Mercersburg Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, activities to do, food to try, and where to stay in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Mercersburg

Located in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Mercersburg is a charming town in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States of America. The town is known for its rich history, outdoor adventures, and beautiful scenic views. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a week, there’s something for everyone in Mercersburg.

List of Places to Visit in Mercersburg

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Conococheague Institute: A museum dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of the Western Maryland and southern Pennsylvania region.
  • Mercersburg Academy: A co-ed college preparatory boarding school with a beautiful campus and rich history dating back to 1836.
  • Old Jail Museum: A former jail turned museum that features exhibits about the history of Franklin County, Pennsylvania.

Natural Attractions of Mercersburg: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Cowans Gap State Park: A stunning park with a 42-acre lake, hiking trails, and scenic views of the Appalachian Mountains.
  • Buchanan State Forest: A scenic forest with hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, hunting opportunities, and beautiful scenery.
  • Cumberland Valley Rail Trail: A 13-mile long trail that is perfect for biking, walking, jogging, and enjoying the scenic views of the surrounding countryside.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mercersburg

  • Tuscarora Trail: A 250-mile long trail that runs from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania, passing through Mercersburg.
  • Chambersburg Rail Trail: A 1.2-mile trail that is perfect for biking, jogging, and walking.
  • Michaux State Forest: A massive forest that is home to many hiking and biking trails, including the popular Iron Masters Challenge.

Best Things to Do in Mercersburg: Activities and Tours

  • Whitetail Resort: A ski resort that offers skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and other winter sports.
  • Mercersburg Inn: A historic inn that features luxurious accommodations and world-class dining.
  • Mercersburg Wine and Beer Festival: An annual festival that celebrates local wines and beers.

Week-Long Itinerary for Mercersburg

Day Activity
1 Explore Mercersburg Academy and Old Jail Museum
2 Hike the Tuscarora Trail or Chamersbrug Rail Trail
3 Visit Cowans Gap State Park and enjoy outdoor activities
4 Take a tour of Conococheague Institute
5 Enjoy skiing and snowboarding at Whitetail Resort
6 Visit local wineries and breweries
7 Relax at the Mercersburg Inn and enjoy their world-class dining

Food and Drink Scene of Mercersburg

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pennsylvania Dutch Chicken Pot Pie: This dish features small squares of dough cooked in a broth with chicken, potatoes, and other vegetables.
  • Scrapple: A breakfast meat made from pork scraps and cornmeal, typically served in thin slices.

Local Beverages

  • Yuengling Beer: A Pennsylvania staple, Yuengling is America’s oldest brewery.
  • Apple Cider: A popular fall drink made with local Pennsylvania apples.

Where to Stay in Mercersburg: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Mercersburg Inn: A historic inn with luxurious accommodations and award-winning dining.
  • White Hall Manor: A charming bed and breakfast with cozy rooms and a beautiful garden.
  • Whitetail Resort Lodging: A ski resort that offers comfortable lodging with stunning views.

What to Buy in Mercersburg: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Pennsylvania Dutch Quilts: Handmade quilts that are a Pennsylvania Dutch tradition.
  • Hershey’s Chocolate: A Pennsylvania staple and national brand made in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Local Culture and Customs of Mercersburg

The local culture and customs in Mercersburg are heavily influenced by Pennsylvania Dutch heritage, with many residents speaking a dialect of German.

Best Time to Visit Mercersburg

The best time to visit Mercersburg is in the fall, when the leaves are turning and the weather is cool and crisp. Spring is also a good time to visit, as the flowers are blooming and the weather is mild.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mercersburg

Do:

  • Embrace Pennsylvania Dutch culture and try local foods.
  • Explore the beautiful natural scenery of the area.

Don’t:

  • Mispronounce the town’s name - it’s pronounced “MUR-sers-burg.”
  • Ignore the rich history of the area.

Safety and Health

Safety in Mercersburg

Mercersburg is a safe town with a low crime rate. Visitors should still take precautions to protect their personal belongings.

Health in Mercersburg

Mercersburg has a hospital and several medical facilities, but visitors should still be prepared and bring any necessary medications with them.

Getting to Mercersburg: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Mercersburg

  • Hagerstown Regional Airport: Located about 25 miles from Mercersburg and offers regional flights.
  • Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport: Located about 90 miles from Mercersburg and offers international flights.

Bus Stations Near Mercersburg

  • Greyhound Station: Located about 18 miles from Mercersburg in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.

Other Options

  • Car Rentals: Several car rental companies have locations in the surrounding area.

How to Get Around in Mercersburg

The best way to get around Mercersburg is by car. Public transportation options are limited.

Where to Go Next from Mercersburg: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Gettysburg: A historic town with a rich Civil War history, located about 45 minutes from Mercersburg.
  • Hershey: A popular tourist destination and home to Hersheypark and Hershey’s Chocolate World, located about 2 hours from Mercersburg.

Conclusion

Mercersburg offers a unique combination of history, natural beauty, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re interested in exploring the town’s rich heritage or enjoying the scenic views of the surrounding countryside, Mercersburg is a wonderful destination for any traveler.

Picture of South Fayette Street in Mercersburg Picture of South Fayette Street in Mercersburg One of the many small alleys connected to Main Street in Mercersburg One of the many small alleys connected to Main Street in Mercersburg Sagee B's in Mercersburg Sagee B's in Mercersburg