RoadAbode ~ RV RoadTripping ~ Railroad Fan in the Family? Head to Pennsylvania!

Steamtown Roundhouse in Scranton, PA

Pennsylvania has a rich heritage in railroading. Railroads extended into virtually every corner of the state and the rails became part of a way of life during the Industrial Revolution. Tons of goods, both perishable and non-perishable, were - and still are - sent by freight train. Because a station or depot was in the heart of  local communities, the comings and goings at a train station of famous and common people alike ended up as important headlines in the local newspaper.  People traveled by train to visit family and friends. A train was a way to get to a job, or get to shop the latest fashions in the "big cities". Men went off to war, trains brought them back home to loved ones. Travel by train allowed quick trips, and a freedom that many would not had in those times by alternate forms of transportation.
Even as a boy in the late 1960s, I can still remember the excitement of taking an electric powered commuter train into Center City Philadelphia. Reading Terminal station, and it's farmers market were a crazy, whirlwind of sights, smells and sounds. Oh, mom could have made us taken the bus, but - the train! That was the cool way to go. Though perhaps the arrival and departure of rail cars does not incite as much excitement as those years long ago, railroads still play an important role in moving goods and people every day in Pennsylvania. Even though we now have interstates to swiftly move us from one destination to another, there is a nostalgia, or sense of serenity seated in a train watching the world go by.
For those that really love the "clickty-clack" of the rails, or that distinct scent of greasy steam, there is nothing more fun than a ride on a coach pulled by a big ol' steam engine. There are still places to enjoy the scenery as you pass the changing landscape pulled along by these behemoths. How interesting it is to inspect the mechanisms and workings of those old engines up close! Riding a scenic railway is a great way to see the landscape, relax and enjoy the company of family or friends. Below, the RoadAbode Crew highlights a few places for the RVing rail fan in your family or group of friends. Check out these places to learn about, play with, get up on, and close to the Iron Horses of Pennsylvania.

 #1123 (retired) from Strasburg Railroad in Lancaster, PA

Lancaster County Area

Strasburg Rail Road

The Strasburg is one of the few railroads in the U.S. that still utilizes steam locomotives to regularly haul revenue freight trains. Located in Lancaster County, this railroad has been operating since 1832 to present day. The change from strictly  a working freight and passenger line to offering Heritage Rails excursions started in 1958. The rail line is now quickly closing in on it's 60th anniversary as a mostly tourism driven railroad. The rail line includes the U.S.'s only operational wooden dining car which allows visitors to dine while riding through Lancaster County. In 2011, Strasburg Rail Road received a state historical marker. This honor, presented by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, recognized Strasburg Rail Road’s impact on the railroad industry and its innovations in heritage tourism. Each excursion travels through the picturesque farmland of Lancaster County. For younger railroaders, the line offers seasonal rides with Santa, the Easter Bunny, and special excursions featuring Thomas the Tank Engine and his friend Percy. For more information on the Strasburg Railroad check http://www.strasburgrailroad.com/

Railroad Museum of PA ~ Tahoe Steam Engine from 1875

Railroad Museum of PA

Right next door (and a combined ticket is available) to Strasburg Railroad is the Railroad Museum of PA. The museum has more than 100 historic pieces of rolling stock in their collection, including passenger, freight, and maintenance pieces, in addition to their locomotives. Some locomotives can be climbed into and onto, bringing alive America's railroading history. Interactive displays allows visitors to "take the throttle" on a simulated run in a real freight locomotive, climb aboard a caboose, inspect a 62-ton locomotive from underneath, and view restoration activities on the iron horses via closed-circuit television. The museum offers plenty of other exhibits, which include several model railroad layouts, an educational center, a library with archives, and a smaller exhibit gallery on the second floor. One weekend the RoadAbode Crew visited, there was an author giving a presentation about hobos and train hoppers of the 1920s and 30s, which was the topic of his book. It was really interesting to lean the codes and language of the people from the era.
Open since 1975, the museum has grown to 18 acres of land, including 100,000 square feet indoors.
More information is available at www.rrmuseumpa.org

