18 Best & Fun Things to Do in New Germantown, PA

There are many rewarding things to do in New Germantown, PA, even though this Perry County community is very small. The appeal here is not a busy downtown or a long list of commercial attractions. It is the setting. New Germantown works best as a base for back-road drives, short forest hikes, mountain views, and easy day trips to nearby parks and small towns. You can stop at a historic covered bridge, head into Tuscarora State Forest, or spend part of the day exploring lakes, rail-history traces, and scenic overlooks.

This area also suits travelers who like quiet places more than crowded ones. Several of the best stops are simple and practical rather than flashy. A trailhead, a picnic area, or a state park access point can be the main attraction when the scenery is this strong. That makes planning important. Mobile service can be limited in several mountain areas, and some sites are better for a quick stop while others need extra hiking time.

The list below includes places in New Germantown itself and solid nearby options that make sense for a day out. Some are ideal for families. Others are better for experienced hikers or visitors who want railroad, industrial, or local history. Together, they give a clear picture of what makes this part of central Pennsylvania worth the trip.

Things to Do in New Germantown, PA

1. New Germantown Covered Bridge

The New Germantown Covered Bridge is one of the easiest stops right in the New Germantown area, near Blain. It crosses Sherman Creek and gives visitors a quick look at one of Perry County’s classic rural landmarks. According to the covered-bridge route used by Cumberland Valley tourism, this bridge is also known as the New Germantown Bridge and was built in 1891 by John W. Fry. That makes it more than a photo stop. It is also a small piece of local transportation history that still serves its original purpose.

This bridge works best for travelers who enjoy scenic drives and short, simple stops. You do not need to plan a full outing around it. It fits naturally into a backroads loop with forest areas and nearby parks. Because the bridge is still open to vehicle traffic, the experience is mostly about appreciating the structure, creek setting, and quiet countryside around it. Photographers, history fans, and anyone who likes classic Pennsylvania roadside scenery will find it worth a stop.

Plan this one with care. Since it remains an active bridge, do not block the roadway and stay aware of passing vehicles. It is best treated as a brief visit rather than a place to linger in traffic lanes. If you like rural heritage stops, this is one of the most recognizable New Germantown attractions.

Address: Lower Buck Ridge Road (State Route 302) over Sherman Creek, near Blain, PA 17006, just south of PA-274.

2. Big Spring State Forest Picnic Area

Big Spring State Forest Picnic Area sits in Blain, right in the New Germantown area, and it is one of the most practical outdoor bases nearby. This is an official Tuscarora State Forest recreation area, and state listings also identify it as an established trail destination. That makes it more than just a roadside picnic pull-off. It is a useful starting point for exploring the forested landscape around New Germantown.

This stop suits travelers who want a flexible outdoor plan. Some visitors may simply use the area for a quiet picnic and a break from driving. Others will use it as a trailhead for nearby hiking routes, especially if they want a short outing without committing to an entire day in the woods. The setting is simple, but that is part of the appeal. It gives easy access to mountain scenery, forest roads, and trail connections in a part of Perry County that feels remote without being hard to reach.

It is smart to arrive prepared. Official state forest maps are worth checking before you go, especially because mobile service can be limited in these rural mountain areas. Bring water, know which trail you want, and treat this as a practical outdoor hub rather than a heavily developed park. For visitors interested in quiet woods and light planning freedom, this is one of the best things to do in New Germantown.

Address: 4455 Big Spring Road, Blain, PA 17006-9434.

3. Tunnel Trail

Tunnel Trail begins at the Big Spring State Forest Picnic Area in Blain, inside the New Germantown area. This is a short official state forest hike, and DCNR describes it as one mile long. Its main draw is not distance but character. The trail leads to the ruins of two narrow-gauge railroads, and there is also a display case with railroad information at the trailhead. That combination gives this walk a clear purpose and makes it especially appealing for visitors who enjoy local history along with nature.

This is a smart pick if you want a gentle outing instead of a major hike. The trail works well for families, casual walkers, and travelers who like learning something specific while they are outdoors. The railroad ruins add interest that a simple forest path might not have on its own. You get a sense of how industry once reached deep into these mountains, even though the area now feels quiet and remote. That contrast is part of what makes the trail memorable.

