With kids! 
We’ve been soaking in the wonders of the outdoors this summer, and Raystown Lake Region was a beautiful reminder that we don’t have to travel far to do that. Dubbed the crown jewel of Pennsylvania, Raystown Lake offers plenty of wheelchair accessible fun and opportunities to explore the great outdoors.
When to go
Raystown Lake offers a classic mountain getaway any time of year. Cool off with a lake breeze in the heat of summer, or cozy up with a s’more on a snowy winter night. The abundance of flora and forests make it beautiful in spring and fall, too. This is one where you really can’t go wrong.
Getting there and around
Nothing in Huntingdon County would be considered a metropolis. If you want to make the most of your time, especially around the lake, you’ll want a vehicle. The bulk of my suggestions below are in central Huntingdon County, but the lake is massive and there are loads of places to explore.
The closest major airports are Pittsburgh and BWI. Both offer accessible rentals.
What to do
Of course the lake is the center of attention here, but it’s also not the only thing to do!
Ridenour Overlook
Why not start with a stunning view of the lake you’re about to explore? You can drive all the way up the mountain to a short, accessible path to Ridenour overlook.
There’s a second path to Hawn’s overlook. The path is wide semi-packed gravel, but the entrance to the path is pretty steep and bumpy. If you think your chair can manage the first 100 ft, then you’ll be fine for the rest of the trail. We weren’t able to do it without assistance.
Seven Points Recreation Area
The Greenside Pathway at Seven Points Recreation Area is a smooth rubber surface leading through woods and down to the lake. We were warned that the hill leading up to the visitor center was steep, so we just took the path to the beach and returned the way we came.
At the beach, the sidewalk winds down to about 30 feet from the water. We were able to wheel the short distance through the grass to the water’s edge. In the grass, the water begins at something like a sidewalk curb. The sand area slopes into the water, but it was easier for us to navigate the grass and the ledge.
While I wouldn’t call this an accessible beach, the paths and views are magnificent and accessible.
East Broad Top Railroad
I’ve never seen inclusion like this on a historic railroad. Actually, it’s rare to see this level of accessibility on a modern train!
East Broad Top Railroad has built accessibility into every part of the experience. Both the indoor coach and the outdoor car have accessible seating options. The lift is built into the train car for a seamless transition, and there is plenty of space to remain in your wheelchair and enjoy the view during your ride, or transfer to a seat if preferred. The coach can fit up to four wheelchairs, and all stops are fully accessible. The trolley ride across the street also has accessible options.
They’re working on several accessibility improvements for the grounds, but at the moment there’s a portable ramp to the shop and ticket booth. The restrooms by the parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
Lincoln Caverns
Huntingdon County may be small, but they’re knocking it out of the park with unexpected accessible finds. While the main entrance to Lincoln Caverns is not wheelchair accessible, wheelchair users can be escorted to the original entrance, along the highway, for a backstage tour. From this entrance, we were able to wheel through tunnels towards the heart of the cavern. I don’t know how much of the cavern we weren’t able to see, but I was really impressed by how much we were able to experience. We didn’t feel like we missed out on anything.
For your own convenience, it’s best to call ahead for the accessible tour, since you do need a personal escort.
Explore Downtown
Huntingdon’s history begins before the start of our nation. Strolling on your own will show countless original buildings and give you a feel for the town built on a canal, then designed around the train. If you’re a history buff, you’ll love learning more about the people behind the town throughout history on a tour with Huntingdon Landmarks. My eleven year old loved this. My eight year old seemed to be more interested in the ants on the street.
Our guide had an excellent knowledge of accessibility, so we knew when to use the street, when to be on the curb, and where we could and couldn’t go. She also had a scavenger hunt to keep the kids engaged.
Where to eat
I almost always feel that when we choose a beautiful mountain getaway over a city vacation we’re sacrificing my foodie dreams. This is not the case in the Raystown Lake Region. Thank goodness!
Standing Stone Coffee Company
Any day that begins at Standing Stone Coffee Company is guaranteed to be a good day. Actually, I’d say the same for a lunch stop. Or a midday pick me up.
Roasting, on site, the top 1% of all coffee produced in the world, guarantees a fresh cup – made just the way you like it. They also serve a variety of baked treats and delicious sandwiches.
Wheelchair entrance is on the side, restrooms are accessible, beautiful outdoor seating area, and life size connect four and other fun games to make the most of your time with the people (and coffee) you enjoy.
Woody’s BBQ
If you’re craving slow cooked southern BBQ in the north, you’ve hit the jackpot with Woody’s BBQ. Kids eat free on Tuesdays!
Marina Café
You can’t miss this one for a perfect sunset-over-the-lake dinner. The Marina Cafe at Lake Raystown Resort serves up meals with absolutely unbeatable views. Kids will be happy with options like Kraft mac and cheese, pudding cups, and Capri Sun.
Both indoor and outdoor seating is wheelchair accessible. If you want to head down by the lake after dinner, take the longer path (to the left if you’re looking at the restaurant from the parking lot).
Moxmoe Pictures Famous Sandwiches
Moxmoe Pictures Famous Sandwiches serves top notch sandwiches with a fun movie theme and multiple T.V.s for entertainment while you wait.
Ramped entrance, spacious accessible restroom.
Rebelz
Rebelz is a food truck worth chasing for their ever changing and always innovative meal options. You can track them down, here or order a boxed lunch to have delivered to the train station when you visit the East Broad Top Railroad!
The Meadows
The Meadows is a small, local chain serving delicious frozen custard. We discovered them on our trip to Altoona, and now we know not to pass one without stopping. So far every branch we’ve seen has easy roll-up ordering.
Where to stay
Location and accessibility put the Fairfield Inn & Suites Huntingdon at the top. It’s centrally located for all things downtown Huntingdon, and it’s an easy middle place for lake adventures.
This is officially the second hotel we’ve stayed in that started with the shower head in the lower position – my sign that hospitality leaders are paying attention to accessibility and inclusion. The shower controls were on the bench side of the roll in showers, the sinks were roll-under, and space and amenities throughout the room were designed for easy access.
