Top 3 things to do near Claysburg, PA (Pennsylvania)

 

Northeastern view from the Blue Knob Resort, PA

For the month of April, my pack (myself, my wife, and our Pomeranian dog Toby) traveled to Claysburg, Pennsylvania.  This would be our first trip out to the central Pennsylvania area, west of Harrisburg, PA.  

We were pleasantly surprised by so much natural beauty and scenery surrounding this part of the state.  We had no idea I-99 is such a beautiful highway.  It cuts through the heart of the PA’s mountainous region (Allegheny Mountains) north and south, and it affords awesome views, not unlike the Swiss Alps.

Each drive in and around Claysburg area was jaw dropping as we would climb up towards the peaks of mountains, only to be greeted by similar jaw dropping drive on the way down the mountains.  

I enjoyed goosing the accelerator when climbing and hearing the turbo engine spooling up to provide much needed power.  I made sure the SUV was in all wheel drive mode during our entire stay at Claysburg for better grip in these mountainous areas.

During drive going down the mountains, I babied the brake pedal so I don’t fly off the road!  It was certainly an exciting time just to be driving…

We had visited the Alps (near Austria) many years ago.  It reminded us of that in many of our drives!  The idyllic views of farms, verdant valleys, and trees in the distance, added to the feeling that we were in Europe.

In the month of April, the flowers and plants were just starting to bloom. We got front row seats to nature’s awe inspiring display of rainbow of colors:  lime green, dark green, white, red, lavender, yellow, purple, blue, etc…

We were so thankful we got to enjoy that on weekdays no less, thanks to our early retirement…

We stayed in an AirBNB that was located within the Blue Knob Resort.  It was a studio with a full kitchen and a deck with a view of the woods behind the condo.  The day we arrived, it snowed.  Even in April, we were happy we got to see snow falling!

View out of our condo 

During our stay, we explored many wonderful attractions the area had to offer.  These attractions below are our top 3 things to do near Claysburg:

     1)  Blue Knob Resort and Blue Knob State Park 

Parts of Blue Knob Resort are located within Blue Knob State Park and Pennsylvania State Game Lands.  Blue Knob is named after the second highest mountain with the same name in Pennsylvania, at 3,146 feet.

Blue Knob Resort is a four season resort with golfing, hiking, tennis during the spring/summer/fall seasons, and winter sports (skiing/snowboarding/snowshoeing/etc.) during the winter. 

The drive up to the resort via Ski Gap Road then Overland Pass Road is simply majestic!  Because trees weren’t all blooming the early part of the month, we were able to see through the trees and see the incredible views of the valley below.

Toby enjoying his visit 
View of the Blue Knob Resort and ski lift
On our way up to the condo

Blue Knob State Park is literally right next to the resort.  We had to check it out!

The park is popular with locals and visitors alike for hiking, bird watching, snow mobiling, and picnicking.  Due to the park’s elevation, spectacular views are a given.

From the Blue Knob Resort, the northeastern view of the mountains is available from the Expressway Chairlift area (the first photo).  For southeastern view, either the Chappells Field area or the Willow Spring Picnic Area within the state park, is available.

Chappells Field, southeastern view
Another view from Chappells Field
Entrance to the state park

     2.  Chimney Rocks Park

Chimney Rocks Park is located in the town of Hollidaysburg, PA.  Although not a large park, it offers perhaps the most inspiring views of Hollidaysburg and its surrounding areas.  

It is a popular park for weddings (scenery is awesome), community gatherings, dynamic views of the nearby areas, and for hiking.  

The day we visited this park, the weather was great.  Toby enjoyed exploring this park, including the views, the loop around trail, and the wide open grassy field!

Panoramic shot of Hollidaysburg 
Toby loving the views!
View of the park from the entrance area/parking lot

Be sure to check out the trail that takes you to the top of the ridge for an even better view!  Be warned:  the trail does not have any safeguards/safe rails.  Hike at your own risk.  There is a warning sign as you approach the trail…

     3.  Natureworks Park

Natureworks Park is located in the town of Hollidaysburg, PA.  The park’s mission is to conserve natural resources like water and to reuse as much of the natural resources, to work with nature, and not against it.

We had to check it out!

Soon as we arrived, we could tell Toby already liked the park.  It has an expansive views of farmlands to the right, and the views of the ridge straight ahead.  The park has nicely laid out hiking trails, with multiple learning stations to learn about natural resources.

The nice boardwalk adds to the overall ambience of the park!

Natureworks Park!
Toby on the boardwalk

Claysburg and its surrounding areas were a pleasant surprise!  We were totally blown away by the beauty of the mountains, the valleys, parks, and country roads (as well as the I-99).  We will remember fondly all those momentous drives we did in and around the area.

With its resemblance to the Alps in Europe, the scenery will forever be etched in our minds.  We wish you enjoy the area as much as we did, if you ever venture out to that part of the country!

Thank you all for reading!


Jake

Wandering Money Pig 


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Please check out our YouTube channel ‘Wandering Money Pig’ showcasing our travels and our Pomeranian dog! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3kl9f4W9sfNG5h1l-x6nHw



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