Use official state forest maps for navigation before you arrive. Even though the trail is short, this is still a rural mountain setting with limited services nearby. Good shoes are helpful, and it is best to approach the walk as a focused history-and-nature stop rather than a big workout. If you enjoyed rail-related walks elsewhere, such as heritage stops found in places like Johnstown, this trail offers a smaller but distinctive version of that theme.

Address: Trailhead at Big Spring State Forest Picnic Area, 4455 Big Spring Road, Blain, PA 17006-9434.

4. Iron Horse Trail

Iron Horse Trail lies in the Tuscarora State Forest around the Blain and New Germantown area, so it is one of the stronger in-area options for people who want a longer hike. DCNR says this trail provides a 10-mile loop between Big Spring State Park and the Eby Cemetery along PA Route 274. The route follows the old grade of the Perry Lumber Company and Path Valley railroads, which gives the hike both scenic and historical value.

This trail deserves time because it offers more than a standard forest walk. The railroad-grade alignment often creates a different feel from steep mountain trails, and the history behind the route gives you another reason to notice the landscape. Visitors interested in the region’s logging and railroad past will find that context meaningful. At the same time, hikers looking for a substantial outing close to New Germantown will appreciate having a signature loop nearby instead of needing to drive far for a bigger adventure.

It is best for prepared walkers rather than casual sightseers. Ten miles is a real commitment, so bring enough water, wear steady footwear, and start with a map or downloaded directions. Service can be limited in the area, and official state forest maps are the safest planning tool. If you enjoy longer Pennsylvania outdoor days like those around Chambersburg or Danville, this trail gives New Germantown a similarly rewarding backcountry option.

Address: Access via Big Spring State Forest Picnic Area, 4455 Big Spring Road, Blain, PA 17006-9434, or other signed Tuscarora State Forest access points along PA Route 274.

5. Fowlers Hollow State Park

Fowlers Hollow State Park sits near Newville, near New Germantown, and works best as a practical outdoor access point rather than a large destination park. Official Pennsylvania state park information confirms it is part of the recreation choices in this area, and DCNR notes that while hunting is prohibited in the park itself, it provides access to the adjacent Tuscarora State Forest. Trail and winter-use information also confirms that visitors will find parking and a restroom here.

This stop makes sense for travelers who want to get into the surrounding forest without overcomplicating the day. It is a good place to begin a hike, pause during a scenic drive, or use as a simple starting point for deeper exploration nearby. That can be especially helpful in New Germantown, where some of the most rewarding places are not traditional attractions with ticket counters or large visitor centers. Instead, the value comes from access to the landscape.

Facilities are limited, so plan as if you are heading somewhere more remote. Bring food, water, and navigation help rather than expecting many onsite services. This place suits visitors who are comfortable with a simple setup and who understand that the surrounding state forest is the main draw. If your ideal trip is quiet, wooded, and lightly developed, Fowlers Hollow earns a place on your list. It also pairs well with the nearby Tuscarora Trail section for those who want a more serious hike.

Address: Fowler Hollow Road, near Blain/Newville in Perry County. Official administration is c/o Colonel Denning State Park, 1599 Doubling Gap Road, Newville, PA 17241-9756.

6. Tuscarora Trail (Fowlers Hollow section)

The Tuscarora Trail near Fowlers Hollow lies in Tuscarora State Forest near Blain and Newville, close to New Germantown, and it is best for experienced hikers. DCNR says about 23 miles of the Tuscarora Trail cross Tuscarora State Forest, and this long route serves as part of an extensive bypass connected to the Appalachian Trail system. In the Fowlers Hollow area, hikers also have access to a rustic open-faced shelter along the trail.

This section deserves attention because it brings true backcountry character within reach of New Germantown. It is not a polished, casual park path. Instead, it offers a more rugged and serious hiking experience for visitors who want distance, forest immersion, and a stronger sense of being out in the mountains. That makes it a great fit for skilled hikers, backpackers, and travelers who choose destinations based on trails rather than town centers. The connection to the larger long-distance trail network adds meaning, especially for people interested in Appalachian hiking culture.

