New year, new adventures!

This year is your chance to venture beyond the beaten path. Often called detour destinations, these lesser known (but no less spectacular) places offer unforgettable surprises. Some of our favorite detour destinations feature untouched nature, quaint small towns, and hidden historical gems.

What are you craving in the new year? You will be sure to find what you are looking for off the beaten path. Keep reading as we highlight some of our top detour destinations!

Pennsylvania

Did you know Pennsylvania is officially a Commonwealth? It is one of only four states to adopt this identity. There is plenty more to discover in Pennsylvania. Especially when you venture off the beaten path. Check out the top Pennsylvania detour destinations below!

Columbia & Montour Counties

Are you searching for breathtaking scenery and hometown hospitality? Then it is time to find your way to Columbia and Montour Counties!

East Central Pennsylvania is an area with rich heritage and plenty to do. If you love the outdoors, you will appreciate its nature preserves, wetlands, and state parks. For a taste of history mixed with local charm, check out one of the many covered bridges. If you are feeling social, schedule your visit during one of the many craft fairs and festivals.

Now is the time to find your way to Columbia and Montour Counties! Request your free print and downloadable visitor’s guide today!

Luzerne County

Every season in Luzerne County is a new opportunity to find your fun! From sporting events to concerts to ample outdoor space, there is plenty of fun to be had.

Luzerne County also offers plenty of learning experiences (because learning is always fun!). Eagles Mere Historic Village is an unspoiled Victorian resort. The area includes specialty shops, a museum, a pristine lake, and parks. If you want to learn about black diamonds, take a Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour. The tour gives visitors the opportunity to go 300 feet beneath Earth’s surface to explore abandoned mines. The Lackawanna Heritage Valley is a wonderful place to visit. Located along the Lackawanna River, the area is home to historical and cultural sites.

Are you ready for a fun-filled adventure in Luzerne County? Request your free print and downloadable Luzerne County Visitors Guide today!

Wyoming

For most people, Wyoming is off the beaten path. This beautiful state features unspoiled nature, rugged landscapes, and plenty of small towns. As one of the largest states in the country it can be difficult to decide where to take a detour. Luckily, we have you covered. Below are two of the top detour destinations in Wyoming.

Carbon County

The great outdoors await in Carbon County! All four seasons offer a new and exciting chance to explore southern Wyoming.

During the winter months, visitors can explore more than 500 miles of snowmobiling trails. The three main areas for snowmobiling are the Snowy Range, the Sierra Madres, and the Shirley Mountains. The Snowy Range is the largest and most developed area. The Sierra Madres offer unparalleled beauty. The Shirley Mountains are more remote, with plenty of ungroomed terrain.

Carbon County is also known for its hot springs. Hobo Hot Springs in Saratoga is home to world famous mineral hot springs and thermal waters. It is free and open to the public throughout the year. It is the perfect place to take a detour and enjoy some healthy relaxation.

Whether you like it hot or cold, Carbon County is the place for you! Request your free print and downloadable Carbon County Visitors Guide today!

Bighorn Mountain Country

Bighorn Mountain Country is big on breathtaking vistas and friendly western towns. The preferred route through this area is on U.S. Highway 16. Adaptly named The Sweet 16, this route offers a lower grade and gentler curves than other routes over the Bighorn Mountains. The Sweet 16 also features awe-inspiring scenery including stunning mountain vistas, impressive limestone walls, and vivid desert colors.

No detour would be complete without a stop (or two) in small, welcoming towns. Nestled in the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains, Ten Sleep is an authentic western town that welcomes cowboys, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world. A stop in Worland wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Washakie Museum & Cultural Center. The interpretive center features local human history, from ancient mammoth hunters to Wyoming’s early settlers. Families are also encouraged to go for a swim at the Worland Aquatic Center.

Now is the time to take a detour! Order your free print and downloadable Bighorn Mountain Country Travel Guide today.

Maryland

Maryland is welcoming and full of wonders. It is also off the beaten path, especially for those who don’t live on the East Coast. Are you ready to take a detour in the unforgettable state of Maryland? Keep reading for our top Maryland detour destinations.

Garrett County

Just because you are taking a detour doesn’t mean you have to drive far. Garrett County is easily accessible along the highway. Residents of Maryland, D.C., Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia can easily access Garrett County.

Garrett County is a wonderful place to visit throughout the year. It offers four distinct and beautiful seasons and memorable mountains, rivers, and lakes. During the winter months, Wisp Resort is a popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, snowtubing, and more. As Maryland’s only ski resort, it is the ideal spot to stay and play. During the rest of the year, visitors can enjoy mountain golf on two breathtaking courses and partake in mountain and aerial adventures.

In addition to Maryland’s only ski resort, Garrett County is also home to the state’s largest freshwater lake, Deep Creek Lake. Deep Creek Lake is popular for its beauty and array of fun activities. Vacationers flock to Deep Creek Lake for boating, fishing, kayaking, water tubing, wakeboarding, swimming, and canoeing.

Garrett County is an area worth exploring! Request your free print and downloadable Official Visitors Guide of Garrett County & Deep Creek Lake today!

Carroll County

Time slows down when you venture into Carroll County.  Its rolling hills, quaint countrysides, and scenic streets welcome visitors.

In Carroll County, there are plenty of ways to explore. Visitors can walk, bike, and drive through the countryside. Wine lovers can sip their way along the Wine Trail. The Carroll County Barn Quilt Trail can be enjoyed over several days. History lovers can engage with the past on the Civil War Driving Tour.

If the outdoors are calling, then you must go to Carroll County. This year-round destination is the place to be for outdoor fun. Sunny days are perfect for relaxing picnics and horseback riding. Anglers can discover new favorite fishing spots along the area’s lakes, rivers, and streams.

Agriculture is a way of life in Carroll County. It is a special place where visitors are welcome to experience agriculture first hand. Check out orchards and fields for opportunities to pick your own produce. Farmers markets are a great way to buy locally grown produce and handmade crafts throughout the year. Carroll County has spring, summer, fall, and Christmas markets.

What are you waiting for? Request your free print and downloadable Carroll County Visitors Guide today!

New Year, New Adventures

Are you ready to follow the road less traveled in the new year? Detour destinations invite you to experience the world in a new way. From historical sights to spectacular landscapes, these hidden gems remind us to let the unexpected lead the way.

Looking for more great detour destinations? Check out all of our free print and downloadable travel guides!