National Toy Train museum

For something you can play with rather than ride, this museum near Strasburg holds a collection of toy trains which dates from the early 1800s to current train sets. Trains are collected according to gauge, age, manufacturer and rarity. Five operating, interactive train layouts in G, Standard, O, S and HO Gauges. Videos on all aspects of toy trains play throughout the museum. You can find Lionel, American Flyer, MTH, Weaver, LGB, Bachmann, Marklin, and more manufacturers of toy trains on display, or operating. Many of the layouts for the trainsets are arranged so all you have to do is push a button, and they run a predetermined track and path. Each large layout represents a different period of the 20th Century. The museum als houses a research library, which has a vast collection of information on the history and characteristics of toy trains in the United States and elsewhere. 

http://nttmuseum.org/

Choo Choo Barn

The Choo choo barn was formed by one family's love for model railroading. The massive interconnected layout features many local Lancaster County buildings and landmarks. Some of the pieces incorporated into the scenery date from the original platform the family built in 1940s. Back in the beginning, the train platform was for display only for family and friends, setup in the family basement. In the 1950s they shared the growing layout with school and church groups. By the 1960s the family wanted to earn extra money for college, so in 1961 they moved everything to an unused township building and created a 600 square foot layout with six running trains. Every year since they have added to the layout, and to the building or landscaping. Whether you enjoy model railroading or just like looking, there are unique animatronics and details through the Choo Choo barn to be found.

Visit www.choochoobarn.com/ to learn more about the Choo Choo Barn.

Some of the sights at the Choo Choo Barn

National Christmas Center & Museum

Also worth a trip is the National Christmas Center & Museum, While not specifically train-centric, the museum, it does have a large part of it's display dedicated to toy trains. Toyland Train Mountain stands three tiers high and thirty feet in diameter. Besides the train room, there are also a walk thru olde time Woolworth display, and village highlighting Christmas traditions from around the world.
The National Christmas Center & Museum website is www.nationalchristmascenter.com

Camping in Lancaster County

There are some great places the RoadAbode Crew have stayed in Lancaster County Click here for our  favorite campgrounds in this area.

Lackawanna County Area

Steamtown

Steamtown Overview

Housed is the site of the former Scranton yards of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad (DL&W), Steamtown is in the downtown of Scranton, and encompasses over 62 acres of land. The museum is built around a working turntable and a roundhouse and is actially reconstructed from remnants of a 1932 structure that was originally on the property. The museum tell the story about the history and technology of steam railroads in the United States and life on the railroad. A steam locomotive with cutaway sections helps visitors understand steam power. Park rangers and volunteers offer a variety of demonstrations, tours, and excursions that demonstrate how railroads functioned in the age of steam. Several working locomotives take visitors on short excursions through the Scranton yard in the spring, summer, and fall.  Longer trips are a seperate cost from Steamtown admission and are scheduled to various nearby towns, including the Lackawanna River valley and Carbondale, Tobyhanna and Moscow, Pennsylvania. On rare occasions, excursions are run to the Delaware Water Gap, East Stroudsburg, and Cresco, Pennsylvania, or on the Canadian Pacific Railway to Binghamton, New York.
Steamtown is a National Historic Site. It's website is www.nps.gov/stea/index.htm

Campground to check out nearby : Cozy Creek Family Campground For a great state park, check this link to learn about a park the RoadAbode Crew really enjoyed.

Northumberland County Area

Knoebels Amusement Park

Probably not the first place to think of railroading, Knoebel's amusement park has two great steam engines that you can ride. Though miniature compared to true iron horses, the rides are fun for old and young alike. Old Smokey a coal burning coal-fueled steam locomotive takes you around and through the grove where children's rides, the lumber mill, and blacksmith reside. Pioneer Train, run on gasoline power takes a journey through the woods and close to the the Knoebels campground. Both engines are from 1960, with passenger cars dating from 1946. Many of the attractions of the park are beautifully maintained from the early 1900s. Kids of all ages enjoy coming year after year.

