EXPLORE

FRANKLIN COUNTY PA

Your Adventure, Your Pace

EXPLORE

FRANKLIN COUNTY PA

Your Adventure, Your Pace

A Few Great Moments in Franklin County

New Episodes!

Wednesdays – 8:30am

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1864 Burning & Rebirth

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Homepage Button for Festival of Trees 2025. More information about this fantastic event can be found here - lots more to see and do in Franklin County, PA !

Appalachian Trail Hike with PA First Lady Lori Shapiro, 10 miles

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Explore Central PA’s Outdoors, History and Main Streets

Travel the trails of Franklin County through acres of farmland and forests. Trek back to frontier settlements and forts, stopovers along the Underground Railroad, and sites of Civil War raids and invasions. Woven between these stories of America’s history are the verdant, rolling hills and azure skies, old-fashioned ice cream parlors, bakeries with shoo-fly pies and sticky buns; orchards with succulent sweet peaches in July and crisp, juicy apples in October; theatres and inns, meandering trails and streams, ski slopes and golf courses, and charming towns where people still smile, stop, and speak.

Chambersburg

Benjamin Chambers traveled west of the Susquehanna River in the early 1730s and established Chambersburg. Today, it is the county seat of Franklin County and home to nearly 300 years of American history, including the advance and retreat of the Battle of Gettysburg and the fateful burning of the core of town in 1864.

Greencastle

Scots-Irish settlers named the town Greencastle because it reminded them of home. It is another town of history and tradition in Franklin County and well-known for the triennial celebration Old Home Week.

Waynesboro

Waynesboro and nearby Washington Township are designated an Appalachian Trail Community with early American, agricultural, and industrial history.

Mercersburg

Mercersburg is the boyhood home of James Buchanan and his niece, who served as hostess of the White House during his tenure as 15th U.S. President. Early American, Underground Railroad, and Civil War history are part of 275 years of Mercersburg.

Shippensburg

Named for Edward Shippen and home to Shippensburg University since 1871, the community is partially in Franklin County and partially in Cumberland County. Surrounded by acres of farmland, it is not unusual to see an Amish buggy in town.

We're closer than you think. A real getaway, just around the corner. This could be your new favorite place.

Hotels and BnBs

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Check out more from our video collection, including Franklin County as one of the key stops along the historic Underground Railroad

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Local Journal

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Archaeology, Geology and the Environment: Exploration on the Stoner Farm

Jul 20, 2023

Exploring the secrets of a 200-year-old homestead and how its environment influenced early settlers is the focus of a new program offered by The Institute on Tuesday, Aug. 1 from 9:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Presented in partnership with Little Antietam Creek, Inc. (LACI),...

NEWS TO KNOW: Governor Wolf Closes Non-Essential Businesses March 19

Mar 1, 2020

Wolf Administration Orders Closure of Non-Life-Sustaining Businesses at 8 p.m. Today, March 19 Enforcement Actions for Restaurant, Bar Dine-In Closure Began at 8 p.m., March 18 Enforcement Actions for Non-Compliance will Begin at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, March 21...

Gov. Wolf: Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available to Small Businesses and Non-Profits Facing Losses Related to COVID-19

Mar 1, 2020

MARCH 19, 2020 Governor Tom Wolf today announced the availability of low-interest loans for small businesses and eligible non-profits in all 67 counties in Pennsylvania through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). “We are incredibly grateful that the SBA...

11/30 Visitors Center Hosts Beauty of Diversity Exhibit

Mar 1, 2020

Fueled by regional artist-photographer Phillip Michael Whitley, the exhibit offers nearly three dozen faces that highlight the evolving culture of Franklin County PA.

Let’s Explore!

Franklin County is simply a treasure to visit and explore, and the nice thing is you get to set the pace. There’s lots to do without the hustle & bustle and the big crowds. Whether you’re a planner or just like to wing it, we’ve got you covered. Below are few ideas to get you started as your memories await in Franklin County, PA

Explore Centuries of Military History on the Franklin County Military Trail

Take a tour of our many trails connected to history. Learn how Franklin County served important roles in winning the civil war and paved the roads to freedom.

Explore Trail Guide

On The Move in The Outdoors

Outdoors the way it should be, explore roads less traveled, fish clear blue waters, golf with mountain views, kayak on peaceful lakes, ski top-notch slopes. Franklin County has an outdoor season for everyone and every adventure.

Explore The Outdoors

Franklin Fresh Food & Dining Guide

Franklin County freshness is unbeatable, our local farms see to it! With an abundance of local fresh food, Franklin County is a favorite of food lovers across a diverse range of dining experiences.

Explore Franklin Fresh

DO / DINE / STAY

DO

We have great local shops, Festivals, Farmer’s Markets, Crafts, Hiking, Kayaking, Fishing, Golf, History Tours…we could go on, but best if you come see for yourself.

LET'S DO This

DINE

Did somebody say “eat?” Franklin County covers all the bases—home cooking, fine dining, neighborhood cafes, bodegas, authentic ethnic selections from across the globe, and more.

LET'S EAT

STAY

Historic Inns, Bed & Breakfasts, Quaint Motels, Modern Hotels, Renovated Warehouses—you name it. Franklin County realizes that where you stay is key to a memorable visit, and our options are endless.

LET'S RELAX

“We can't tell you what a great getaway we had in Franklin County. The people are friendly, the North Square Farmer's Market was fantastic, and we had some of the best meals at the area's local restaurants—we can't wait to come back and explore other areas. I think Greencastle is up next."

~Eleanor Pena

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In appreciation of our ongoing partnership and support from

And our ongoing partnership with

In continued support of

Franklin County Visitors Bureau

Explore Franklin County PA is the official site for adventure, history, and getaways throughout our wonderful county. You'll find adventure at your pace throughout our diverse and unique towns of Chambersburg, Greencastle, Waynesboro, Mercersburg, and a little sliver of Shippensburg and all points in between.