Wind Gap is a borough in Northampton County, Pennsylvania. It is part of the Lehigh Valley metro area, which had a population of 861,899 as of the 2020 census. This makes it the 68th most populated metropolitan area in the U.S.
Cook Forest State Park
If you want to enjoy a great hiking experience, Cook Forest State Park is one of the best destinations. There are several trails to choose from. For example, the Longfellow Trail is named for Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, although he never visited the park. Other nearby trails include the Joyce Kilmer Trail and the Bridle Trail. Cooks Forest has several hundred-year-old trees, including eastern white pines, black gums, and oaks.
Another excellent place to visit in Cook Forest State Park is the Memorial Fountain. This historic fountain was built by the founders of the Cook Forest Association. The water that flows into the fountain comes from the natural spring on a hillside. The massive stone walls of the fountain make it a great place to enjoy the outdoors.
Visitors can take advantage of the park’s hiking trails and take in the beautiful scenery. The park is also home to a 13-mile stretch of the Clarion River. It is a great place for hiking and exploring unspoiled nature. There are 16 well-marked trails throughout the park, and you can choose from a variety of different routes. One of the best trails is the Bridle Trail, which is a 4.1-mile hike that connects the scenic Browns Run Trail. It is also an excellent place to spot wildlife.
In addition to the Swinginging Bridge, Cook Forest State Park is home to several other beautiful bridges. Visitors can take a half-mile round-trip hike along the Ridge Trail and the Loop Trail, which is ideal for rainy weather. Hikers can also enjoy the North Country National Scenic Trail, which travels through seven northern states. It passes through the northwestern corner of Pennsylvania, where the park is located.
If you’re looking for the best places to visit in Wind Gap and the surrounding area, you can’t go wrong. The Cornplanter State Forest District includes Warren and Erie counties, with the Eastern Warren and Forest counties further along. You will find ample fall color throughout this region. No longer do yellow hues dominate the landscape, but you’ll find plenty of red, maroon, and amber hues. In addition, Route 6 around Warren is a fantastic scenic drive. During fall, Route 8 and Route 62 are popular routes as well.
Cucumber Falls is another landmark in the park. This thirty-foot waterfall is easily accessible from a trailhead that begins off of Chalk Hill Road. You can hike the trail to a lookout point or down to ground level. It’s an incredible view of the waterfall, and a great place for a photo.
Hickory Run State Park is an extensive 15,990-acre park in Carbon County. This beautiful park is home to several hiking trails and three natural areas. The park also features a boulder field and miles of streams that are home to trout. Its 2.2-mile Shades of Death Trail provides incredible views and is shaded by tall trees, mountain laurel, and rhododendron.
Laurel Caverns Park
The cave system at Laurel Caverns Park is Pennsylvania’s largest and features more than three miles of passages. You can take a guided tour of the cave system or explore the cave on your own. There are several attractions within the park, including cave rappelling, a picnic area, and gemstone panning.
Visitors should consider visiting Laurel Caverns during the warmer months. It is open from May 1 to October 31 and features a gift shop. Visitors can also check out lodging options near the park, including hotels and inns.
Laurel Caverns Park is billed as Pennsylvania’s largest cave and has a ceiling up to 50 feet. It is located in Fayette County, approximately 50 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. The entrance is well marked and easy to find. Parking is located in the Visitors Center parking lot.
Laurel Caverns Park is filled with fossils and other natural wonders. For example, visitors can view a seashell fossil in the roof of the cavern. This fossil dates back to an earlier climate in Pennsylvania.
Another great attraction in Wind Gap is the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau. Founded in 1958, the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau helps promote tourism in the region. It is your best resource for information about the region’s attractions. Other attractions in the area include the renowned Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, which is situated over the Bear Run waterfalls. The Fallingwater is often considered one of the greatest works of American architecture. Another interesting attraction is Kentuck Knob, a charming historic site that features a notable collection of artifacts and warmth.
For overnight stays, there are several affordable lodging options in Wind Gap. A bed and breakfast or resort can be a comfortable and relaxing choice. Many of these hotels offer in-room breakfast and fitness centers, while some even have casino facilities.
Visitors can also explore the historic areas of the area. The area includes the Livezey House, a former grist mill, and Rittenhousetown, a former paper mill established in 1690. You’ll also find several waterfalls within the park.
Laurel Caverns
Laurel Caverns is a natural cave complex with over three miles of passages. While a self-guided tour is a good idea for most visitors, cave rappelling, a picnic area, and gemstone panning are available for more adventurous visitors. Located in Farmington, Pennsylvania, Laurel Caverns is about 50 miles southeast of Pittsburgh.
Laurel Caverns is open May 1 to October 31. Tours take about three hours and involve climbing over obstructions. The tour is strenuous, and requires special equipment. It is recommended that you wear proper clothing and bring a flashlight.
Laurel Caverns is Pennsylvania’s largest cave and is a great place for families. The caverns are situated beneath a 435-acre geological park. It offers family caving and scout badge programs.
If you’re on a budget, Wind Gap has several affordable lodging options. Several hotels offer spas, on-site dining, and convenient access to local attractions. You can also enjoy a relaxing stay in a bed-and-breakfast.
The area around Ohiopyle State Park is full of other attractions, and they’re only 15 minutes away. In the late 1800s, Frank Lloyd Wright became an influential architect in the United States. He designed more than 1,000 structures during his 70-year career. The architect believed in incorporating the surrounding natural landscapes into his designs.
Located in Fayette County, Ohiopyle State Park features rugged natural beauty. This scenic area also features over 14 miles of Youghiogheny River Gorge. In addition, the Great Allegheny Passage provides 150 miles of hiking trails and connects with the C&O Canal Towpath, creating a scenic and varied landscape.