To learn about the campgrounds available right on site, check our information on Knoebels campgrounds here

Bucks County

New Hope and Ivyland Railroad

New Hope Station

The railroad was originally known as the New Hope Branch of the Reading Company, which leased the North Pennsylvania Railroad, of which it was a part. n 1914, a segment of the classic silent film The Perils of Pauline was filmed on the tracks now used by the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad. the railroad operates wine and cheese tasting trains dubbed the Grapevine Express. On select weekends, the railroad runs its Evening Star Dinner Train between New Hope and Buckingham Valley. Check https://www.newhoperailroad.com for more information.

Camping in Bucks County

A close Campground would be Beaver Valley

York County Area

Steam into History

Steam into History

Steam into History is located south of York PA Opened in 2013 This non-profit's locomotive and train set are a faithful replica of the 1860's train Abraham Lincoln rode to present the Gettysburg Address and two years later carried his body in a funeral car.
Each of the runs have a narrator who is well versed in the history of the area as well as Civil War History.  Most volunteers and staff are knowledgeable on the history of trains.  The train sometimes included rides with actors or reenactors, willing to share with you their stories on the Civil War.  The emphasis is on telling the story and recreating when President Abraham Lincoln traveled by train to Gettysburg to give the famous Gettysburg address, possibly even writing or re-writing parts of his speech while on the way.  The other story told occurred just a year and a half  later, when the funeral train for President Lincoln passed through New Freedom and Hanover Junction, stopping in the city of York to take on water for the train’s boiler. www.steamintohistory.com/

Camping in York County

Codorus State Park is only twenty minutes from Steam into History. 

Venango County Area

Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad

The Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad (OC&T) is a tourist ride through the valley where oil was first discovered and refined in the United States. The OC&T is notable in that it operates the only working Railway Post Office in the United States. For income, it may carry a few freight cars at the end of the passenger cars. Excursions operate over tracks that were originally built as the main line of the Buffalo, New York and Philadelphia Railroad in the 1880s. Oil City is known as the site of the world's first oil field. Unlike the previous railroad railroads mentioned, OC&T does not have any steam stock, and it's oldest engine is from 1947. The train does pull through  some beautiful countryside, featuring special fall foliage and murder mystery excursions.
For more information, check in at www.octrr.org/

Camping in Venango County

Camping nearby: Oil Creek Family Campground

Carbon County Area

Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway

Located in the the quaint town of Jim Thorpe, this train line follows the former Lehigh Valley main line, along state park rails-to-trails, and rounding curve after curve  along the Leigh River. Pulled by modern deisel locomotives, the passenger cars are either standard coach style, or open air car that has a roof over its top, a bench that runs down the middle, and the sides of the train car are completely open.  People can get up and walk around or stand in this coach to look at the passing scenery. Unique to the Lehigh Gorge railway is the opportunity to take the train one way and ride back by bike. You can either bring your own, or rent a bike  It takes most people 3 to 4 hours to bike the returning slightly downhill 25 mile trail.
For more information on the Lehigh Gorge Senic Railway check www.lgsry.com
For the "Bike Train" check www.poconobiking.com/specialty-trips/bike-train for more info

Carbon County Camping

Camping nearby: Jim Thorpe Campground

Philadelphia County Area

Garden Trains Morris Arboretum

If in the Philadelphia area, besides riding the commuter rails of SEPTA, check out the beautiful outdoor multi level layout offered at Morris Arboretum. The display and buildings are all made of natural materials and feature Philadelphia Landmarks. The railway is going into it's 17th year in 2015. 

