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Spend an Adventure Holiday in the Allegheny Mountains

The Allegheny Mountain Range is absolutely vast, stretching through the Eastern US and right into Canada. There’s so much beautiful scenery to explore that it would be impossible to do it all in one trip (unless it was a very long one!) So, we’re focusing our attention on the Alleghenies around Pennsylvania. This part marks the beginning of the mountain range and features plenty of activities that are perfect for adventurous holidaymakers. If you’re looking for an active holiday that takes in some of the most scenic parts of the United States, then look no further as we’ve got you covered.

Stay at the Nemacolin

Set on 2000 acres of beautiful park and woodland, the Nemacolin resort is the simply stunning base that we’re suggesting for this adventure. You’ll be staying in an elegant chateau and looking out over the sprawling golf course below. If you enjoy a round of golf then you’ll be invited to play as part of your stay, or if you’d rather then you can make use of the first-class spa facilities. As well as being incredibly well appointed, the Nemacolin also boasts an enormous casino, if you fancy a bit of indoor entertainment. For those who want to make sure they’re confident on the rules before setting foot in the casino, there are plenty of PA casinos online where you can practice. Make sure that you find time amidst all the entertainment to eat in their restaurant. The food is out of this world and made from local ingredients where each dish really allows the produce to shine.

On Your Bike

The Alleghenies are one of the perfect mountain biking destinations as there are so many different trails to choose from. Owing to their immense height, more than 4000ft in some sections, there are obviously some steep bits of track that will suit adrenaline lovers. However, there are also plenty of tracks with shallower altitude changes that will be a little easier for those who are not as fit, or a little nervous about travelling downhill at speed. There are numerous bike hire options that also offer protective gear if you can’t save the space in your luggage. All of the hire places can provide you with extensive maps of the area, as well as advice on which trails will best suit you.

Raystown Lake

Raystown Lake is the largest lake that resides entirely within the state of Pennsylvania and it is as stunning as it sounds. One of the best ways to see the lake is to take a spin around it in a boat. There are numerous boat hire companies around the lake and it makes a great way to spend a sunny afternoon. With that said, you can also experience breathtaking views of the water whilst staying firmly on dry land. At Seven Points Recreation Area you’ll find a beach that goes right down to the crystal clear waters, so you can sunbathe and enjoy the view, or if you do fancy getting your toes wet, you can enjoy splashing around safely.

The Oldest Coaster in the World

A roller coaster is always an adventure, but the oldest one in the world? That’s the kind of adventure that very few people will get to enjoy, but that’s totally possible if you’re visiting this area of Pennsylvania. Leap-the-Dips is the oldest coaster in existence, having being built in 1902. It still stands in Lakemont Park, which you’ll find on the outskirts of Altoona. It had a brief pause in the mid 1980s where it was closed due to safety concerns. However, a group of roller coaster enthusiasts clubbed together to fund the regeneration of the coaster. It was reconditioned and reopened in 1999 and is still totally safe to this day. Although there are bigger drops, taller loop the loops and faster carts around, there’s something really special about a ride on Leap-the-Dips.

Gravity Hill

If you’re not awestruck by Leap-the-Dips then you might well be by this strange hill. We all know that gravity pulls things towards the center of the Earth, meaning that things always roll downhill. After all, have you ever seen a car rolling uphill? Well, that could all be about to change. Gravity Hill is an unassuming stretch of tarmac just a couple of miles from New Paris. You’ll feel as though you’re definitely driving uphill, but when you reach the words ‘GRAVITY HILL’ painted onto the tarmac, stop your car, put the handbrake on and take a step outside. You’ll look for all the world as though you’re facing up a big hill, but if you sit back inside the car and put it into neutral, releasing the handbrake, you will roll very definitely uphill. It’s weird, but it’s true!

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Written by Marcus Richards

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