Ideas for a day out

Not sure where to go? Start with a theme. Each of these gathers the best places for one kind of day, with a few words on why they are worth the trip.

• Waterfalls and gorges Where to see falling water in Pennsylvania, from the tall falls of the Delaware Water Gap to the glens of Ricketts Glen and the rapids of Ohiopyle.
• Big woods and dark skies A loop through the Pennsylvania Wilds, with old-growth forest, wild elk, a deep river gorge and some of the darkest night skies in the East.
• Rail trails Pennsylvania's best old railroad beds for walking and cycling, from the Great Allegheny Passage to the Pine Creek gorge and the Schuylkill.
• Railroads and coal country Steam trains, mountain railroad landmarks, and the mines and patch towns of Pennsylvania's anthracite region.
• Where America was made The forts, halls and battlefields where Pennsylvania saw the start of the French and Indian War, the founding of the nation and the turning point of the Civil War.
• Classic amusement parks Pennsylvania's old-time amusement parks, with wooden roller coasters, antique carousels and shady picnic groves.
• Underground Pennsylvania Show caves with boat rides and glittering formations, and old coal mines you can ride into.
• Gardens worth the drive The public gardens of Pennsylvania worth planning a whole day around, from Longwood and the Main Line to Hershey, State College and Pittsburgh.