Explore and enjoy the beauty of Franklin County Pa., just north of the Mason Dixon Line and midway along the Great Appalachian Valley.
Rolling hills and farm fields refresh and energize. Never far from a mountain view, Franklin County offers small town charm and hospitality in communities like Chambersburg, Greencastle, Mercersburg, Shippensburg, and Waynesboro.
Explore trails of history, art, and architecture. Discover fresh peaches and apples. Stroll downtowns with art galleries, antiques and boutique shopping. Bike through the history of the French and Indian War. Hike along the trails of an old iron ore operation. Enjoy four state parks and more than three dozen community parks with walking and biking trails. Franklin County is fresh, green, and waiting to surround you with beauty.
Frontier Driving and Biking Trail
In the 1730s, Franklin County was the American frontier. See settlements, forts, and sites of Native attacks. Discover their early American stories.
Barn Quilt Trail
Centuries of farming and living from the land are part of Franklin County’s past, present, and future. More than three dozen quilt squares on barns, homes, and historic sites tell the story of Franklin County.
Military Trail of History
The Franklin County Military Trail of history begins at the Franklin County 9/11 Memorial Park and travels throughout the county, highlighting more than 250 years of American military history.
Civil War Driving Tour
Franklin County is midway between the battlefields of Antietam and Gettysburg. War came to the county first in 1861, when Chambersburg turned into a military training ground, launching thousands of soldiers into the Shenandoah Valley. 1862 brought the raids of Confederate General JEB Stuart. In June and July 1863, Robert E. Lee commanded 75,000 Confederate soldiers in the Invasion of Pennsylvania and the Gettysburg Campaign. The retreat from Gettysburg saw 10,000 Union and Confederate soldiers clash at Monterey Pass on July 4-5, 1863. Finally, the ultimate destruction came in July 1864, when Confederate General “Tiger” John McCausland ransomed and burned Chambersburg, leaving a town in ashes and 2,000 homeless.
Nature Walks
Connect with nature on the walking trails of Franklin County. Discover birding. Walk lakeside. Enjoy plenty of green space in four state parks and 36 local parks.
Scenic Vistas
Get out, explore and enjoy the fresh air at one of these overlooks: Pole Steeple Overlook located in Pine Grove Furnace, High Rock Vista in South Mountain, Chimney Rocks Overlook near Quincy Township, and Path Valley Overlook in Cowans Gap. All offer breathtaking views of the Valley.
Roadside Farm Stands
Farms and orchards are the backbone of Franklin County, bringing beauty and a delicious variety of fruits and vegetables at farms stands and markets. Grab a copy of Franklin Fresh, bring a cooler, and plan your own “fresh tour.”
Stone Arch and Covered Bridges
Franklin County bridges are stone, wooden, and metal, supporting motorized vehicles, walkers and runners, plus an occasional horse and buggy. Beautiful and touched by romanticism, the bridges of Franklin County are waiting.