Visit www.business-services.upenn.edu/arboretum/gardens_railway.shtml for more information

Other PA Railroading Museums and Historic Sites

There are plenty of other ways to experience Pennsylvania rail history. Check out some of the other attractions and historic areas - linked through Wikipedia:

Allegheny Portage Railroad
Howard Tunnel
Electric City Trolley Museum
Gallitzin Tunnel
Horseshoe Curve
Mars Station, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Trolley Museum
Rockhill Trolley Museum
Western Pennsylvania Model Railroad Museum

For great reads on the History of Railroading in Pennsylvania, check out the books by Pennsylvania transportation historian Dan Cupper below.
Pennsylvaina Rail (and other) History Books by Dan Cupper

The RoadAbode Crew would love to hear about your favorite places to enjoy the history of railroading in Pennsylvania.  Did we miss any great places to visit? Share your favorite places, and tips or secrets how to best enjoy the places we mentioned above. Please post in the comments below to let others know about the great ways to enjoy railroading in PA!

RVing in Pennsylvania? Five Great Hikes You'll Want to Do

One of the great things about travelling in our motorhome RoadAbode is being able to camp only a short distance from the most beautiful areas Pennsylvania has to offer. Depending on schedule, weather, or mood, we can do an eye-opening morning, leisurely afternoon, or a starlight evening hike. The timing doesn't matter;  RoadAbode as our base camp is right there to afford all the comforts of home, because well, she is our home! Here's a list of five favorite places to hike in PA. We're sure you have your favorites too, and we'd love if you could share and discuss your hiking places and tips in the comments section below.

French Creek State Park ~ Elverson, PA

French Creek HAS to be on our short list of hikes, because it holds fond long-ago memories of traveling with parents.  Measured at 7,730-acres, it is the largest block of contiguous forest between Washington D.C. and New York City. Only an hour from Philadelphia, this wooded area off Route 23 in Elverson PA was as far as my parents liked to travel for a day trip. Now for our family of four, camping with RoadAbode for a few nights blesses us with time to relax, fish, canoe, and still get to see plenty of what the area has to offer. French Creek State Park has it's own multi-looped campground. Some sites are only for tenting, but most have electric hookups. Water is available at strategic locations on each loop, so as you come in, make sure to top off your RV's fresh water tank. If you come with fido, there is a loop of designated campsites for those with pets. A modern playground is right in the campground, and a swimming pool is a short drive or nice hike on the other side of Hopewell Lake.  There are also Yurts and Cabins, if you have friends that don't RV you want to include in your adventures. Reservations are recommended for all accommodations.

Hopewell Lake, French Creek State Park

There are multiple trails that crisscross the park. Horses are permitted on the Horse-shoe Trail and bikes are prohibited on trails south of Park Road. This makes for time of reflective hikes or fun group hikes without worry. Leashed pets are allowed on all the trails. The trails are well marked, and for the most part well maintained. Sturdy soled sneakers, shoes, or boots are smart - flip-flops are not.
Cool Trail Tip: For hiking right from your campsite there are at least four enjoyable trails to choose which pass right by the campground. Here is one  personal favorite which is not too long. Start by hiking from the campground, following down the entry road. You should be able to see the trail off the road, a little past the campground's check-in station. Enter the trail on the left where the Boone trail (blue blazes) and Lenape trail (green blazes) intersect. Follow the Lenape a short way. The Colliers trail (white blaze) will be available for you there. This trail will take you south toward the dam of Hopewell Lake then west, toward Hopewell Village National Historic Site, a restored Colonial era Iron Forge village. If you go in autumn. you may be able to pick heritage apples there!
Grab a trail map of the area here
For more about French Creek, check the PA DCNR site.

