The Most Beautiful County in Pennsylvania, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the county you think is the most beautiful!

Updated on May 9, 2024 06:18

Many residents and visitors hold strong opinions about which county in Pennsylvania boasts the most breathtaking landscapes and charming towns. Identifying the most beautiful county can help guide future travelers, aiding in vacation planning and local exploration. It can also spotlight lesser-known areas that deserve recognition for their natural beauty and cultural richness. Through a public voting system, everyone has the opportunity to express their preferences, contributing to a dynamic, community-driven ranking. By participating, voters engage in a broader conversation about what makes a destination truly appealing. This communal input is essential for creating a comprehensive and respected list that reflects a wide spectrum of experiences and perspectives.

What Is the Most Beautiful County in Pennsylvania?

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Zoewscott at English Wikipedia · Public domain

Chester County

William Penn

With its rolling hills, picturesque farms, and charming small towns, Chester County is often considered the most beautiful county in Pennsylvania. It is also home to Longwood Gardens, one of the most stunning botanical gardens in the country.
Chester County is located in the southeastern part of Pennsylvania, USA. It is renowned for its scenic beauty, charming small towns, rolling hills, expansive farmland, and historic architecture. The county offers a perfect blend of rural landscapes and suburban living, making it one of the most picturesque counties in the state.

County Seat: West Chester

Population: 523,126

Area: 759 square miles

State Park: Marsh Creek State Park

Nature Preserve: Longwood Gardens
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Smallbones · Public domain

Bucks County

William Penn

This county is known for its historic covered bridges, quaint villages, and scenic countryside. It is also home to the Delaware River and the popular tourist destination of New Hope.
Bucks County is a stunning county located in southeastern Pennsylvania. Known for its picturesque landscapes, charming towns, and historic sites, this county offers a truly picturesque and captivating experience. With its blend of natural beauty and rich history, Bucks County has attracted visitors from around the world.

Size: Approximately 622 square miles

Population: Over 625,000 people

County Seat: Doylestown

Major Rivers: Delaware River, Neshaminy Creek

Landmarks: Bucks County Playhouse, Fonthill Castle, Bowman's Hill Tower
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Daderot · Public domain

Lancaster County

Lancaster County is famous for its Amish communities, which offer a glimpse into a simpler way of life. The county is also home to picturesque farmland, covered bridges, and historic towns.
Lancaster County is a picturesque region located in the south-central part of Pennsylvania, known for its idyllic countryside and rich history. It is often referred to as the 'Garden Spot of America' due to its bountiful farmlands and lush green landscapes. With its charming small towns, quaint Amish communities, and scenic beauty, Lancaster County offers a unique blend of rural tranquility and cultural heritage.

Area: 984 square miles (2,550 square kilometers)

Population: Approximately 545,724 (as of 2020)

County Seat: Lancaster

Landscape: Rolling hills, farmlands, and numerous streams

Amish Population: Home to one of the largest Amish communities in the United States
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Douglas Muth · CC BY-SA 2.0

Montgomery County

William Penn

This county is home to Valley Forge National Historical Park, where visitors can learn about the Revolutionary War and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. It also has several scenic parks and hiking trails, including the Wissahickon Valley Park.
Montgomery County is a picturesque county located in the southeastern part of Pennsylvania. It is known for its charming landscape, historical landmarks, and vibrant communities. With a population of over 800,000 residents, it offers a perfect blend of urban amenities and natural beauty.

Area: 487 square miles

County Seat: Norristown

Parks: Over 80 parks, including Valley Forge National Historical Park

Rivers: Schuylkill River and Perkiomen Creek

Education: Home to numerous prestigious universities and colleges
Montgomery County in other rankings
- Position 10 of 10 in Most popular county in Texas
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Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain

York County

York County is home to the Susquehanna River, which offers stunning views and recreational opportunities. It also has several historic sites, including the Gettysburg Battlefield and the Harley-Davidson Museum.
York County is a picturesque county located in the southeastern part of Pennsylvania. It is known for its scenic landscapes, charming small towns, and rich history. The county offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and urban amenities, making it a highly desirable destination for both residents and visitors.

County Seat: York

Population: Over 450,000

Land Area: 904 square miles

Parks and Recreation: More than 70 parks and nature preserves

Historical Sites: Numerous Revolutionary War and Civil War landmarks
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Nicholas · CC BY 2.0

Centre County

This county is home to Penn State University, which attracts visitors from around the world. It also has several scenic state parks, including Bald Eagle State Park and Black Moshannon State Park.
Centre County is nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful counties in the state. It is characterized by its picturesque landscapes, charming small towns, and abundant natural beauty. The county covers an area of approximately 1,113 square miles, offering a diverse range of outdoor activities and scenic vistas.

