Duncannon Pennsylvania ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Duncannon, Pennsylvania.
1. Hawk Rock Overlook
SCENIC HIKING TRAIL
Hawk Rock Overlook is a popular destination for hikers seeking breathtaking views of the Susquehanna River and surrounding valleys. The overlook is accessible via the Appalachian Trail, which runs directly through Duncannon. Visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas that are particularly stunning during fall foliage season.
2. Buddy Boy Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING
Buddy Boy Winery offers visitors a chance to sample locally-produced wines in a charming rustic setting. The winery features a variety of fruit wines and traditional grape varieties, all produced on site. Visitors can enjoy tastings, purchase bottles to take home, and participate in special events throughout the year.
3. The Cove Barn LLC
RUSTIC EVENT VENUE
The Cove Barn LLC is a picturesque venue that hosts weddings, parties, and community events in a beautifully restored barn setting. The facility combines rustic charm with modern amenities to create a memorable backdrop for special occasions. Its location offers scenic views of the surrounding countryside, making it popular for both locals and visitors.
4. Barking Goat Farm
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ANIMAL FARM
Barking Goat Farm provides visitors with an interactive farm experience featuring friendly goats and other farm animals. Guests can feed and pet the animals, learn about sustainable farming practices, and purchase farm-fresh products. The farm is especially popular with families looking for educational outdoor activities.
5. Athena Spa
RELAXATION AND WELLNESS
Athena Spa offers a tranquil retreat for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation services in Duncannon. The spa provides a range of treatments including massages, facials, and other wellness therapies. Visitors appreciate the professional staff and peaceful atmosphere that provides a welcome escape from everyday stress.
6. The Pub Duncannon
LOCAL DINING HOTSPOT
The Pub Duncannon serves as a community gathering place offering hearty meals and a selection of beverages in a casual atmosphere. The menu features classic American pub fare with generous portions that satisfy both locals and travelers passing through. Its central location makes it a convenient stop for Appalachian Trail hikers and tourists exploring the area.
7. The Doyle Hotel
HISTORIC HIKER HAVEN
The Doyle Hotel is a historic landmark and popular rest stop for Appalachian Trail hikers making their journey through Duncannon. Despite its modest appearance, the hotel is renowned for its generous portions of delicious food at reasonable prices and the exceptionally friendly owners. Visitors can check out trail information and postcards from hikers who have passed through while enjoying the authentic, no-frills atmosphere.
8. Old Sled Works
VINTAGE ANTIQUE MARKET
The Old Sled Works is a unique antique marketplace housed in a former sled factory that operated from 1904 to 1988. The building now contains multiple dealers offering vintage items, collectibles, and nostalgic treasures spread throughout its expansive space. Visitors can spend hours browsing the eclectic selection while learning about the building's history as the home of Lightning Glider sleds.
9. Cove Mountain Overlook
MAJESTIC VALLEY VIEWS
Cove Mountain Overlook offers spectacular views of the Susquehanna River Valley from a different perspective than its sister site, Hawk Rock. The overlook can be reached via hiking trails that wind through the lush forests surrounding Duncannon. Photographers and nature enthusiasts particularly appreciate the sweeping vistas available from this elevated vantage point.
10. Old Log Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS REPLICA
The Old Log Church is a 1970 replica showing what the original church looked like when built in 1804, just 12 years after Duncannon was founded. Located at the edge of Baskinville Cemetery, this reconstructed building gives visitors insight into early religious architecture in the region. The church offers a tangible connection to Duncannon's past and the early settlers who established the community.
11. Clark's Ferry Tavern
REVOLUTIONARY ERA LANDMARK
Clark's Ferry Tavern, the oldest building in Duncannon, was originally built as early as 1788 and served as a crucial docking point for ferry crossings over the Susquehanna River. This historic structure functioned as an inn, tavern, and vital transportation hub during the early development of the region. The tavern has been preserved as a significant historical landmark representing Duncannon's important role in early American travel and commerce.
12. Duncannon Square
HISTORIC TOWN CENTER
Duncannon Square has been the center of community activity since the town's earliest days, once featuring shade trees and a public fountain in the town green. The square was historically anchored by the National Hotel in the northwest corner and the Laird Hotel in another section, serving as the commercial and social hub of Duncannon. Today, visitors can still appreciate the historic layout and architecture while exploring the heart of this small Pennsylvania borough.
13. Little Buffalo State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Little Buffalo State Park, located near Duncannon, offers over 1,200 acres of diverse outdoor recreation opportunities including swimming, fishing, hiking and camping. The park features Holman Lake, miles of scenic trails, and historic structures including a restored gristmill. Visitors can enjoy the modern swimming pool during summer months or explore the natural beauty of the park year-round.
14. Hersheypark
CHOCOLATE-THEMED AMUSEMENT PARK
Hersheypark, located a short drive from Duncannon, is a renowned chocolate-themed amusement park featuring over 70 rides and attractions, including 14 roller coasters. The park also includes a water park, zoo, and numerous entertainment options that celebrate the legacy of Milton Hershey and his famous chocolate empire. Visitors from around the world come to experience the unique combination of thrills and chocolate-themed experiences in this iconic destination.
15. Pennsylvania State Capitol
ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECE TOURS
The Pennsylvania State Capitol in nearby Harrisburg is an architectural masterpiece completed in 1906 and designated a National Historic Landmark. The building features a stunning 272-foot-high dome inspired by St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and interior spaces adorned with priceless murals, stained glass, and ornate furnishings. Free guided tours are available for visitors who wish to explore the building that President Theodore Roosevelt once called 'the handsomest building I ever saw.'