DISCOVER KINGS GAP: CASTLE, CONCERTS & CUMBERLAND VALLEY CULTURE
By Jo Clark
Spread over 2,500 acres on top of South Mountain, Kings Gap Environmental Education Center and State Park surrounds a historic Italian villa–style stone mansion perched above the Cumberland Valley. Built in the 1930s by the Cameron-Masland family, the stone mansion now serves as the hub of this Pennsylvania State Park’s welcome and interpretive center. Wander through the terraced gardens and soak in the stunning valley views as you admire the castle’s architecture.
ON BIG BLEND RADIO: Travel writer and photographer Jo Clark highlights the beauty, history, and activities of Kings Gap and the surrounding Cumberland Valley region of Pennsylvania. Watch here in the YouTube player or download the episode on Podbean.
Trail Time & Natural Discovery
Kings Gap is the perfect stop for a nature lover. The park has 25 miles of marked trails that cross oak forests, pine plantations, and seasonal pools surrounded by spring wildflowers and curious amphibians. At this altitude, mountain laurel blooms all summer, and you will see wild blueberries, box turtles, and the occasional timber rattlesnake if you pay attention. The Ridge Overlook Trail stands out as offering the best views of the Cumberland Valley.
For history buffs, interpretive signs along the mansion’s day-use trails connect the land to a legacy of iron furnaces, charcoal making, and Appalachian ecology.
Music on the Mountain: Sundays with a View
On the first Sunday of summer months (June through September), Kings Gap comes alive with free concerts atop the mountain, hosted by Friends of Kings Gap. These laid-back lawn concerts—2:00 to 6:30 pm—pair the sweeping valley views with local bands and food vendors. It creates a community vibe that makes you want to stay all afternoon. This year’s lineup of favorite attractions features a diverse range of acts, including rock, blues, bluegrass, Celtic, and jazz. Bring blankets and chairs, kick back, and listen as the music floats across the ridge: rain or shine.
What to Do Nearby
After enjoying the gardens, the music, and the mountain air, head into nearby Boiling Springs or Carlisle for more culture, wine, and a cozy stay.
Totem Pole Ranch & Winery: Set amid rolling farmland, Totem Pole offers handcrafted estate wines and country views. This veteran-owned winery is the perfect place to order a cheese platter featuring local cheeses, one of which is created using their red wine. Enjoy sunset sips and conversations, or maybe live music while you’re there.
Winery at Long Shot Farm: This welcoming vineyard in Carlisle serves approachable wine flights around the bar. Or sit out on the balcony where you can spend an afternoon sipping reds and whites while watching sunbeams dance off grape leaves.
One 13 Social: In downtown Carlisle, One 13 offers a modern gastropub setting, creative cocktails, and delicious locally sourced fare—a stylish stop for dinner after a day of wandering.
Market Cross Pub: The relaxed pub atmosphere is comforting, the service is friendly, and the Shepherd’s Pie is, as we say in the South, “to die for.” I must admit, there is a Cranberry Pecan Salad on the menu that is quite tempting.
Destiny Dairy Bar: If you are in search of something for your sweet tooth, stop by Destiny Dairy Bar. A family-run farm outside of town, they scoop up generous dips of house-made ice cream. The surprising thing is that their cows produce milk with only the A2 enzyme, making it similar to milk from goats, sheep, or buffalo. Scientists attribute the A1 enzyme to the cause of lactose intolerance-type reactions to milk. I can personally vouch for this ice cream having no effect on my lactose-intolerant body!
Allenberry Resort & The Barn at the Allenberry: The Allenberry Resort is just moments from Kings Gap, nestled beside Yellow Breeches Creek—it’s a peaceful, historic, and distinctly warm retreat. Stay in the lodge or a cottage, take a river walk, or catch an evening theater performance. Dining at The Barn offers rustic elegance and farm-to-table menus, perfect for a relaxed, yet elevated, dinner experience. The resort and restaurant combine to provide the ideal getaway spot.
Appalachian Trail – Hike #2, Option 1: A short drive from the castle, the Appalachian Trail crosses the landscape—choose Hike #2, Option 1, a moderate section with ridge views and wild terrain. It’s a quiet way to walk in the footsteps of history and feel the national trail beneath your boots.
1. S. Army Heritage Center: Carlisle is home to military history and the United States Army Heritage Center. The museum sprawls across 56 acres, holding surprises such as actual helicopters, tanks, and underground bunker systems. A day of exploring is fun and filled with learning.
Putting It All Together: A Sample Two-Day Itinerary
Morning One: Start your mountain day at Kings Gap: explore the mansion, walk Ridge Overlook or Woodland Ecology Trails, and enjoy sweeping views. Stay for live bluegrass or jazz at Music on the Mountain—if you are there on the right Summer Sunday. If not, proceed down the mountain for a charcuterie board lunch at Totem Pole Winery.
Afternoon One: Wind down at Totem Pole Winery, with a tasting flight and a meat and cheese lunch plate. Explore a little in the Carlisle community, and maybe pay your respects at Molly Pitcher’s memorial. Or walk around the Children’s Lake in Boiling Springs.
Dinner One: Head to One 13 Social or Market Pub for cocktails and seasonally bright cuisine in Carlisle’s refreshed downtown.
Evening One: Walk along the creek at Allenberry, find a chair, and enjoy the starry night sky before sipping a nightcap at the bar.
Morning Two: Sleep in, then visit the U. S. Army Museum. Afterward, drive scenic backroads to the Winery at Long Shot Farm. Sit outside sipping your way through estate vintages.
Afternoon Two: Walk off your lunch on the Appalachian Trail. Try Hike #2, Option 1—and enjoy the crisp air, scenic ridge, and wild woodlands.
Dinner Two: Settle into The Barn at Allenberry for refined, locally sourced food and soft lighting beside the creek.
Optional Evening: If it is a show night, spend the evening at the resort enjoying live theater.
Why Kings Gap Works for Big Blend Radio & Parks Readers
Kings Gap is a perfect fusion of historic preservation, park stewardship, and creative community programming. The formal mansion—like a castle on a hill—adds a sense of wonder to any visit. At the same time, the free music on the Mountain series invites travelers to discover local culture in an unforgettable setting.
The surrounding region delivers wineries, farm-to-table restaurants, national hiking trails, and creekside resorts to complete the picture. It’s a place where nature, history, and local character all have a voice.
So, whether you’re following the music, tracing historic roots, or simply looking for a quiet trail with a big view, Kings Gap and its neighbors in the Cumberland Valley offer an inspiring long weekend with something for every traveler.
More articles and podcasts to reveal hidden secrets in this three-county area of Pennsylvania.
Explore York County’s Revolutionary History Center and Colonial Complex
Gettysburg: In The Footsteps of Ancestors
Discover Gettysburg’s Haunting and Historic Cashtown Inn
Attention! Memory Marches On At Hidden Gem: Army Heritage Center
Jo Clark is a travel writer and photographer based on South Carolina’s Grand Strand. She has a thirst for knowledge, history, great food, and wine! She does her very best to live up to her podcast title and Instagram handle, “Jo Goes Everywhere!” Follow her there and on her Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/HaveGlassWillTravel/. She is the editor of http://www.RecipesTravelCulture.com
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