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Kayaking on Yellow Breeches Creek

Things to Do in Cumberland Valley

Residents love Cumberland Valley's small-town charm and exploring its plentiful outdoor recreation, distinctive dining, rich history, family-friendly activities, and cultural gems. Combined with fun seasonal festivals and events, there's plenty to see and do in your own backyard.

Local businesses contributing to our community's unique character and economic livelihood are at the heart of Cumberland Valley. Our restaurants, shops, and attractions -- combined with Cumberland Valley's hometown friendliness -- help to make Cumberland Valley a place you'll want to call home.

Authentic & Eclectic Experiences

Outdoor Recreation

With over 54,000 acres, 200 miles of trails, three state parks, two state forests, and scenic waterways, outdoor activities are never far from your doorstep. Highlights include the 13-mile Cumberland Valley Rail Trail; the Yellow Breeches Creek, a world-renowned limestone stream; the iconic Appalachian Trail with the midpoint located in Pine Grove Furnace State Park; and Waggoner's Gap Hawk Watch, named by the Audobon Society as one of six Important Bird Areas in the state.

Pine Grove-50

Distinctive Dining

Cumberland Valley has a strong culinary scene with more than 250 delightful local restaurants providing delectable cuisine and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Tap, tour, and try a pint at 25+ locations along the Cumberland Valley Beer Trail, tempt your taste buds and get your caffeine fix along our Coffee & Chocolate Trail; sprinkle in some fun along the Cumberland Valley Ice Cream Trail, or introduce your palate to flavors from around the world.

Round wooden table filled with various dishes for Carlisle dining

Rich History

Cumberland Valley makes history fun. Mix and match unique museums to fully immerse yourself in historical explorations. Highlights include the U.S. Army Heritage & Education Center, the seasonal Appalachian Trail Museum, the Cumberland County Historical Society museum, and the Rolls Royce Museum.

U.S. Army Heritage Trail

Family-Friendly Activities

There's never a dull moment at Cumberland Valley's hotspots for family fun. You'll find something for every member of the family to enjoy -- from indoor activities for rainy days to outdoor adventure at Paulus Farm Market or nearby Roundtop Mountain Resort. More adventure awaits at Carlisle Sports Emporium, SkyZone Indoor Trampoline Park, and Cumberland Drive-In Theatre, one of only approximately 300 drive-in theatres remaining in the country.

Sports Emporium

Cultural Gems

There's a reason Cumberland Valley has consistently been voted one of the Top 10 Towns in America for craft lovers by American Craft Week. Our specialty shops feature locally-made artwork and artisan crafts that reflect the lively local arts scene. Highlights include Meadowbrooke Gourds, the largest gourd-crafting facility in the country, and Village Artisans Gallery, featuring a wonderfully eclectic selection of traditional and contemporary fine American crafts.

Meadowbrooke Gourds

Events

With no shortage of year-round events, Cumberland Valley promises an endless variety of fun experiences. Whether it's Ice Art Fest to celebrate the winter months, Amani Festival in the spring, music festivals throughout the summer months, a plethora of fall festivals, or Carlisle's Wonderland Weekend to welcome the holiday season, you'll be celebrating all year long.

Shippensburg Corn Festival

Fresh-Picked Fun

With an abundance of farmers' markets and roadside stands, you won't have to travel far to experience the bounty of each season. From u-pick strawberries in the spring to u-pick pumpkins in the fall, you'll also find apples, melons, peaches, beans, artisan cheese, local milk, honey, and more. Click here to learn more about Cumberland Valley's Farmland Preservation Program and its commitment to preserving working farms and the area's agricultural heritage.

Apples on tree

Visitors Center-6

Cumberland Valley Visitors Center

Paulus Farm Market-60-Landscape

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Crowd surrounding the stage at night during the Uprise Festival

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Army Heritage Trail

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Central PA Youth Ballet

Seasonal Events & Activities

Man Fly-Fishing at Yellow Breeches Creek in Cumberland Valley

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