EXPLORE

FRANKLIN COUNTY PA

Your Adventure, Your Pace

EXPLORE

FRANKLIN COUNTY PA

Your Adventure, Your Pace

A Few Great Moments in Franklin County

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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.

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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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Gallery 50 Presents Anything Goes – Paintings & Photography

Nov 22, 2025

Join Gallery 50 for "Anything Goes - Paintings & Photography" exhibition. Admission is Free. The exhibition will be on display through January 31, 2026. Gallery 50 is open Fridays from 5 - 8 pm and Saturdays from 10:30 am - 4:30 pm. Check Facebook...

Monterey Pass Walk & Talk

Oct 28, 2025

South Mountain Partnership and Franklin County Visitors Bureau are teaming up for a fall Walk & Talk at Monterey Pass in Blue Ridge Summit on November 13 from 3 PM to 5 PM. Walkers/hikers will meet at the Monterey Pass Battlefield parking lot on Charmain Road,...

Waynesboro Studio Tour Set for November 1

Oct 27, 2025

The first Greater Waynesboro Art Studio Tour is set to take place on November 1, from 9 AM to 3 PM. Fourteen artists are participating. The tour is to showcase the art of local artists. The tour also includes demonstrations. Members of the Nicodemus Center for Ceramic...

Zion Reformed United Church of Christ Honors Veterans

Oct 27, 2025

Zion Reformed UCC's Veterans Day display for November 8 this year will again be visible to the public to commemorate this year's holiday. Each of the 84 flags in our front flowerbed along South Main Street represent and honor the 84 members of the church who, from...

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.