Hickory Run State Park ~ White Haven, PA

This State Park wins for best named trail: "Shades of Death Trail" The best part is, it's not deathly at all - it's a shaded hike by swift moving water - and a really great place to trek into. Hickory Run State Park is located in the part of Pennsylvania known as the  foothills of the Pocono Mountains. It borders the Leigh River on its western boundary. Besides hiking, Hickory Run is a great place to camp, fish, and swim. One thing the park is know for is the oddity of  Boulder Field, formed by the most "recent" glacial period, approximately  20,000 years ago.  Boulder Field is registered as a National Natural Landmark.
The campground is spread over several loops. It also encompasses a large field in it's most upper camping area. Both upper and lower areas have specific sites allowing pets. As with French Creek, sites only have electric hookups available, with water fill stations found on each campground loop. A dump station is available to utilize on your way home, not far from the camp store. The topography of the campground from the topmost area to bottom loops is quite steep. Thankfully individual sites are fairly level. According to a camp host we spoke to on a recent trip, The upper campground will be experiencing some much needed updating in late 2014 or early 2015. Water and possibly sewer hookups will be added to individual sites. Currently, there are newer cabins available for reservations in the upper area

Trail-head - Shades of Death Trail, Hickory Run State Park

Cool Trail Tips:  The Shades of Death Trail follows along the Sandy Spring Run, and is the most picturesque trail in the park. Sandy Run flows and meanders through a thicket of Hemlock and  rhododendron woodland. Wear good footwear that's water resistant, because there are plenty of tree knots and roots to trip over in a slightly swampy section of the trail. Get past the challenge and be rewarded with a hike up a set of steps carved into the rock outcropping. Once you reach the top, have a bit of fun with a chance to make your own cairn, atop this sunlit and moss  covered rocky plateau  in the forest..The stacked rocks are as much trail marker as they are art. Respect and admire the ones already there! Some sections of this trail are steep. The chance to relax next to the stream, or gaze up at the water flowing off of the CCC made dams are worth the extra effort. You can find the trail-head by the park office on Route 534 across from the chapel.

Ricketts Glenn State Park ~ Benton, PA

There's something about the sounds and scents near falling water that makes a hike more relaxing. Ricketts Glen State Park is home to the Glen Natural Area. Here, branches of Kitchen Creek create over twenty named waterfalls flowing through Ricketts, Ganoga, and Leigh Glens. The Kitchen Creek branches form the Ganoga and Leigh Glens, and come together to form Waters Meet, a swirly whirlpool of water. The waters continues cascading down through Ricketts Glen. The waterfalls  range in height from nine feet to over ninety, The trail follows along the waters, through the three glens which make-up the park land. Absolutely one of the most beautiful places on the east coast, the PA Bureau of State Parks named Rickets Glen State Park a top "Twenty Must-See Pennsylvania State Parks"

Ganoga Falls, Ricketts Glen State Park

The campground at Rickets Glen is beautifully laid out, with picturesque sites situated alongside Lake Jean. The campground does come with a few caveats for RVers use to having all the comforts of home.  The restrooms are modern and clean. However, there are no hookups at the individual campsites, not even electric.  2015 will add new cabins to those already existing. The cabins all have electric, however the newer buildings will not have running water. To get to the campground, RVers will need to be careful with the roads they use. The road entering the park from the south, using Route PA-118 to Route PA-487 North,. is too steep and not recommended for RVs of any size.  The recommended route is entering from Dunshore, PA, going South on PA-487 for anyone with a RV.
Cool Trail Tips: The main trail to see at Ricketts Glen are the Falls Trails. Round trip utilizing these trails is approximately seven miles, and at times has a very steep decent or incline. Of all the trails in Pennsylvania to wear proper foot gear, The Falls Trails of Ricketts Glen are most definitely the ones. The constantly falling water can make some trail sections slippery, and slippery rocks and steep walkways have spelled disaster for those not paying attention or coming prepared. Bugs seem to be more prevalent from spring into July. August through September seems to be when the area is both less buggy and at it's most beautiful. In winter months the falls are closed off to all but those proven experienced with ice climbing equipment. It's possible to see all the waterfalls by following the Falls Trails, but if you are short on time - or afraid that you won't make the full trip around - Take the Ganoga Glen side of the trail first, so you can see the largest falls at least. Another idea if you have a few people doing this adventure, is to leave someone's car at the parking lot located on Route 118. Then hike down, past Waters Meet and ride back up to your campsite!
 For more about Ricketts Glen State Park, read here, or check out the PA DCNR site.

