3 Favorite Day Trips to Take Near Carlisle, PA

June 01, 2022 · 3 min read

Surrounded by state forests and nature reserves that boast some of the most beautiful landscapes in the state, the city of Carlisle, PA, is a perfect base to go on memorable day trips in your brand-new 2022 GMC Canyon. Whether you like hiking, mountain biking, wildlife watching, or picnicking, these are some destinations you should check out with your friends and family while in town. Fill up your tank, grab some snacks, and hit the road! Here are 3 of our Favorite Day Trips to Take Near Carlisle, PA.

Harrisburg

Located a little over 20 miles northeast of downtown Carlisle, along the banks of the Susquehanna River, the city of Harrisburg is the capital of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a place full of historic sites and local attractions for all types of visitors. During the American Civil War, Harrisburg was an important training center for Union combatants, as well as a regular target for Confederate attacks led by General Robert E. Lee.

Thanks to its historical significance, Harrisburg has become a popular tourist destination among visitors from all over Pennsylvania and beyond. Getting here from Carlisle takes about half an hour by car, driving along route I-81. Some of the local attractions you should check out while in the city include the National Civil War Museum, the Pennsylvania State Capitol, the State Museum of Pennsylvania, Wildwood Park, Fort Hunter Mansion, and the City Island recreational complex.

Tuscarora State Forest

Covering an area of over 90,000 acres spread across six different counties, Tuscarora State Forest is a great destination for Carlisle residents and visitors wanting to explore the natural wonders of the region. Crisscrossed by well-maintained trails, this state forest is a popular destination for hiking and mountain biking, as well as other outdoor sports and recreational activities. This state forest contains four Pennsylvania state parks featuring lakes, waterfalls, streams, and lush forests.

Getting from downtown Carlisle to Tuscarora State Forest takes a little under an hour by car, driving northwest along routes PA-74 and PA-850. Once you make your way here, some of the areas you should explore include Doubling Gap Lake in Colonel Denning State Park, as well as the fishing spots along Fowler Hollow Run in Fowlers Hollow State. Some of the most popular sports and activities in the area include picnicking, horseback riding, boating, kayaking, selective hunting, and camping.

Michaux State Forest

Covering over 85,000 acres of territory, Michaux State Forest is another expansive nature reserve where visitors from all over the state can enjoy the beautiful nature of the area and spend some quality time away from the routine. This place is located about 35 miles southwest of downtown Carlisle, making it possible to reach it in about 40 minutes by car along route I-81. Michaux State Forest is a great spot for hiking, biking, and birding.

If you are searching for a vehicle to explore the wonders that Pennsylvania has to offer, visit us today at our Buick GMC dealership! Check out our used cars in Carlisle, schedule a test drive, and learn about our financing plans from our expert team of sales agents.

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Feb 03, 2023 in Fun things to do in Carlisle, PA

4 Local Attractions You Can Drive to From Carlisle, PA

For anyone who is sick of long commutes and traffic, the appeal of a small town with easy access to local attractions is obvious. Luckily, Carlisle, PA, is just that. A drive from Carlisle will take you less than an hour to numerous nearby destinations. Here are four great places you can drive to easily from Carlisle: more 4 Local Attractions You Can Drive to From Carlisle, PA Carlisle Sports Emporium Located at 1335 Old West Highway, Carlisle Sports Emporium is a great place to check out any time of year. The emporium offers an indoor gun range, a full-service archery range, a large retail store, and an indoor shooting range. The archery and gun ranges are open year-round, while the indoor shooting range is open only during the fall, winter, and early spring. There are many different events and activities at the indoor shooting range, and there are options for all ages. United States Army Heritage Located at 10 Garrison Road, the United States Army Heritage and Soldier's Museum is a great place to visit all year round. The museum offers many different events and activities with something for everyone, no matter what age. There are many special events at the museum throughout the year as well, such as reenactments, music and lectures, and family days. Carlisle Events Car Shows If car shows are more your speed, Carlisle is the place for you. Carlisle has many different car shows throughout the year, including a car show at the end of August and the Carlisle All-American car show at the end of September. There are car shows for every type of car and even a truck show for those who prefer to drive with a larger vehicle. The Carlisle All-American car show is the largest car show in Pennsylvania and is one of the most popular car shows in the country. Cameron Mansion If you are looking for a quieter attraction to visit, the Cameron Mansion is a great option. The Cameron Mansion is open year-round and offers tours from late May through early October. The mansion is also available for special events, such as weddings and other special occasions. The mansion is open for tours and is a great place to visit to learn about the history of the area. Carlisle has something for everyone, so there is no excuse not to get out and enjoy what the area has to offer. Take your Buick Encore GX for a comfortable ride for the whole family; no matter what your taste or interest, you are sure to find something close to home that is sure to please. When you need a new car or reliable service to keep your Buick running smoothly for all your local adventures, visit us at Carlisle Buick GMC!

