From basketball to football, Pennsylvania takes its sports seriously. The state is home to Philadelphia, one of the few cities where all four major American sports leagues are represented: the NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL. Whether cheering on the Eagles or rooting for the 76ers, sports are a big part of the state's culture.
However, Pennsylvania isn't just known for traditional sports. Many enthusiasts like to venture off the beaten track to explore the diverse landscape, where they can engage in a variety of outdoor activities, including white water rafting and hiking. In this article, we take a look at some of these destinations and what makes them so attractive.
For those interested in a sports-themed vacation that involves basketball, Philadelphia is the place to be. Home to the 76ers, the city is brimming with basketball history. The beginning of the NBA season isn't far off, and residents of the city of brotherly love have high hopes that this will be the year that Joel Embiid leads the 76ers to an NBA championship. With the excitement building, some fans will be betting on the 76ers to bring home the Larry O'Brien trophy.
Online betting has become more common over the past few years, giving fans a way to wager on their favorite teams from their phones and computers and platforms like Oddschecker put together lists like this one that make it easy for fans to compare the bonuses different sportsbooks offer. New clients can take advantage of bonus bets and bets that are refunded up to a certain amount, giving them a way to learn about and get comfortable with these websites.
After placing a bet, fans can continue their tour of Philadelphia's sports culture by playing a pickup game at the basketball courts at Fairmount Park or visiting the University of Pennsylvania, which is home to Palestra and is known to many as the Cathedral of College Basketball.
Outside of Philadelphia, Pittsburgh is a great stop for football fans who can enjoy casual games at Schenley Park. In Harrisburg, baseball fans can watch the Senators, a minor league team with a big following.
If you're into hiking or trail running, it's hard to go wrong in Pennsylvania. The state is home to some of the most scenic, challenging hiking and trail running paths in the Northeastern US, such as the Appalachian Trail (AT) and Pine Creek Gorge.
The AT stretches from Georgia to Main and about 230 miles of the route passes through Pennsylvania. You may have heard of the area called Rocksylvania, known for how rocky the path is. That's what makes it a favorite for so many hikers and trail runners. Some of the highlights along the path include the Lehigh Gap, which has a steep ascent that challenges every fiber in your body. The good news is the trail offers a reward at the end: panoramic views of the Lehigh River. Before you set out on the AT, you need to be sure you're up for the challenge, so be sure to train in the months leading up to your visit.
If you can't make it to Arizona to see the Grand Canyon, the Pine Creek Trail, often dubbed the "Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania," is a more than worthy alternative. Here, you can follow a moderate or challenging trail as you take in the sites.
During the spring and summer months, water sports come to life in Pennsylvania. Its many rivers and lakes host thousands of visitors every year. If you're into kayaking and canoeing, you won't want to miss the Susquehanna River, where you can explore a 400-mile stretch that includes calm, scenic floats as well as more rough and ready areas.
The Delaware Water Gap is also a top spot for water sports. It's a popular destination for both novice and experienced paddlers who enjoy its stunning cliffs and serene waters. Perhaps the most famous lake in the state is Lake Erie, which is known for its walleye fishing and draws anglers year-round.