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary ~ Kempton, PA

You have to pay a fee (or be a member) to hike these trails, but it's for a good cause, and totally worth it. Hawk Mountain is the location to see hawks, eagles and other raptors, also known as birds of prey. Hawk Mountain is actually a ridge of mountains, part of the Appalachian Mountain chain. It is not a state or federal park, but a member-supported wildlife sanctuary operated by the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association. The fee you pay (as of this writing $6 or $8 for adults with breaks for children and seniors depending on time of year) helps fund research, education worldwide, and operations within the park.

North Lookout Hawk Mountain

There is no campground located at Hawk Mountain, but you can find local campgrounds nearby. If you have children, Robin Hill RV Resort located in Lenhartville PA has a pool and other activities to keep the kids happy, Our personal favorite is Pine Hill RV Park, located in Kutztown, PA. Both have campsites with full hookups, and cabins available. For us, since Pine Hill is located right next to a small farm, it seems like the quieter and more relaxing campground of the two. Pine Hill RV Park also happens to be a mile away from Pinnacle Ridge Winery which is a wonderful local vineyard.  Stop to sample some award winning vino in their tasting room!
Cool Trail Tips: When you arrive at Hawk Mountan, your first stop should be to the Hawk Mountain Visitor Center. You can pay the trail use fee, and check out the large relief map of the area to see where you will be hiking. The Visitor Center also has a great gift and book store, proceeds which benefit the sanctuary. Don't forget to get trail maps. (free with your trail use fee) Our personal favorite hiking end point is the North Lookout, the highest point on the ridge. We enjoy watching the raptors glide on the updrafts from the mountain.. You might like to pack a snack or light lunch to enjoy while relaxing on the large boulders dominating North Lookout. Please remember, whatever you pack in, you are required to pack out - back to your car. Being an eco-sensitive site, there are no trash containers available at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary. Parts of the trails can be rocky, so we'd advise against flip-flops, but sturdy sneakers or walking shoes should get you where you want to go. There are parts of the trail that are a steep climb, and parts you will be hopping boulder to boulder, but if you made the hike to that point, you're in for some spectacular views. Along the hike you may have the opportunity to meet resident and interning raptor experts. People studying or researching raptors coming to Hawk Mountain from around the globe. Most times they love to answer questions and get the truths of these majestic hawks, falcons, eagles, and others out there!
For more information on Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, check their website here

Fairmont Park ~ Philadelphia, PA

Fairmont Park Logo

Surprised? Don't be.
Nestled in Penn's “Greene Countrie Towne,” is Fairmount Park, Philadelphia's emerald gem of forested land. One of the largest urban green spaces in the country, Philadelphia's Fairmount Park consists of more than 9,200 acres of trails, woodlands and wetlands. It actually is an amalgamation of over sixty parks within city boundaries, interconnected throughout Philadelphia. The Park cuts a big swath of green from the center of the city, reaching outward toward the Northwestern and Northeastern suburbs. It follows the waters of the Schuylkill River, Pennypack Creek, Wissahickon Creek, and other smaller tributaries. Hiking in these green spaces is a great way to explore natural, historical, and other treasures found in the City of Brotherly Love. If you have the stamina, the Fairmount Park trails connect with suburban Rails-to-Trails, make it possible to Hike  or Bike from Center City, to Valley Forge, and beyond.
Here's some of what makes Fairmount Park a great place to hike:
Am I really hiking in a city? Throughout Fairmount Park there is the ability to hike or bike through parts of Philadelphia, and not even realize you are in the city. In places the bustling noise of the city gives way to the sounds of babbling streams and chirping birds. The experience can be as if you suddenly dropped off the city map. In the early morning and early twilight it's possible to see deer grazing, and chipmunks, rabbits, or groundhogs scurrying about. Even fox have been spotted hunting in sections of the park. Though many trails are not marked, they are defined and well traveled. The Schuykill Trail follows along the Schuykill River, and in places is along streets and sidewalks. To feel more in the wilderness, hike in the Wissahickon Gorge, located in the Northwestern part of the city The main hiking path there is known as Forbidden Drive.

