In today’s busy world, sometimes you just need to get away from it all! If you’re looking to plan a wellness getaway, whether it's a healthy vacation with your family or a fitness retreat with friends, Cumberland Valley is a wonderful place to immerse yourself in nature. From hikes along the Appalachian Trail to leisurely floats across a lake or picnics in a park, we have something for everyone. Experience the quiet, natural beauty of Cumberland Valley in these six locations, where you can find delightful moments of calm that will leave you feeling peaceful and relaxed, and won’t break the bank.
1. Kings Gap Garden
Get in touch with nature and native Cumberland Valley plants at the Mansion Garden at Kings Gap in Carlisle. Feel yourself unwind as you enjoy the leisurely four-mile drive up to the mansion area.. After enjoying sweeping vistas of Cumberland Valley from the back porch of the Italian-style stone mansion, head to the garden, which features three educational areas containing native plants and flowers, an herb garden, and a wildlife habitat area. There is also a butterfly garden to add to your zen. Spend an hour or two in this tranquil mountaintop setting, and you will leave refreshed and inspired. To extend your visit, consider exploring some of the trails, which range in length and difficulty, and are excellent spots for bird watching. Overnight accommodations at the mansion are available from mid-April through mid-November, so you can spend a quiet weekend away from the hustle and bustle. In previous years, Kings Gap has hosted weekly yoga on the mansion porch during warmer weather. Check out their online calendar for the latest.
2. Children’s Lake
Find a few hours of peace along Children’s Lake in Boiling Springs. This lake literally bubbles due to a naturally fed spring and remains a cool 52 degrees all year. Enjoy some quiet time on the water as you paddle around the lake on a canoe, kayak, or paddleboat. The lake is also an ideal spot for fishing. Feed the ducks or watch the swans glide across the water as you stroll around the lake, following the path of the Appalachian Trail. Benches along the lake encourage visitors to linger and take in the scenery. Pack a picnic and relax under the weeping willows as your stress melts away. You might even glimpse a Bald Eagle at this popular birdwatching spot.
3. Waggoner’s Gap
A short hike up to Waggoner’s Gap will lead to a breathtaking view of the Valley. Visit in the fall to witness the stunning kaleidoscope of foliage and the migration of raptors, including several types of hawks, vultures, and Bald and Golden Eagles. Situated on Kittatinny Ridge in the Blue Mountains, this is one of the best places in Pennsylvania to watch the fall raptor migration, with 15,000-20,000 passing through each year — one of the highest concentrations in the United States! Click here to learn about other hiking opportunities in the Cumberland Valley, including our Top 10 Trails. For more spectacular views, check out our Top 10 Scenic Overlooks.
4. Vale-Himes Pocket Park
Located next to the Cumberland County Historical Society, downtown Carlisle’s first pocket park offers a respite from your busy day. Featuring gardens, benches, and a walkway with arrows pointing to prominent county landmarks, the green space is a serene oasis that encourages guests to wander in and stay awhile. It’s even used as an event space and outdoor classroom. The Vale-Himes Pocket Park is one of more than a hundred parks, gardens, and nature areas throughout the Cumberland Valley. Whether you’re in Carlisle, Mechanicsburg, Camp Hill, or another community, we offer numerous opportunities for you to escape into nature and enjoy the beauty of trees, plants, and wildlife.
5. Pine Grove Furnace State Park
On a nice day, leisurely float on a kayak or take a dip in Laurel Lake at Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Seasonal kayak, canoe, rowboat, and motorized boat rentals are available. Breathe easily as you view native birds, plants, and other wildlife at this beachside lake. This popular fishing spot is stocked with trout, and you can borrow equipment through the PA Fish & Boat Commission Tackle Loaner Program. End the day resting on the warm sandy beach. If you prefer finding your zen on the water, discover the best spots for water activities in Cumberland Valley, including fishing, boating, and swimming.
6. Opossum Lake
Hike all or part of the 4-mile trail around Opossum Lake and watch for the more than 140 species of birds that have been spotted in and around the lake. The quiet trail is flat and provides several scenic views of the lake. Pack a lunch and enjoy it at the pavilion or one of the many picnic tables. Learn more about birdwatching in the Cumberland Valley and browse our top birdwatching hotspots. The lake is also stocked with rainbow trout. In addition to fishing, it’s a popular spot for boating.
Take the Relaxation Indoors
These are just a few of Cumberland Valley’s most relaxing outdoor spaces, where you can soak up the beauty of nature during a hike, a leisurely nature walk, or a restful meditation. However, if the weather isn’t ideal, we also offer numerous indoor spaces dedicated to wellness, fitness, and self-care. Plan a wellness weekend and discover some of our most indulgent wellness locations, including spas, fitness centers, and yoga studios offering classes in everything from gentle and chair yoga to aerial yoga — even goat yoga. Some venues host outdoor yoga events to combine the best of both worlds. Enjoy everything Cumberland Valley has to offer the next time you’re planning your wellness travel!
