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Cowan's Gap State Park is located just a few miles and 12 short minutes from The Pulpit, and offers campsites (with hot showers), hiking, and swimming, boating, and fishing at Cowan's Gap Lake. Unfortunately, the lake is closed from Labor Day to Memorial Day, but the rest of the park is still open for your enjoyment during The Festival.
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has a Cowan's Gap web page that provides more information about the park.
Directions: As you crest the ridge to the east of McConnellsburg on Route 30, look for the paved road directly opposite the Mountain House Bar and Grill. This is Aughwick Road. Make a right onto Aughwick if you're headed west (towards McConnellsburg), or a left if you're headed east (away from McConnellsburg). Proceed a few miles, down into a valley. The park entrance will be on your left. See the area map of The Pulpit, or visit our Maps webpage for more information.
Just three miles west of McConnellsburg, Meadow Grounds Lake offers boating, fishing, and a serene setting. From the U.S. Route 522/Route 16 junction in McConnellsburg, take Lincoln Way West 1 mile. Turn left on Back Run Road, go 1 mile, turn right onto Meadow Grounds Road. Follow the road up the mountain and down the other side, until you reach the lake.
Also very close to The Pulpit is the birthplace of President Buchanan. Simply head east on Route 30, away from McConnellsburg and down the mountain. Make a right onto Route 75 South, and follow the signs to Cove Gap and the park.
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has a Buchanan's Birthplace website that provides more information about the park and President Buchanan.
About 20 minutes away in Greencastle (345 S. Washington St, Greencastle PA, 717-597-9198). Described as 'an expansive 14,000-square-foot mall features beautiful lamps, furniture, glassware, and linens' .
A short 20 minute drive from The Pulpit will lead you to the nearby town of Mercersburg, home of The Mercersburg Academy, founded in 1836. The academy's chapel is on the National Register of Historic Places, and the cabin where James Buchanan was born is on the Academy grounds.
Located on the grounds of the Mercersburg Academy, the John McFadden Model Railroad Museum (717-328-6355) on the Mercersburg Academy campus features 80 different Lionel engines.
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