An Outdoor Adventure in Lancaster County View All ItinerariesThe hills, Susquehanna River, and Amish countryside of Lancaster County are calling you for a weekend of active fun to connect with nature. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the plethora of outdoor activities the area has to offer. There’s enough listed below to mix & match and fill up two days of recreational enjoyment. Morning Your active weekend away can start before dawn if you want to experience Lancaster County from a mile above the farmland. Rise before the sun and head to meet the US Hot Air Balloon Team for a flight to remember. A hot air balloon ride gives you a bird’s eye view as you drift with the wind. Enjoy some quiet time as you take in the sights. After you land, grab breakfast at nearby Bird-in-Hand Bakery & Cafe. A build-your-own breakfast sandwich, donut, pastry, or bagel will satisfy the hunger built up during your morning adventure. If you’d rather start your outdoor adventure after the sun is up, grab a tasty breakfast at one of these locations before hitting the trail: Speckled Hen (cafe with casual, fresh breakfast options) or Grand Central Bagel (house-made bagels, sandwiches, coffee, and smoothies). Then it’s off into the great outdoors, with . . . Chiques Rock Outfitters offers couples the chance to paddle along the Susquehanna River or bike along the nearby trail with their kayak, canoe, and bike rentals, conveniently located at the Columbia Crossings River Center. Stop by and choose your adventure! The staff at Chiques Rock Outfitters will assist with equipment, plus plenty of local guidance. Estimated Time: 3-5 hours Strasburg Scooters offers a faster way to experience the backroads. Their Covered Bridge Tour takes you over the rolling hills and past Amish one-room schoolhouses, farms with families working in the field, and through covered bridges that dot the Lancaster County countryside. Along the way, you’ll spend some quality time in nature and learn about the history of the area, bridges, and Amish culture. Estimated Time: 3 hours Hiking and biking trails are plentiful across the county for a range of skill levels. Grab your sneakers or bike and hit the trail for a morning of exploring, fresh air, and breathtaking vistas. Estimated Time: 3-4 hours Afternoon When lunchtime rolls around, here are some options that offer either sit-down options or take-out if you want to eat at a park: S. Clyde Weaver (subs, sandwiches, and salads with house-cured and smoked deli meat), Fox Meadows Creamery (house-made sandwiches and soup to pair with ice cream made with local dairy), or Harvey’s Main Street BBQ (house-smoked BBQ, award-winning ribs, and plenty of sandwich options). After you’ve re-charged, here are more options for an afternoon adventure. Ziplines at Refreshing Mountain give guests a chance to fly from tree-to-tree and test their balance. Featuring three zipline courses plus their new aerial obstacle course, this wooded retreat will give your group the chance to refresh and bond over the adrenaline rush. Estimated Time: 2+ hours Nookside Stables takes guests over the rolling hills and farmland on horseback. This riding adventure is friendly and safe for first-time riders. Saddle up and enjoy the view as you trot across the fields. Estimated Time: 1 hour Mt. Gretna Beach & Lake offer guests the chance to relax and cool down in nature. The lake and beach area are family-friendly and surrounded by lush wooded hills. Grab your beach towel and enjoy the sun. Estimated Time: 2-4 hours Evening Round out your day with dinner and then afterward, a round of mini-golf. Get ready for some friendly competition! Water’s Edge Mini Golf is located behind Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord, the perfect dinner spot before a round of mini-golf. The course is nicely landscaped and family-friendly. After the winner has been declared, enjoy a scoop of ice cream at the shop at the end. Estimated Time: 1-2 hours Village Green Mini Golf & Snack Shoppe features two courses that wind through lush greenery. Make your way through the round, then enjoy dinner and ice cream at their Snack Shoppe to complete your exciting evening. Estimated Time: 1-2 hours Here in Lancaster County, you can even stay in the great outdoors. With plenty of camping options, you can sleep under the stars, in a cozy cabin, or in the RV you brought with you. Lake-in-Wood Campground offers unique rentals – from cabins and yurts to a covered wagon, tipi and decked-out double-decker bus. To keep the whole family entertained, head to the pool or participate in one of their weekend activities. Country Acres Campground is surrounded by Amish countryside, combining the Lancaster countryside with the adventure of camping. You’ll love the clean accommodations and the feeling that you’re away from the hustle and bustle, yet close to popular attractions. Starlite Camping Resort features spectacular views to complement your camping adventure. Campsites are mainly for tent and RV campers. Guests will also enjoy their recreation areas, including the pool and playground.