Dec 01, 2022 in Fun things to do in Carlisle, PA

3 Great State Parks in Driving Distance of Carlisle, PA

Codorus State Park, Marina Drive, Hanover, PA, USA. Photo by Amit Godase Sitting in the heart of the Cumberland Valley and surrounded by sprawling nature reserves and state parks, the city of Carlisle, PA is close to plenty of nearby destinations where you can enjoy some time away from the city and take your family on memorable trips in a GMC. Here are three fantastic spots you can reach in less than two hours from the city. more 3 Great State Parks in Driving Distance of Carlisle, PA Caledonia State Park Encompassing an area of about 1,100 acres, Caledonia State Park was established in the early 1900s and is a well-known recreational destination among visitors from all over southern Pennsylvania. Named after an iron furnace that was owned by Thaddeus Stevens in the area, this place is located about 35 miles southwest of Carlisle and can be reached in less than 40 minutes via route I-81. Besides a full-size reconstruction of the Caledonia Furnace, Caledonia State Park features a summer stock theatre, several fishing spots, a section of the Appalachian Trail, and more than 700 acres of designated hunting grounds. This public recreation area is also a top-rated destination for camping, with about 185 tent and trailer campsites featuring picnic tables, flush toilets, and fire rings. Codorus State Park Established on the southern shores of Lake Marburg, Codorus State Park is another well-known weekend destination among Carlisle locals, offering excellent opportunities for a variety of recreational activities and outdoor sports. Encompassing an area of about 3,500 acres, this place opened its doors to the public in the 1960s and can be reached in a little under one hour by car via route PA-94. Some of the amenities you can find at Codorus State Park include a swimming pool, a 54-hole disc golf course, modern and rustic campsites, and an extensive network of hiking and biking trails. This state park also features a large marina and designated hunting grounds where you can find large populations of wild turkey, white-tailed deer, and ruffed grouse. Susquehannock State Park Located about 75 miles southeast of the Carlisle city center, Susquehannock State Park spans a territory of about 225 acres and can be reached in a little under one hour and a half via route I-83. Established in 1965 and managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, this nature reserve offers fantastic views of the Susquehanna River and great opportunities for hiking, camping, and picnicking. If you are thinking of getting a new or pre-owned GMC vehicle for you and your family, we've got you covered! Stop by Carlisle Buick GMC today, check out our extensive inventory, and take your favorite model on a test drive.

Oct 06, 2021 in Fun things to do in Carlisle, PA

6 of the Best Campgrounds Near Carlisle, PA

Sometimes you just want to get away from it all and get back to nature. A camping trip is a great way to recharge your batteries and enjoy a little time with friends and family. Carlisle, PA is home to some really fantastic campgrounds where you can enjoy making new memories. We checked out the ones with the best facilities and the most beautiful sights so that you can get on with planning your next trip. more Dogwood Acres Campground This is a fantastic place to take a family. There are clear rules for campers to follow which means that the space is well maintained and the facilities are clean and pleasant to use. There is a dog park, a playground for your kids, and a convenient on-site store that is well stocked with everything you need. Get in touch in advance to find out if any special events are being held on-site when you are planning to visit. Moore's Campground Head to Bridge Road in Newville and you will find Moore's. This is a lovely site with a beautiful creek for swimming and golf cart trails you can ride on. It is also a great area for wildlife if you want to spot some deer in a peaceful environment. Cherokee Campground You can pitch a tent here or rent a cabin. There are lots of great amenities on-site as there are quite a few long-term pitches. These include entertainment for the kids like an outdoor playground and a games room. There is also very good and powerful hot water in the shower block, which every camper knows is essential! Enjoy walks in the forest or relax in the pool! Paradise Stream Family Campground A great spot to enjoy a little fishing, Paradise Stream is well equipped with fire rings and picnic tables at most pitches, along with a campground store where propane and seasoned firewood are available. There is a good-sized pavilion which is great for hosting group events even when the weather isn't so hot. Deer Run Camping Resort Over on Sheet Iron Roof Road, this is a great place to camp if you enjoy hiking the trails. There is also a clean and good-sized pool for the whole family to enjoy. The standards of cleanliness in the bathhouse and around the site generally are exemplary, and there are lots of fun activities for the kids to enjoy. The site is also pet-friendly, so bring your furry friends along to enjoy a break too! Charcoal Hearth Campground Charcoal Hearth is a beautiful wooded site with well-spaced pitches that are nicely level. This peaceful site has a very good store where you can get some great food, and you can enjoy some great walks on the hiking trails through the state park. There are places for swimming and canoeing in the area and the site is very peaceful when you want to relax in the evening. What a fantastic selection of beautiful places to camp! Call in at Carlisle Buick GMC to choose your next truck and make sure you have got the space you need for transporting all of your camping gear!