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Altoona, Blair County, PA

Surrounded by the rolling and majestic Alleghenies of Pennsylvania, Altoona and Blair County offers vast green spaces full of stellar outdoor recreation. From both recreational and adventurous bicycling and hiking to water-based recreation, you will find a multitude of choices to name your game and place. Select from one of many community parks and green spaces as well as one of the “Twenty Must See State Parks” in PA.

Juniata River Water Trail

Flowing through a rural landscape, this water trail offers outstanding fishing and camping as well as opportunities to connect with nature, history, and culture along 142 miles of flat, easy water paddling. As an important part of the Mainline Canal Greenway, it is aligned with the September 11th National Memorial Trail.

The Six-to-Ten Trail

The trail follows the route of the Allegheny Portage Railroad tracks and is a part of the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site. The hiking sections are located on or near the original route of the APRR and the bicycle section is located on the route of the New Portage Railroad and celebrates the first railroad to traverse the Alleghenies.

Canoe Creek State Park

Canoe Creek consists of 961 acres with a 155-acre lake, wetlands, old fields and mature forests, which provide critical habitat for migrating birds and other wildlife. The park offers an education center highlighting the historical and natural resources of the park through programs for families and groups, including the historic, iconic Blair Limestone Kilns.

The Lower Trail

This 17-mile long trail includes six trail heads for hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, nature studies, cross country skiing, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and other non-motored recreation. It is aligned with the Juniata River Water Trail and is an important off-road portion of the September 11th National Memorial Trail through Blair County.

Blair County’s outdoor space includes Blue Knob All Seasons Resort which boasts a nine-hole mountain top golf course along with the highest skiable mountain which has the most challenging slopes in PA with an authentic Alpine feel. The resort also offers mountain biking, swimming, tennis, and condo lodging.

In addition, each community within the County has its own version of unique green spaces, some with gardens, picnic areas, and playgrounds.

Canal Basin Park

Canal Basin Park was the location of a major terminus point for the Pennsylvania Canal during the 19th century. The park consists of the Reiser House, the Anne Sloan Borland Performing Arts Pavilion, the Sylvia Schraff Amphitheater, and a custom designed children’s play structure replicating a sectional canal boat. Visitors can also view a replica of the canal lock mechanisms and enjoy picnic areas and walking/bicycle trails.

Discovery Garden

Discovery Garden, located within Hollidaysburg’s Legion Memorial Park, is a beautiful setting for people of all ages and abilities to relax and enjoy nature. The Garden has grown to encompass a series of seven theme gardens connected by wheelchair-accessible pathways; each garden is designed to provide opportunities for hands-on outdoor education about flowers, plants, and ecology. In addition, this green space offers the adjoining Kids’ Kingdom Play Park.

Fort Roberdeau

This 230-acre Blair County park houses a reconstructed 1778 fort which is the western-most Revolutionary War site in America. The park offers unique nature trails, a picnic area, tours, exhibits, and innovative educational programs and special events. The fort was built to protect a lead mining and smelting operation during the American Revolution. The fort and park are located in scenic Sinking Valley, one of the richest agricultural regions in the state.

Mountain Lion Observatory 

Explore one of the most unique opportunities to view stars and planets in a most extremely unusual setting. Experience the dark Sinking Valley night sky with fun and educational programs led by astronomers both knowledgeable and entertaining. Peer through top notch telescopes and enjoy presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on science activities. Located on the spacious grounds of Fort Roberdeau.

With many newer and several award-winning hotels, Altoona offers a multitude of lodging choices.

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1415 11th Ave #2
Altoona, PA 16601

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