Preparation matters here. Use official trail maps from DCNR before heading out, and do not assume easy wayfinding or frequent services. A longer hike in this area calls for water, layers, and realistic timing. This is the kind of outing where quiet and remoteness are part of the reward. For travelers who prefer developed parks, other nearby stops may fit better. But for hikers who want one of the most substantial outdoor experiences near New Germantown, this section of the Tuscarora Trail stands out.

Address: Access from Fowlers Hollow area in Tuscarora State Forest; official trail maps are provided by DCNR on the Tuscarora State Forest hiking and maps pages.

7. Colonel Denning State Park

Colonel Denning State Park is near Newville, close to New Germantown, and it is one of the best all-around day-use parks in the region. Official DCNR information says the park includes 273 acres of woodland and a 3.5-acre lake. It also serves as a gateway to the much larger Tuscarora State Forest. That gives visitors a nice balance. You get an easier park setting with access to bigger mountain recreation if you want it.

This park suits many kinds of travelers. Families can enjoy picnicking, swimming, and simple lakeside time. Anglers and boaters have a manageable water setting. Hikers can use it as a starting point for more ambitious routes nearby. Winter visitors also have recreation options, which helps make the park useful in more than one season. In a small-destination guide like this one, a place that supports several styles of travel deserves special attention because it can anchor a half-day or full-day outing.

DCNR states that the park is open every day of the year from sunrise to sunset, with day-use areas closing at dusk. Cell service is unpredictable, so downloading the park map before you go is a smart move. The park also has an EV charging station in the main day-use parking area, which is genuinely useful for road-trippers. If you want a dependable nearby outdoor stop with broad appeal, Colonel Denning is one of the strongest choices around New Germantown.

Address: 1599 Doubling Gap Road, Newville, PA 17241-9756.

8. Flat Rock Overlook via Flat Rock Trail

Flat Rock Overlook is near Newville, close to New Germantown, and it is one of the best scenic hike rewards in the area. The route starts in Colonel Denning State Park and follows the 2.5-mile Flat Rock Trail up Blue Mountain in Tuscarora State Forest. DCNR identifies Flat Rock as a natural outcrop with a scenic vista over the Cumberland Valley, which gives the hike a clear payoff beyond simple exercise.

This outing is ideal for visitors who want a destination hike with a viewpoint at the end. The overlook adds a sense of purpose that many forest climbs lack. Instead of walking only for distance, you are working toward a visible reward. That makes this trail a strong choice for couples, active travelers, photographers, and anyone who wants one memorable mountain view near New Germantown. It can also be a satisfying middle ground between a short easy walk and an all-day backcountry route.

Visitors should approach it as a proper hike, not a drive-up overlook. Bring water, allow enough time for both the climb and return, and wear footwear that suits mountain trails. The scenic value is part of why this stop stands out, but the effort is also part of the experience. If you enjoy overlooks and stronger hiking payoffs in Pennsylvania, this is one of the clearest reasons to leave the village area and head into the nearby mountains. It also complements a broader park day at Colonel Denning very well.

Address: Trail begins at Colonel Denning State Park, 1599 Doubling Gap Road, Newville, PA 17241-9756.

9. Little Buffalo State Park

Little Buffalo State Park is in Newport, near New Germantown, and it is one of the most family-friendly outdoor choices within day-trip distance. DCNR says the park is open for picnicking, swimming, fishing, hiking, boating, wildlife watching, and sightseeing. It also includes historic features and self-guided history opportunities, which gives it more variety than a simple lake park. For many visitors, that makes it an easy place to spend several relaxed hours without needing a strict plan.

This park deserves time because it works for mixed groups. One person can enjoy a light walk while another focuses on the water or history side of the park. Families with children often do well in places like this because there is enough range to keep the day flexible. Travelers who want a gentler outdoor setting than the more remote mountain sites around New Germantown may also prefer Little Buffalo. It is developed enough to feel approachable while still giving a strong sense of central Pennsylvania scenery.

The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, though the pool and some facilities have seasonal hours. Cell service can be unpredictable, so downloading the official park map before arrival is a smart step. There is also an EV charging station near Shoaff’s Mill and the entertainment pavilion. If your trip style leans toward easy recreation and history in one place, Little Buffalo is one of the best things to do near New Germantown.

