennsylvania That Won’t Break The Bank (2024)

1. Pine Creek Gorge – Watson Township, PA 17740

Experience the spectacular beauty of Pine Creek Gorge, aptly referred to as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, with a trip to either Colton Point State Park or Leonard Harrison State Park. Both parks offer jaw dropping views of the nearly 160,000-acre gorge that goes down 1,450 feet at its deepest point. Hiking, biking, and picnicking are also popular activities at the state parks. Admission to both parks is free. Go here for the official website of Leonard Harrison State Park or here for Colton Point State Park.

2. Gettysburg National Military Park – 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, PA 17325

Spend an insightful day exploring Gettysburg National Military Park. Go horseback riding, stop by the Visitor Center, or hike through the park. Entrance to the park and the Visitors Center is free. However, admission to the museum costs $9 for visitors 13 and older and $7 for children between six and 12. Learn more on the official website of Gettysburg National Military Park.

3. Bushkill Falls – 138 Bushkill Falls Trail, Bushkill, PA 18324

Drink in the tranquil beauty of the waterfalls that dot the 300-acre Bushkill Falls. The private park features eight waterfalls, picturesque walkways, paddle boats, miniature golf, and a gemstone mine. General admission to Bushkill Fall pays for the cost of the park's upkeep. Find the current hours and admission prices on the official website of Bushkill Falls.

4. Lake Tobias Wildlife Park – 760 Tobias Road, Halifax, PA 17032

Embark on an old-fashioned safari, or stop by the petting zoo at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park. Numerous animals - African lions, peaco*cks, red kangaroos, and capybaras - call the wildlife park home. Enjoy a refreshing snack at one of the four concession stands in the park. Stop by the official website of Lake Tobias Wildlife Park for current hours and admission prices.

5. Knoebels Amusem*nt Park – 391 Knoebels Boulevard, Elysburg, PA 17824

Spend a thrilling day at Knoebels, one of Pennsylvania's most popular amusem*nt parks. Climb aboard such thrill rides as the Flyer, the Fandango, or the Giant Flume or one of the family rides, including the bumper cars, the antique cars, and the Grand Carousel. Admission to the park is free. Visitors can pay for individual tickets or an all-day ride pass, which varies in price depending on the time of the day. For more information, including ticket prices, all-day ride pass prices, and hours, head over to the official website of Knoebels Amusem*nt Park.

6. Little League World Series – 570 E Central Avenue, South Williamsport, PA 17702

Watch one of the biggest sporting events of the year when the Little League World Series arrives in Williamsport during the summertime. Tickets to the Little League World Series are free. Stop by the official website of the Little League World Series to learn more about upcoming tournaments and how to get tickets when they are released.

7. Ricketts Glen State Park – 695 State Route 487, Benton, PA 17814

Discover stunning beauty at Ricketts Glen State Park, home to 22 jaw dropping waterfalls. The sprawling 13,050-acre state park also features hiking trails, a sandy beach, horseback riding, boating, fishing, and camping. Admission to Pennsylvania's state parks are free. However, you may have to pay camping, swimming, or other fees at the park. Learn more on the official website of Rickett's Glen State Park.

8. Presque Isle State Park – Peninsula Drive & Fisher Drive, Erie, PA 16505

Spend a leisurely day lounging on one of nearly a dozen beaches at Presque Isle State Park. On the edge of Lake Erie, the breathtaking state park offers plenty to do, including swimming, biking, hiking, boating, picnicking, and hunting. Certified scuba divers are also permitted to scuba dive provided they register at the park's main office. (Scuba divers must be certified and remain in marked areas.) Admission to Presque Isle State Park is free. Find more on the official website of Presque Isle State Park.

9. Kinzua Bridge State Park – 296 Viaduct Road, Mt Jewett, PA 16740

Walk along the Kinzua Bridge Skywalk, a former railroad bridge that was partially destroyed by a tornado, where you'll be treated to jaw dropping views. Stand atop the glass floor at the end of the 600-foot skywalk where you can look directly down 301 feet to the forest floor below. The park itself offers hiking and picnicking. Admission to the park is free. Check out the official website of Kinzua Bridge State Park.

10. Indian Echo Caverns – 368 Middletown Road, Hummelstown, PA 17036

Head underground to stay cool, especially during the summer, and explore Indian Echo Caverns. (The cave maintains a temperature of around 52 degrees Fahrenheit all year around.) Join the 45-minute guided tour that will give you a unique view of the cave that dates back 440 million years. Stop by the gift shop after your tour. For current hours and admission prices, stop by the official website of Indian Echo Caverns.

11. Cherry Springs State Park – 4639 Cherry Springs Road, Coudersport, PA 16915

Stargaze at Cherry Springs State Park, which offers the most unobstructed views of the nighttime sky on the Eastern Seaboard. The remote state park features both the Night Sky Viewing Area and the Astronomy Field, the latter of which allows stargazers to remain in the field overnight. Cherry Springs State Park also offers camping, picnicking, and hiking. Admission to Cherry Springs State Park is free. Come see why it's one of the best inexpensive road trips in Pennsylvania! Here's the official website of Cherry Springs State Park.