Population: Approximately 162,385 residents

County Seat: Bellefonte

State Parks: Bald Eagle State Park, Black Moshannon State Park

Natural Features: Bald Eagle Mountain, Mount Nittany

Recreational Activities: Hiking, Fishing, Camping, Skiing
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AlexiusHoratius · CC BY-SA 3.0

Cumberland County

Cumberland County is home to the Appalachian Trail, which winds through the scenic mountains of the area. It also has several historic sites, including the Carlisle Barracks and the Cumberland County Historical Society.
Cumberland County is a picturesque county located in south-central Pennsylvania. It is known for its charming small towns, historic sites, and scenic landscapes. The county offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions, making it a popular destination for residents and visitors alike.

County Seat: Carlisle

Population: approximately 250,000

Area: 550 square miles

Landscape: Rolling hills, valleys, and farmlands

Climate: Humid continental climate with mild to cold winters and warm summers
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Shuvaev · CC BY-SA 3.0

Northampton County

This county is home to the Lehigh Valley, which offers stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains. It also has several historic sites, including the Bethlehem Steel Museum and the National Canal Museum.
Northampton County is a picturesque county located in the eastern part of Pennsylvania. It is known for its stunning natural landscapes, charming small towns, and rich history. The county was founded in 1752 and was named after Northamptonshire, England. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone seeking a serene and scenic retreat.

County Seat: Easton

Population: Approximately 302,295

Area: 377 square miles

Major Rivers: Delaware River, Lehigh River

National Parks: Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
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dIPENdAVE · CC BY-SA 3.0

Erie County

William Irvine

Erie County is home to the stunning Lake Erie, which offers beautiful views and recreational opportunities. It also has several scenic parks, including Presque Isle State Park and the Erie Bluffs State Park.
Erie County is a picturesque county located in the northwestern corner of Pennsylvania. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, charming small towns, and rich history. The county is home to a diverse range of landscapes, including beautiful beaches, lush forests, serene lakes, and rolling hills.

County Seat: Erie

Population: approximately 270,000

Area: 1,558 square miles

Elevation: average elevation of 1,000 feet

Lake Erie: borders the county to the northwest, offering breathtaking shoreline views and water activities
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Magicpiano · CC BY-SA 3.0

Washington County

This county is home to the picturesque countryside of western Pennsylvania, with rolling hills and charming small towns. It also has several historic sites, including the Meadowcroft Rockshelter and the David Bradford House.
Washington County is a picturesque county located in the southwestern part of Pennsylvania. It is known for its scenic beauty, rich history, and charming small towns. The county offers a diverse range of attractions and recreational opportunities, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

County Seat: Washington

Established: March 28, 1781

Area: 861.4 square miles

Population: 207,346 (2019 estimate)

Largest City: Washington

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Ranking factors for beautiful county

Natural beauty

This includes landscapes, wildlife, bodies of water, forests, parks, and other natural features that contribute to the overall visual appeal of a county.
Historical and cultural attractions

Important landmarks, historical districts, museums, and other cultural attractions that are aesthetically pleasing can enhance the beauty of a county.
Architecture and urban design

The design and appearance of buildings, bridges, and other structures, as well as the overall layout and organization of city and town centers, can impact a county's beauty.
Scenic drives and viewpoints

Counties with picturesque roadways and views may be considered more beautiful due to the availability of stunning vistas and photo opportunities.
Recreational opportunities

Counties that offer a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, such as hiking, biking, boating, or bird-watching, can be seen as more beautiful because they encourage people to explore and appreciate their surroundings.
Cleanliness and maintenance

Counties that prioritize upkeep and have well-kept public spaces, such as parks, gardens, and streets, may be viewed as more attractive and beautiful.
Safety and quality of life

A county that feels safe, has good public infrastructure, and offers a high quality of life can positively contribute to its overall beauty.
Variety and uniqueness

A county that showcases a variety of landscapes, cultural attractions, and natural features may be considered more beautiful because it offers something for everyone and has a unique charm.
Community and local pride

Counties with residents who take pride in their home and celebrate their local heritage can contribute to a sense of beauty and charm.
Seasonal appeal

Counties that offer stunning views and experiences throughout the year, such as fall foliage or spring blossoms, can be seen as more beautiful because of their year-round visual appeal.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful county in Pennsylvania. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or county is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

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183 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each county once every 24 hours. The rank of each county is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beautiful county in pennsylvania

Pennsylvania, known as the Keystone State, has a rich history and diverse landscape. From bustling cities to rolling hills, Pennsylvania has something for everyone. One of the state's greatest treasures is its counties, each with its own unique charm and beauty. But which county is the most beautiful? That's a tough question to answer, as beauty is in the eye of the beholder. However, we've gathered data and opinions from thousands of users to determine the most beautiful county in Pennsylvania. So, without further ado, let's dive into the contenders and see which county comes out on top!