Tedyuscung near Forbidden Drive

No motorized vehicles are allowed passage on the graveled path of Forbidden Drive. The only exceptions are for emergency or park employees. While hiking in the Wissahickon Valley, you will meet equestrian riders and bicyclists, but since the way is as wide as a two lane street, sharing is not a problem. Dogs are welcome here, but must be leashed and under the owners control.

Remington's Cowboy on Kelly Drive 

Hike past Art Art installations abound in Philadelphia. It's possible to hike from the Ben Franklin Parkway, past the Art Museum, along Kelly Drive, and toward the Wissahickon trail and enjoy over fifty installations of various art pieces and historic statuary.
Hike past History Though Center City Philadelphia is the home to famous treasures and landmarks, like the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and Read Terminal Market; Fairmount Park has lesser known historical attractions of it's own. Chief Tedyuscung - controversial monument to a famous Lenape Chief, the Thomas Mill Covered Bridge - only covered bridge still standing in city limits, Hermit's Cave and more are all accessible from Forbidden Drive. Many historical homes, churches and landmarks are close by the trails.
Hike to an Eatery When hiking in Fairmount Park, you don't necessarily have to pack a lunch or snack to take along with you. There are possibilities near - or even right on - the trails. We do however recommend you stay hydrated and carry a water bottle with you. Located by the western terminus of Forbidden Drive, Northwestern and Germantown Avenues, is Bruno's Cafe, with plenty of seating to relax and chow down on favorites like breakfasts, burgers, fries, milkshakes with dessert in the attached ice cream parlor before hitting the trail again. Or park at the historic Valley Green Inn for snacks and beverages at the takeout window, or; be seated and partake on the porch or dining room and be served something more fanciful to fuel up for your hike. For real variety in cuisine, if hiking on Kelly Drive, check out the noshing options located by Boathouse Row. Hike to Manayunk and it's canal path trail, and along Main Street you'll find the latest and hippest places to grab a bite or drink. For good food cheap, Union Taco is our current favorite in Manayunk.
Philadelphia is a hiking and exploring paradise with the exception of one thing for RVers. There are no campgrounds in the city. The closest campground to serve Center City to the east is over the Delaware River in New Jersey, Timerlane Campground. To the south of Philadelphia, next to the Brandywine River, is West Chester KOA . We've personally enjoyed staying at West Chester KOA when we visit the Chester County area. A real restful place to camp - and they have a shuttle/tour to Philadelphia. Another idea is to contact friends in the city. Depending on where they live in the city, you may be able to "boondock" for a night or two in their driveway while you explore. For the more adventurous, contact one of the many churches in Philadelphia and check if you could boondock on their parking lot for a night. Those in the Northwestern section of Philadelphia or nearby suburbs may be more palatable to your request.

Section of Forbidden Drive

Cool Trail Tips: Forbidden Drive is the only trail we'd ever say is "OK" to wear flip-flops. It's flat and well graded. We still recommend good sneakers or walking shoes, especially if you are planning to hike from center city using the Schuykill Trail along Kelly Drive and westward toward Forbidden Drive or the Canal Path in Manayunk. There are plenty of  interesting spots to explore in "Penn's Woods". We don't recommend doing them at night however. In fact, many parking areas that access trails close at dusk. Forbidden drive is a relatively easy hike, but if you want to be more adventurous, try the smaller trails that branch off from Forbidden Drive, or are across the other side of Wissahickon Creek. One of the great things about hiking in Philadelphia is you are never more than a mile from a major road or bus stop! If you really get tired, you can even call a cab! Happy Hiking!

We'd love to learn about where you camp and hike in Pennsylvania. If you have some tips of your own, the RoadAbode Crew would love to hear them - comment below!

For more more in depth information on Hiking in PA, check these books listed on Amazon - Hiking Eastern Pennsylvania