Address: 1579 State Park Road, Newport, PA 17074-9428.

10. Shoaff’s Mill and the Little Buffalo Historic District

Shoaff’s Mill and the Little Buffalo Historic District are in Little Buffalo State Park in Newport, near New Germantown. This is one of the better heritage stops in the area for visitors who want history without giving up a park setting. DCNR identifies the district as including Shoaff’s Mill, a farmhouse, a train car, and a covered bridge. The park history page also notes that the Perry County Historical Society operates and maintains a museum and library in the farmhouse.

What makes this stop worth your time is the range of historic elements gathered in one place. Instead of focusing on only one structure, the district lets you understand a broader local story that includes industry, transport, and rural life. It is a strong fit for travelers who like self-guided interpretation and for families who want something educational that still feels easy and scenic. You can look at the buildings, walk around the grounds, and connect the history with the rest of your park visit rather than making a separate long trip just for one museum room.

This stop works best when combined with the larger Little Buffalo State Park experience. Treat it as a meaningful part of the day, not the entire day itself. Once onsite, look for self-guided historic district information to help frame what you are seeing. If you enjoy small-scale heritage areas more than large formal museums, this is one of the most rewarding nearby cultural stops around New Germantown.

Address: Within Little Buffalo State Park, 1579 State Park Road, Newport, PA 17074-9428.

11. Newport and Sherman’s Valley Railroad Trace

The Newport and Sherman’s Valley Railroad Trace is inside Little Buffalo State Park in Newport, near New Germantown. This is a good option for visitors who want an easy walk with a strong local history angle. DCNR trail information says the park trail system includes this trace, and highlights along it include a covered bridge over Furnace Run, Shoaff’s Grist Mill, and the original rail car Way Car No. 7. That gives the route more visual variety than a basic nature loop.

This trace deserves time because it mixes outdoor movement with industrial and railroad interpretation in a very accessible way. You do not need to be a dedicated rail enthusiast to enjoy it. The route is easy to appreciate because the history has visible features attached to it. Families, casual walkers, and travelers who want a lighter outing after a mountain hike elsewhere will all find this path useful. It is also a good choice for people who like the idea of heritage travel but do not want a long formal museum visit.

Because it is in a developed state park, planning is simpler here than at some of the forest sites around New Germantown. It works especially well as one part of a broader Little Buffalo day. Give yourself time to walk slowly and notice the details instead of rushing through. Visitors who enjoy rail history may also appreciate comparing this easier trace with more rugged history-linked trails such as Tunnel Trail and Iron Horse Trail in the New Germantown area.

Address: Trail access within Little Buffalo State Park, 1579 State Park Road, Newport, PA 17074-9428.

12. Landis House

Landis House is in Newport, near New Germantown, and it is one of the more distinctive indoor cultural stops within reach of the area. It is operated by the Perry County Council of the Arts as a Creative Commons with contemporary exhibits, concerts, and historically relevant artifacts. The official site also says it houses the permanent Landis family collection along with rotating art and craft exhibits. That combination gives the space both a local identity and a changing reason to return.

This is a useful stop when you want a break from trails, weather, or long driving loops. It suits art lovers, history-minded visitors, and travelers who enjoy seeing how small communities present their culture in intimate spaces rather than in major institutions. Because the exhibits rotate, the experience is not limited to one fixed theme. At the same time, the permanent collection helps keep the place grounded in local story and place. That balance makes it feel more meaningful than a generic gallery stop.

Visitor information lists hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., plus some events and appointments. Admission is listed as free, and parking is available on nearby streets or in the Weis lot on Walnut Street. It is wise to check timing before you build your day around it. If you are already exploring Newport or pairing history with nearby park visits, Landis House is an easy way to add art and local culture to your New Germantown trip.

Address: 67 N. 4th Street, Newport, PA 17074.

