Top 5 Popular Attractions between Blairsville and Bellefonte

Are you planning a trip between Blairsville and Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, and wondering what are the must-see attractions? Look no further! In this article, we will explore the top five popular attractions along this route, plus a bonus recommendation. We promise you won't be disappointed!

Halfway Point: Altoona, PA

Before we get started with our must-see list, it's essential to mention the halfway point of this route: Altoona, PA. This historic city is located 55 miles from Blairsville and 42 miles from Bellefonte, making it the perfect place to take a break and explore. A few highlights of Altoona include the Railroaders Memorial Museum and Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark, where you can learn about the city's railway history, and Lakemont Park, the oldest amusement park in Pennsylvania.

Top Five Places to See List

1. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary - If you're a nature lover, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is a must-visit destination. This 2,600-acre sanctuary protects and provides opportunities to observe and learn about birds of prey. Hawk Mountain is famous for its raptor migration, with over 18 species of hawks, eagles, and falcons soaring past each fall. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and a history museum.

2. Gettysburg National Military Park - History buffs cannot miss Gettysburg National Military Park, located about one hour from Blairsville and two and a half hours from Bellefonte. The park features a visitor center, museum, and battlefield tours. Gettysburg is the site of the bloodiest battle of the Civil War and was the turning point of the conflict.

3. Penn's Cave and Wildlife Park - Penn's Cave offers visitors a unique experience, a boat tour through an underground cavern. This 50-minute tour will take you through limestone caverns and past subterranean pools. After the tour, you can visit the wildlife park and see animals such as bison, elk, and wolves.

4. Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site - The Allegheny Portage Railroad is another must-see destination for history enthusiasts. This national historic site preserves the first railroad engineered to cross the Allegheny Mountains. Visitors can take a guided tour of the park, hike, or bike the trails, and see the historic engine house and reconstructed canal basin.

5. Raystown Lake - Raystown Lake is the largest lake entirely within Pennsylvania, and its 26 miles of shoreline offer endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and camping. The lake is also home to an impressive assortment of wildlife, including bald eagles, osprey, and black bears.

Bonus Recommendation: Cherry Springs State Park

If you're willing to take a slight detour from the route between Blairsville and Bellefonte, we highly recommend Cherry Springs State Park. This park is one of the best places on the East Coast for stargazing, thanks to its dark skies. Cherry Springs is a Gold-Certified International Dark Sky Park, meaning it has the darkest skies and best visibility for stargazing in the eastern United States. Visitors can attend stargazing events or camp overnight and enjoy the celestial show.

Conclusion

Traveling between Blairsville and Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, is an adventure filled with natural beauty and exciting historical destinations. Our top five popular attractions and bonus recommendation offer a diverse mix of experiences that will please outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and stargazers alike. To get the most of the journey, we recommend taking your time, staying overnight in some of the many hotels, B&Bs, and camping areas, and enjoying everything this area has to offer. Safe travels!