An Outdoor Adventure in Lancaster

The hills, river, and countryside are calling you for a weekend of active fun to connect with nature.

Strasburg Scooter Tour

Your active weekend away can start before dawn if you want to experience Lancaster County from a mile above the farmland. Rise before the sun and head to meet the US Hot Air Balloon Team for a flight to remember. A hot air balloon ride gives you a bird's eye view as you drift with the wind. Enjoy some quiet time as you take in the sights.

After you land, grab breakfast at nearby Bird-in-Hand Bakery & Cafe. A build-your-own breakfast sandwich, donut, pastery, or bagel will satisfy the hunger built up during your morning adventure.

If you'd rather start your outdoor adventure after the sun is up, grab a tasty breakfast at one of these locations before hitting the trail: Speckled Hen (cafe with casual, fresh breakfast options) or Grand Central Bagel (housemade bagels, sandwiches, coffee, and smoothies).

Enjoy some quiet time as you take in the sights.

Chiques Rock Outfitters offers couples the chance to paddle along the Susquehanna River or bike along the nearby trail with their kayak, canoe, and bike rentals, conviently located at the Columbia Crossings River Center. Stop by and choose your adventure! The staff at Chiques Rock Outfitters will assist with equipment, plus plenty of local guidance.
Estimated Time: 3-5 hours

Strasburg Scooters Tours offers a faster way to experience the backroads. Their Covered Bridge Tour takes you over the rolling hills and past Amish one-room schoolhouses, farms with families working in the field, and through covered bridges that dot the Lancaster County countryside. Along the way, you'll spend some quality time in nature and learn about the history of the area, bridges, and Amish culture.
Estimated Time: 3 hours

Hiking and biking trails are plentiful across the county for a range of skill levels. Grab your sneakers or bike and hit the trail for a morning of exploring fresh air, and breathtaking vistas. Rent an Ebike from Let's Roll in Columbia and hit the trails. Or go for a ride through downtown Lancaster learning about its rich history with Unique Lancaster Experience!
You can also explore the way Outdoor Adventure and Lancaster's History combine in Lancaster.
Estimated Time: 3-4 hours

Afternoon

When lunchtime rolls around, here are some options that offer both areas to sit down as well as take-out if you want to eat at a park: S. Clyde Weaver (subs, sandwiches, and salads with house-cured and smoked deli meat), Fox Meadows Creamery (house-made sandwiches and soup to pair with ice cream made with local dairy), or Harvey's Main Street BBQ (house-smoked BBQ, award-winning ribs, and plenty of sandwich options).

While your stopping for a bite to eat be sure to add ice cream to your itinerary! Download the FREE Lancaster County Ice Cream Trail app to save on select discounts, earn points and redeem prizes!

Craving more outdoor time? Here are even more options for an afternoon adventure.

The Zipline at Refreshing Mountain gives guests a chance to fly from tree to tree and test their balance. Featuring three zipline courses plus their new aerial obstacle course, this wooded retreat will give your group the chance to refresh and bond over the adrenaline rush.
Estimated Time: 2+ hours

When lunchtime rolls around, there are plenty of options in Lancaster County, PA.

Indian Echo Caverns is cool in more than one way. Take the stunning natural underground beauty as you tour the caverns, that are always 52 degrees. You'll learn more about the caverns as you enjoy this adventure.
Estimated Time: 1-2 hours

Mt. Gretna Beach & Lake offers guests the chance to relax and cool down in nature. The lake and beach area are family-friendly, and surrounded by lush wooded hills. Grab your beach towel and enjoy the sun.
Estimated Time: 2-4 hours

Village Greens Mini Golf

Evening

Round out your day with dinner and a round of mini-golf or a visit with wolves. Find suggestions for both below and get ready for some friendly competition.

Water's Edge Mini Golf is located behind Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord, the perfect dinner spot before a round of mini-golf. The course is nicely landscaped and family-friendly. After the winner has been declared, enjoy a scoop of ice cream at the shop at the end.
Estimated Time: 1-2 hours

Village Green Mini Golf & Snack Shoppe features two courses that wind through lush greenery. Make your way through the round, then enjoy dinner and ice cream at their Snack Shoppe to complete your exciting evening.
Estimated Time: 1-2 hours

With plenty of camping options, you can sleep under the stars, in a cozy cabin, or in the RV you brought with you.

Wolf Sanctuary of PA's Full Moon Tour is a monthly event you won't want to miss. Venture to Lititz to visit the wolves at the sanctuary and learn through their self-guided tour. After you've ventured from wolf pack to wolf pack, relax by the bonfire.
Estimated Time: 1-2 hours

Here in Lancaster County you can even stay in the great outdoors. With plenty of camping options, you can sleep under the stars, in a cozy cabin, or in the RV you brought with you.

Lake-in-Wood Campground offers unique rentals – from cabins and yurts to a covered wagon, tipi and decked-out double decker bus. To keep the whole family entertained, head to the pool or participate in one of their weekend activities.

Country Acres Campground is surrounded by Amish countryside, combining the Lancaster countryside with the adventure of camping. You'll love the clean accommodations, and the feel that you're away from the hustle and bustle, yet close to popular attractions.

Starlite Camping Resort features spectacular views to compliment your camping adventure. Campsites are mainly for tent and RV campers. Guests will also enjoy their recreation areas, including the pool and playground.

If you need a more traditional space to rest your head for the night, try out the Poppy House on Mulberry. It is a stunning airbnb with a mural of a poppy of the side of the home, that is also close to the Northwest River Trail!

Featured in This Trip Idea

Country Acres 1

Experience the Peaceful Countryside Feel the breeze on your face and the sun on your skin as you experience the country. Surrounded by...

Restaurant Smorgasbord

We are temporarily closed due to a fire that damaged our kitchen and front lobby. We are committed to rebuilding and reopening safely...

Bakery 1

Handcrafted Casual Cuisine, Bakery Goods and Ice Cream Our cafe menu includes delicious handcrafted sandwiches, crisp salads, soups, smoothies and delectable desserts. Our...

Village Greens Miniature Golf and Snack Shoppe

Two spacious miniature golf courses covering over 10 acres are one of Lancaster County's hidden jewels. Enjoy the challenge of golf while enjoying...

Indian Echo Caverns

A 45 minute guided tour of Indian Echo Caverns reveals stunning natural underground beauty. (A non-walking tour is also available.) Also, be sure...

Water's Edge Mini Golf

Water's Edge Mini Golf and Ice Cream Shop, located in Bird-in-Hand, offers refreshment, fun and relaxation to folks of all ages! Enjoy either...

Wolf Sanctuary of PA

In a natural woodland in northern Lancaster County, you will find the home of the Speedwell Wolves. For over 30 years the Darlington...

Lititz Family Cupboard Restaurant & Buffet

Find a unique blend of true PA Dutch cuisine along with a sophisticated fare of delicious entrees, wraps, specialty salads and delightful made-from-scratch...

Strasburg Scooters

Enjoy a guided scooter tour on the back roads of Amish Country.Hop onto a 50cc scooter for a visit of a 19th century...

Speckled Hen Coffee

Café specializing in craft coffee and artisan food located on Main Street in Historic Strasburg, PA. Speckled Hen offers a delicious scratch-made menu...

FoxMeadows1

Farm-Fresh Ice Cream | Hand-Crafted Food | Authentic Experiences Fox Meadows Creamery is a farm-to-table creamery surrounded by beautiful Lancaster County farmland. We...

Waterpark

Enjoy an amazing camping experience at our resort in beautiful Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Sun Retreats Lancaster County, formerly known as Sun Outdoors Lancaster...