Vacation rentals in Blue Mountain

Towering over the northern horizon of Eastern and Central Pennsylvania, Blue Mountain, also referred to as Blue Mountain Ridge, is a ridgeline of the ancient Appalachian Mountains extending over 255 miles and home to a wide variety of Pennsylvania’s geographic features and cultural regions. There are four major rivers that create water gaps through the mountain: the Delaware, the Lehigh, the Schuylkill, and the Susquehanna.

In the center of Blue Mountain is the capital region of Harrisburg, where mountain meets metropolitan. Other nearby communities include the Lebanon Valley’s farm land, as well York and Lancaster Counties that are rich with the history of the Pennsylvania Dutch who settled there.

The wide geographic range of the Blue Mountain creates a variety of climate conditions. The southeastern part of the region tends to be much warmer year-round than the northern areas, because it is the only area where the mountains don’t block the Atlantic Ocean. Winters often get below freezing across the region, with lots of snowfall suitable for skiing or snowboarding during your stay in a Blue Mountain rental.

Spring into early summer is tornado season in the state, which often leads to dangerous conditions on the mountains, so be cautious on the roads. Late summer can also see extreme heat in the southeastern region, but it is a bit cooler in the mountains or in the more northern regions, making it a good time to go out exploring the many trails of the mountain. In the fall, the valleys in the central and northern regions do get cold quickly due to the mountain winds, setting the mood for the numerous fall festivals in Harrisburg and the surrounding townships.

Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area

Just on the eastern border of the Blue Mountain Ridge are 70,000 acres of national recreation area. Within this massive park you can visit a number of historical and cultural attractions including early Dutch settlement structures, the Minisink Archeological Site, and Millbrook Village. Canoeing, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing are only a few of the many activities you can enjoy there.

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary

This sanctuary in Albany Township has conducted the world’s longest-running record of migrating raptor populations. The visitor center offers a number of lookout trails where you can view these majestic birds and up to 70 miles of Pennsylvania landscape. Additionally, there are nine trails for hikers of all experience that connect the Sanctuary to the Appalachian trail.

Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area

This mature tree sanctuary in Lower Paxton is on the southern side of the region and is nearly 1,000 acres of forest. Unlike a state park or recreation area, there is as little human development on this land, but you can explore ten and a half miles of trails via hike or cross-country ski depending on the time of year.