13. PCCA Gallery

The PCCA Gallery is in Newport, near New Germantown, and it is a simple but worthwhile indoor stop for regional art. The Perry County Council of the Arts welcomes visitors to exhibitions and programs here, and official visitor information notes that many PCCA events are free and family-friendly. For travelers spending time in a very rural part of Pennsylvania, this kind of cultural stop adds welcome variety to a trip that might otherwise focus only on parks and scenic drives.

The gallery is a good fit for visitors who like local creative scenes and smaller exhibit spaces. It is easy to combine with a walk around Newport, a visit to Landis House, or a larger park day at Little Buffalo. Because this is not a giant museum, it is especially useful for people who want a short indoor experience rather than a full afternoon commitment. That can be ideal on a mixed-weather day or for travelers who want a calmer pace after hiking in the mountains around New Germantown.

Official visitor information lists hours from Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is listed as free. Parking is available in front and on nearby streets, though Newport Borough enforces a two-hour parking limit. That practical detail matters if you plan to combine several nearby stops on foot. For a small-town art break that feels local and low-pressure, the PCCA Gallery earns a place among the more useful nearby attractions.

Address: 1 S. 2nd Street, Newport, PA 17074.

14. Kings Gap Environmental Education Center

Kings Gap Environmental Education Center is in Carlisle, near New Germantown, and it offers one of the broadest mixes of scenery and hiking in the region. DCNR says the property covers 2,531 acres of forest on South Mountain. It also offers more than 25 miles of hiking trails, plus picnicking, wildlife watching, and environmental education. A major draw is the sweeping view of the Cumberland Valley from the Cameron-Masland Mansion area, which gives even a short visit a scenic payoff.

This site is a great fit for travelers who want choices. You can come for a light stop with a view, a picnic, and a brief walk, or you can spend more time on the trail system. That makes Kings Gap useful for couples, families, and solo visitors with different energy levels. The education-center setting also means the place feels a little more structured than a remote forest trailhead, which some travelers prefer. Visitors who enjoy combining landscapes with interpretation may find this especially appealing.

The center is open every day of the year from sunrise to sunset, and day-use areas close at dusk. There is no cell service in the Kings Gap Hollow Area, so downloading maps before arrival is smart. The mansion is open for self-guided tours only on select Sunday afternoons and special events, so check timing if that matters to you. If you like mountain views but want an easier planning experience than a rugged backcountry hike, Kings Gap is one of the best nearby options.

Address: 500 Kings Gap Road, Carlisle, PA 17015-9306.

15. Pine Grove Furnace State Park

Pine Grove Furnace State Park is in Gardners, near New Germantown, and it is one of the richest day-trip options in the wider area. DCNR says the park has two mountain lakes, access to the Appalachian Trail, biking and hiking opportunities, and historic iron-furnace features. It also preserves part of a former charcoal iron-making village. That combination makes it appealing to both outdoor visitors and history-minded travelers.

This park deserves time because it offers real range without feeling scattered. You can focus on the lakes, take a walk, connect with the Appalachian Trail culture, or spend time learning about the industrial history of the site. Travelers who like destinations with more than one layer often find Pine Grove Furnace especially satisfying. It also works well for mixed groups because some people can take an easy scenic approach while others seek longer walks. Compared with smaller stops closer to New Germantown, this is a fuller excursion that can justify a larger part of the day.

The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Cell service is not available in most of Michaux State Forest, including the park, so plan your route in advance. A seasonal general store may have Wi-Fi, and there is an EV charging station in the parking area off Bendersville Road near the Furnace Stack Day Use Area. If you are building a central Pennsylvania itinerary, this park can also pair well with trips through places such as Baden or Cranberry on a wider state loop.

Address: 1100 Pine Grove Road, Gardners, PA 17324.

16. Pine Grove Furnace Iron Works Historic Walking Tour

The Pine Grove Furnace Iron Works Historic Walking Tour is in Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Gardners, near New Germantown. This is one of the strongest self-guided history stops in the region for visitors who want to understand how an industrial site became a public park. Visit Cumberland Valley lists the walking tour officially, and its purpose is to interpret preserved remains of the old iron industry along with the area’s later restoration.

