If you’re looking for the best things to see and do in Fulton County, you’re in the right place!
The county was formed in 1850 and named in honor of Pennsylvania native and inventor Robert Fulton.
The county seat is in McConnellsburg, where on June 29, 1863 the first Confederates to be killed in Pennsylvania during the Civil War fell during a clash with Union cavalry.
From state parks to scenic overlooks to an abandoned superhighway, here are 9 of the best things to see and do in Fulton County, PA (plotted as a blue-and-white stars on the map below).
Simply click on the blue text links in the descriptions below to read more in-depth information about each destination.
1. Cowans Gap State Park
Cowans Gap State Park is a fantastic 1,085 acre park located in Fulton County (with a small portion extending into neighboring Franklin County as well).
At the heart of the park lies 42-acre Cowans Gap Lake, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the mid 1930’s.
The park is also home to many miles of trails, including the 1.5 mile Lakeside Trail, which is an easy loop around Cowans Gap Lake.
2. Big Mountain Overlook
Big Mountain Overlook is an expansive vista along Tower Road in the Buchanan State Forest in Fulton County.
Getting there is simple, and it makes for a excellent quick pit-stop when travelling along Route 30 (AKA the Old Lincoln Highway) in this part of southcentral PA.
3. The Abandoned PA Turnpike
The Sideling Hill Trailhead for the Abandoned PA Turnpike is located in Fulton County.
This 13-mile trail, technically called the Pike 2 Bike Trail, was created when two 2-lane tunnels and 13 miles of the Pennsylvania Turnpike was bypassed in 1968.
This is a non-maintained, use at your own risk trail that sees LOTS of use, especially in the summer months.
4. Summit Road Vista
Summit Road Vista is located along a Buchanan State Forest road in Fulton County.
This roadside spot is a favorite of amateur radio enthusiasts as well, so don’t be shocked if you see a scene similar to the one below when visiting Summit Road Vista.
5. The Abandoned South Penn Railroad Aqueduct
The abandoned South Penn Railroad Aqueduct in Fulton County is a 140 year-old, perfectly-preserved remnant of a railroad that was started but never completed.
Built by skilled Sicilian stone masons without any mortar, this aqueduct looks as good now as it did when it was first built nearly 140 years ago!
6. Bark Road Vista
Located just off Route 30 in the Buchanan State Forest, Bark Road Vista offers impressive views to the east, in the direction of McConnellsburg.
The two long barns located in the center of the photo below are a familiar sight to anyone who has even been to Bark Road Vista.
7. The Abandoned Sideling Hill POW Camp
The abandoned Sideling Hill POW Camp in Fulton County is a former Civilian Conservation Corps camp that housed German prisoners of war from the end of the war in 1945 until the spring of 1946.
Today the ruins of the abandoned Sideling Hill POW Camp can be found along Oregon Road in the Buchanan State Forest, where you’ll also find an informational kiosk describing the numbered ruins.
8. Knobsville Vista
Knobsville Vista is a marvelous scenic overlook along the the 84 mile-long Standing Stone Trail, just outside the boundaries of Cowans Gap State park.
This is really a must-see spot for fall foliage lovers in Fulton County.
9. The Tuscarora Summit Hang Glider Launch
The Tuscarora Summit Hang Glider Launch is an exceptional spot to watch adrenaline-junkies engage in the gravity-defying pastimes of hang gliding and parasailing.
This scenic overlook offers an admirable view of McConnellsburg to the west, even on a day without hang gliders / parasailers.
So there you have it – 9 of the best things to see and do in Fulton County, Pennsylvania!
Nearby Attractions
10 Must-See Attractions in Franklin County is your guide to some of the best things to see and do in Fulton County’s neighbor to the east.
19 Must-See Attractions in Huntingdon County is your guide to some of the best things to see and do in Fulton County’s neighbor to the north.
25 Must-See Attractions in Bedford County is your guide to some of the best things to see and do in Fulton County’s neighbor to the west.
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