Recreation & Culture

Located in the heart of the scenic Cumberland Valley…

…Franklin County, nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania’s scenic Cumberland Valley, offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern accessibility. With over 1,500 hotel rooms and affordable lodging options, the county welcomes more than 500,000 visitors annually—contributing an estimated $370 million in direct economic impact.

Rich in heritage, Franklin County features a compelling mix of frontier-era stories, Underground Railroad routes, and Civil War history, all set against a backdrop of natural beauty. Visitors enjoy year-round recreation, seasonal festivals, and the welcoming atmosphere of its hometown communities.

Ideally located, Franklin County is just 15 minutes from Hagerstown, MD; 30 minutes from Frederick, MD and the iconic Gettysburg and Antietam National Military Parks; 60 minutes from Pennsylvania’s capital, Harrisburg; and less than 75 minutes from the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. metro area—offering easy access to shopping, cultural attractions, and outdoor adventure.

Franklin County Visitor's Bureau

Franklin County captures the spirit of “Great Moments Along the Way” with a diverse range of recreational and cultural experiences, including:

• Whitetail Resort (skiing/golf)
• Penn National Golf Course (additional public and private golf courses in the area)
• Capital Camps & Retreat Center
• President James Buchanan Birthplace and Buchanan State Park
• Michaux, Buchanan, and Tuscarora State Forests
• Camp Penn State Park
• Hunting and Fishing on abundant state game lands
• Appalachian Trail (The Greater Waynesboro Area is a designated “Appalachian Trail Community”)
• The Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and Museum
• Capitol Theatre
• Caledonia State Park and Totem Pole Playhouse
• H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center at Shippensburg University
• Renfrew Institute for Cultural and Environmental Studies
• Tayamentasachta Environmental Center
• Charles Brightbill Environmental Center
• Extensive Network of Municipal Parks
• Multiple community-based festivals and carnivals (seasonal)
• Community Farmer’s Markets (seasonal)