This stop is especially rewarding for travelers who enjoy context. A beautiful park can be even more interesting when you understand what happened there before the trails, lakes, and day-use areas existed. The tour helps connect the landscape to labor, industry, and long-term change. That makes it a good fit for history fans, careful walkers, and anyone who prefers learning at their own pace. Because it is self-guided, you can move quickly through the material or take your time with each point depending on your interest level.

It works best when combined with a broader Pine Grove Furnace visit rather than as a stand-alone trip. If you want the interpretive experience to feel smoother, download the walking-tour material before arriving. That is especially helpful because cell service can be limited in the area. For visitors who like industrial heritage but do not want a formal museum-only day, this walking tour adds depth and purpose to one of the best nearby state parks around New Germantown.

Address: Starts in Pine Grove Furnace State Park, 1100 Pine Grove Road, Gardners, PA 17324.

17. Appalachian Trail Museum

The Appalachian Trail Museum is in Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Gardners, near New Germantown, and it is a niche stop that can be surprisingly memorable. The museum’s official site confirms it is located in the park, and DCNR also lists visiting it among the main activities there. Its setting near the midpoint of the Appalachian Trail gives the museum special meaning for hikers and for visitors curious about long-distance trail culture in the eastern United States.

This attraction suits more than just serious backpackers. Anyone interested in outdoor history, trail communities, or the social side of hiking can enjoy it. The museum gives context that many scenic parks do not provide on their own. Instead of seeing only woods and paths, you also get a sense of the human stories tied to one of the country’s best-known trails. That can make a broader visit to Pine Grove Furnace feel more complete. It is also a nice indoor balance if you are pairing short hikes with educational stops.

Check the museum’s official site for current seasonal hours before you visit, since access can vary. It works particularly well when combined with park trails, the lakes, or the iron works walking tour. Travelers who like focused, place-specific museums often enjoy stops like this because they feel rooted in their setting rather than generic. For an outdoors-oriented day trip from New Germantown, the Appalachian Trail Museum is an easy and worthwhile add-on.

Address: Located within Pine Grove Furnace State Park, 1100 Pine Grove Road, Gardners, PA 17324.

18. Boiling Springs and Children’s Lake

Boiling Springs and Children’s Lake are in Boiling Springs, near New Germantown, and they make an excellent low-key scenic stop. Boiling Springs is recognized as an Appalachian Trail destination in Cumberland Valley, and National Park Service trail mapping identifies Children’s Lake as a key landmark along the trail corridor. That gives the area a real sense of place without requiring a major hike or a complicated outing.

This stop is best for visitors who want a calm walk, attractive photos, and a break from more demanding mountain recreation. Not every day around New Germantown needs to be about steep trails or remote forest roads. Boiling Springs offers a gentler rhythm. You can enjoy the water, walk around town-center areas, and take in the atmosphere of a place shaped partly by the trail that passes through it. That makes it a good choice for couples, casual walkers, and travelers looking for a scenic reset between larger attractions.

Use town-center parking and plan to explore the lake area on foot rather than expecting one main attraction building. This is more of a place experience than a single-site visit. It also combines well with wider Cumberland Valley day trips and scenic drives. If you like pleasant small-town walking environments, you may also enjoy comparing it with other quieter destinations covered on Touristchief, such as Benezette. Around New Germantown, this is one of the easiest nearby options for a peaceful outing.

Address: Children’s Lake area in Boiling Springs, PA 17007; use official Cumberland Valley or NPS Appalachian Trail materials for town-center orientation.

Final Thoughts

New Germantown is the kind of place where the best trip usually comes from combining a few different stops. You might start with a covered bridge, add a short forest trail, then finish with a state park or a small-town art stop. That variety is the real strength of the area.

If you want the closest experiences, focus on the bridge, Big Spring, Iron Horse Trail, and the Tuscarora State Forest access points. If you want easy recreation, Colonel Denning and Little Buffalo are the safest bets. If your trip is more about scenery and regional history, Pine Grove Furnace, Boiling Springs, and Kings Gap can round things out nicely.

The main planning tip is simple. Download maps before you go, bring what you need for the day, and expect a rural pace. That is part of what makes New Germantown, Pennsylvania feel different from busier destinations. It rewards people who enjoy quiet roads, useful stops, and places that feel real instead of overbuilt.