Free Things to Do in Cumberland Valley
Some of the best things in the Valley are free! Enjoy these free activities with the whole family in Cumberland Valley PA.
Free Historical Attractions
U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center / USAHEC
The U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center (USAHEC) is the premier facility for historical research on U.S. Army history and is dedicated to "Telling the Army story...one Soldier at a time." The expansive campus includes the Visitor and Education Center, the U.S. Army War College Library, the U.S.... Read More
Army Heritage Trail at USAHEC
The one-mile Army Heritage Trail is a self-guided, outdoor interactive trail loop, highlighted by a Huey helicopter and M-18 Tank Destroyer (nicknamed the "Hellcat") perched alongside Interstate 81. Walk along the trail, which interprets the history of the U.S. Army and discover full-scale exhibits... Read More
Cumberland County Historical Society
Visit the Cumberland County Historical Society (CCHS), a premier history and education center, dedicated to collecting, preserving and interpreting the county’s history. The Society maintains a library, museum, photo archives, education center, museum shop and the Two Mile House on Walnut Bottom... Read More
Appalachian Trail Museum
The Appalachian Trail Museum is the only museum in the country dedicated to hiking. It portrays and preserves the history and the physical, emotional and spiritual human experiences of the Appalachian Trail (A.T). Exhibits are devoted to early founders of the trail - Benton MacKaye and Myron Avery,... Read More
Mechanicsburg Museum Association
The Mechanicsburg Museum preserves four 1800s buildings from the Cumberland Valley Railroad, a log tavern that predates Mechanicsburg, and a collection of items and records important to Mechanicsburg's history and heritage. The association preserves the 1899 Washington Street Station, the 1866... Read More
Free Outdoor Adventure
Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Pine Grove Furnace State Park is located on 696 acres in Michaux State Forest. Activities include hiking, access to the Appalachain Trail Museum and midway point of the A.T., lakeside beaches at Laurel Lake and Fuller Lake, the Ironmaster's Mansion and more. Find details on all the things to see and... Read More
Kings Gap Environmental Education Center
Kings Gap Environmental Education Center includes 2,531 acres to explore including 25 miles of trails, 3 day use areas, birding opportunities, biking trails and educational programming at the on-site mansion. Find more details on all the things to see and do at Kings Gap here. Weekend Stays at the... Read More
Colonel Denning State Park
Colonel Denning State Park is located on 273 acres of woodland and offers a variety of hiking, biking, hunting and birding, as well as, boating and swimming at the 3.5-acre Doubling Gap Lake. Find more details on all the things to do at Colonel Denning State Park here. Read More
Cumberland Valley Rail Trail
Wildlife viewers of all ages and experiences can hike, bike, walk, or horseback ride on the 13-mile Cumberland Valley Rail Trail that follows the abandoned Cumberland Valley railroad corridor from Shippensburg to Newville. Enjoy interpretative way-point signs on the agricultural and Civil War... Read More
Opossum Lake
Opossum Lake is a 59-acre lake situated on a 274-acre commonwealth-owned recreation area. A dam that is located on Opossum Creek, a tributary of Conodoguinet Creek, creates the lake. Opossum Lake is very popular with outdoor recreation enthusiasts for hiking, boating, fishing and birdwatching. There... Read More
Sunset Rocks Trail
Sunset Rocks Trail also known as Little Rocky Ridge is in the Michaux State Forest. This trail is one of the most popular hikes in the area because it offers great views and takes the hiker to the ruins of a top-secret World War II POW camp. It is very steep so watch your footing! If you feel up to... Read More
Appalachian Trail
Cumberland Valley is home to 46 miles of the 2,189 famed Appalachian Trail. The Valley's section includes a 13-mile stretch that is the longest-flattest section of the entire trail. This portion of the trail allows for easy day hiking that the whole family can enjoy. Find area A.T. info, resources,... Read More
Children's Lake
NOTE: Construction for a repair project at Children's Lake is schedule to kickoff in early April 2022 with an expected completion date of spring 2023. Dam improvements (larger spillway, reconstructed embankments, and an upgraded perimeter wall) and lakeside improvements (new concrete boat ramp,... Read More
Adams-Ricci Community Park
The park is 82 acres and includes baseball and soccer fields, tennis (3 lighted courts), basketball (2 full courts) volleyball (2 lighted courts), pickleball (4 courts), bocce ball (3 courts), a batting cage, food/vending, drinking fountain, horseshoe pits, picnic areas, pavilions, stage area, and... Read More
Free Arts & Entertainment
The Trout Gallery, Dickinson College
This fine arts museum houses Dickinson College's permanent collections of art, ancient through contemporary, and features changing exhibits. Read More
Village Artisans Gallery
Here you'll find a wide selection of artisan crafts housed in a renovated circa 1875 brick church. Featured in this collection of more than 200 American artists is the work of Pennsylvania's fine and craft artists such as Melissa Colucci's and Vicki Byrd's jewelry, Steve Strouse's Shaker... Read More
Dickinson College
Dickinson College was founded in 1783 by Benjamin Rush, a man who believed America needed educated revolutionaries to lead the nation. Less than a week after Dickinson College became chartered, the United States was guaranteed international recognition, making Dickinson the first college chartered... Read More


Annual Events
Many Cumberland Valley events for you and your family are free of charge. Find fun and affordable weekend plans. View Events