Year-Round Activities
The area’s diverse landscape provides endless activities for fun and adventure all year round.
Mountain bikers will love the Greater Reading Trails System. The trails provide over 125 miles of off-road experiences and are suitable for all skill levels. Plus, the trails interconnect and allow for easy access to urban centers for a quick meal or beverage stop.
Hikers can explore the numerous trails throughout the region, from relaxed walking trails to the stunning vistas of Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, a popular attraction for birding and a hub for raptor science, study and education. For a more challenging excursion, hike to The Pinnacle, a three-hour journey that connects to the Appalachian Trail.
Those attracted to water-based activities will enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming at the 1,150-acre Blue Marsh Lake.
So Many Parks to Choose From
Pennsylvania’s Americana Region is abundant in parks and recreation areas. Large areas of wilderness connect you with nature and its breathtaking landscapes.
The Schuylkill River Greenways has over 75 miles of trails wandering along abandoned railroad lines, reminding us of our country’s transportation origins. The Schuylkill Water Trail provides ample opportunities for paddleboarding as well as selected areas for kayaking and canoeing trips.
The 7,730-acre French Creek State Park straddles the Schuylkill Highlands. It’s the largest block of contiguous forest between Washington D.C. and New York City and offers some of the finest terrain for hiking, fishing, camping, boating, and hunting.
Hopewell Big Woods is an important natural attraction and includes 15,000 acres of unbroken forest within the 110 square-mile preserve. Virtually every outdoor activity imaginable is possible, as well as numerous lodging and dining options.
More Outdoor Attractions
Tour the lovely covered bridges of the Pennsylvania Dutch country for a taste of the past. Berks County has five of the last remaining covered bridges in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, including Wertz’s Covered Bridge. These can be viewed along an easy day trip route from Reading.
