Pennsylvania recently introduced four new culinary trails for visitors to enjoy -- bringing the total number of culinary trails in the state to six. Each trail highlights food and agriculture's role in Pennsylvania's history, economy, and culture. Visitors will be delighted with the tasty offerings as they eat their way across the state. Several Cumberland Valley locations are listed on each trail, and we encourage our visitors to check out these must-stop locations during their stay. (Hint: If you visit the Visit PA website, Cumberland Valley is located in the Dutch Country Roads region.)
Baked: A Bread Trail
Grains are central in Pennsylvania’s history, economy, and culture. Bread, beer, and other baked goods are a huge component of Pennsylvania’s culinary culture.
Talking Breads, located on a farm in Mechanicsburg, features old-world bread craft from flour milled on-site with an Austrian stone flour mill. In addition to bread, guests will find a variety of fresh and local goodies, including grazing boards, meats, eggs, produce, fruits, dairy products, and seasonal flowers. Bring a blanket or sit under a timber-framed pavilion and enjoy a picnic. Hint: Be sure to check their Bread Schedule before visiting. Not all bread varieties are available every day.
Grains are a huge component of beer-making, so don't be surprised to see several breweries on the Bread Trail. Cumberland Valley's Ever Grain Brewing Co. and its award-winning beers in Camp Hill made the list. Check out Ever Grain and more than 25 other locations along the Cumberland Valley Beer Trail, sign up for the free digital passport, and start earning prizes when you check in at participating locations.
Picked: An Apple Trail
From Johnny Appleseed to amazing cideries and Amish apple pies, apples have a rich Pennsylvania history with deep roots. PA’s unique soil composition and air movement make it the perfect location to grow varieties like Pink Lady, Cameo, Honeycrisp, and, of course, Red Delicious.
Big Hill Ciderworks in Gardners consists of two small farms with approximately 40 acres of orchards, producing more than 40 traditional bittersweet and bittersharp varieties of apples specifically chosen for their cider-making potential. Big Hill Ciderworks also presses, ferments, packages, and distributes its ciders. Utilizing traditional, time-honored cider-making methods of slow fermentation, barrel aging, and wild yeast fermentation, their ciders showcase a distinct flavor profile unique to the orchards and the region. Enjoy views of the South Mountain as you sip their draft ciders at the picnic tables and Adirondack chairs in their outdoor space. Fire pits are available for cooler days and evenings.
And, the New Cumberland Apple Festival, held annually on the last Saturday in September, features everything apple! Peruse over 200 vendors selling crafts and fine arts, children's activities, and yummy apple-themed foods.
Chopped: A Charcuterie Trail
While aged may not be the most delicious-sounding adjective for most foods, when it comes to charcuterie, time is the secret ingredient.
While there are no Cumberland Valley locations on this trail, our favorite is Central Wedge Cheese Shop in downtown Carlisle. Talking Breads, mentioned above, also offers charcuterie boards. Simply Flavorful in Mechanicsburg can prepare pre-made charcuterie boards. Alternatively, create your own board from their extensive assortment of products, which includes an impressive variety of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, spices, cheese, pasta, bread, and more.
Visit PA's three-day itinerary for this trail, which also suggests an overnight stay at Dogwood Acres, offering camping sites and cabin rentals. Hint: Dogwood Acres is seasonal and is open from April through October.
Pickled: A Fermented Trail
Not only has the process of fermentation been used for centuries as a preservation technique, but it's also known that some fermented foods are richer in nutrient content. And the only thing better than the health benefits is the taste. Fermented foods have become the go-to way to cut creamy or fatty foods with acidity. Additionally, fermentation has given us some of PA's most famous offerings, including hard cider, wine, beer, and kombucha.
Although no Cumberland Valley location made the state's Pickle Trail, locally-made jarred pickles can be found at several farmers' markets and roadside stands, including Farmers on the Square. And celebrate all things pickle at the annual Picklefest, held in nearby Dillsburg each May.
Scooped: An Ice Cream Trail
The state's 2025 Scooped Ice Cream Trail features three Cumberland Valley locations, all of which are also part of our Cumberland Valley Ice Cream Trail, making them ideal for double dipping.
Destiny Dairy Bar in Carlisle is a 4th-generation farm that provides farm-fresh A2 milk 365 days a year and serves 14+ deliciously creamy ice cream flavors. All milk products are PA Preferred®. (A2 milk may help prevent stomach discomfort associated with dairy products.) Sugar Shack in Mechanicsburg serves homemade, premium, hand-dipped ice cream. Urban Churn Craft Creamery in Mechanicsburg, Carlisle, and Harrisburg uses all-natural ingredients, local produce, and multicultural ingredients to churn unique ice cream flavors in small batches via hand-built Amish Churns with an electric motor.
Cumberland Valley is a dream destination for ice cream lovers, and there are plenty of other places to find this cooling treat! Check out the seasonal Cumberland Valley Ice Cream Trail, sign up for the free mobile passport, and earn prizes. (late May through Labor Day).
Tapped: A Maple Trail
Although no Cumberland Valley locations were highlighted on this trail that celebrates the importance of maple production to the state, several businesses incorporate local maple syrup into their recipes, products, and experiences. Maple syrup can also be purchased at several roadside stands and farmers' markets, such as Ashcombe Farm and Greenhouses, Basehore Farm, and Peters Orchards.
Fort Hunter Mansion in nearby Harrisburg holds an annual Maple Sugar Festival each March. Guests can learn the mysteries of maple syrup making, Native American sugar making, and tree tapping. The event also features taste tests for different maple syrups and Pennsylvania maple products for sale.
