Mont Alto PennsylvaniaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Mont Alto, Pennsylvania.
1. Mont Alto State Park
HISTORIC WOODED RETREAT
Mont Alto State Park, the oldest park still in the Pennsylvania state park system, offers a quiet 24-acre retreat featuring a unique domed pavilion, picnicking areas, hiking trails, and trout fishing in the west branch of Antietam Creek. Visitors can explore the historic grounds that once served as a popular mountain resort in the late 1800s, with remnants of the past still visible throughout the surrounding mountain landscape.
2. Penn State Mont Alto Campus
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
Penn State Mont Alto Campus occupies the historic grounds that once housed the Commonwealth's first forestry school, the Mont Alto Forestry Academy. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful campus setting adjacent to Mont Alto State Park, exploring the educational facilities and surrounding natural beauty.
3. Mister Ed's Elephant Museum
QUIRKY COLLECTIBLE SHOWCASE
Mister Ed's Elephant Museum houses an extraordinary collection of over 12,000 elephant figurines and memorabilia, making it a unique specialty museum in the region. Visitors can browse the eclectic displays and also enjoy the attached candy emporium offering homemade fudge and other sweet treats.
4. Adams County Winery
LOCAL WINE EXPERIENCE
Adams County Winery offers a delightful wine tasting experience showcasing locally produced vintages in a picturesque rural setting. Visitors can tour the vineyard, participate in tastings, and learn about the winemaking process while enjoying the beautiful countryside surroundings.
5. Penn National Golf Course
PREMIUM GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Penn National Golf Course provides golfers with a premium playing experience featuring beautifully maintained fairways and challenging holes set against the backdrop of South Mountain. Visitors appreciate the well-designed course layout and the scenic mountain views that enhance the golfing experience.
6. Caledonia State Park
MOUNTAIN RECREATION PARADISE
Caledonia State Park spans 1,125 acres nestled within South Mountain, offering visitors diverse recreational opportunities including hiking trails, picnic areas, a swimming pool, and fishing spots. Located midway between Chambersburg and Gettysburg along the Lincoln Highway, this park serves as a gateway to exploring the northern terminus of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
7. Pine Grove Furnace State Park
HISTORICAL MOUNTAIN GETAWAY
Pine Grove Furnace State Park encompasses 696 acres steeped in natural beauty and historical significance at the northern tip of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the park's two mountain lakes (Laurel Lake and Fuller Lake), hiking segments of the Appalachian Trail, and exploring the fascinating Appalachian Trail Museum.
8. Michaux State Forest
VAST OUTDOOR PLAYGROUND
Michaux State Forest sprawls across 85,500 acres in the South Mountain area, offering an extensive network of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy diverse recreation opportunities including fishing in mountain streams, hunting in designated areas, ATV riding on marked trails, and primitive camping under the forest canopy.
9. Norlo Park
FAMILY RECREATION CENTER
Norlo Park provides families with well-maintained recreational facilities including sports fields, playgrounds, and walking paths in a pleasant community setting. Visitors appreciate the park's clean environment, ample green spaces, and facilities designed for various activities from casual picnics to organized sports events.
10. Totem Pole Playhouse
HISTORIC SUMMER THEATER
Totem Pole Playhouse stands as a renowned summer theater with a rich history of professional productions dating back to 1950 in the Caledonia State Park area. Theatergoers can enjoy high-quality performances featuring talented actors in an intimate setting that has hosted many notable performers throughout its storied history.
11. James and Jess' House
LOCAL CULINARY DESTINATION
James and Jess' House offers visitors a welcoming dining experience with quality homestyle cooking in a comfortable atmosphere. Guests appreciate the friendly service and satisfying meals that have made this establishment a favorite among locals and visitors to the Mont Alto area.
12. Antietam Creek
SCENIC TROUT FISHING
Antietam Creek's west branch flows through Mont Alto State Park, providing excellent opportunities for trout fishing in a peaceful wooded setting. Anglers appreciate the clear waters and natural surroundings that make fishing here a relaxing and potentially rewarding outdoor experience.
13. Greater Chambersburg Area
REGIONAL SHOPPING HUB
The Greater Chambersburg Area, located just under 10 miles from Mont Alto, serves as the regional hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Visitors can explore the shopping mall, diverse restaurants, and cultural attractions while enjoying this historic town that marks the midway point between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia on the Lincoln Highway.
14. Mont Alto Iron Furnace Historic Site
INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE LANDMARK
The Mont Alto Charcoal Iron Furnace historic site preserves the remnants of an industrial operation built in 1807 by Colonel Daniel Hughes and his sons on land granted by Lord Baltimore. Visitors can explore this important piece of local industrial heritage that predates the park and represents the beginning of Mont Alto's development as a community.
15. Appalachian Trail Access
LEGENDARY HIKING PATH
The Appalachian Trail access points near Mont Alto provide hikers with entry to America's most famous long-distance hiking path as it traverses the South Mountain region. Outdoor enthusiasts can experience sections of this legendary trail that stretches from Georgia to Maine, enjoying spectacular mountain views and the diverse natural beauty of the Appalachian range.