October 16, 2022
If you enjoy outdoor adventures, look no further! Consider a visit to Refreshing Mountain, an easy 12 minute drive from the Historic Smithton Inn, our cozy Ephrata Bed and Breakfast. When you spend the day at Refreshing Mountain, you will find a variety of fun and adventure for all ages. At the Refreshing Mountain Retreat and Adventure Center in Lancaster, PA, there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you excited and active during your getaway. From zip lining and aerial obstacle courses to pool lounging and escape rooms, there is something for everyone! Here are just a few things you can do at Refreshing Mountain!
The zip line tours at Refreshing Mountain are by far our favorite activity. You will take an exhilarating Zip Line Canopy Tour along a series of cables and platforms through the forest. Experience wildlife in the best way possible- by joining the natural environment. Originally created to study plants and wildlife, these canopy tours are now all about having an exciting experience from a new perspective. This top attraction in Lancaster Country is great for all ages, so don’t just think the kids are doing it. Strap into your harness and ride the pulley cable, zipping from platform to platform, discovering new sights and scenes along the way! This will be one unique adventure that you won’t forget.
Choose Your Excursion
NOTE: You can bring your own camera and/or cell phone with you on the tour to capture still shots or video of your adventure... just be sure you have a way to secure them when you're flying through the trees. Additionally, Refreshing Mountain has the option to rent a helmet-mounted camera that will capture your entire tour & upload the video to the Cloud for you to download when you get home. Here's a clip from MY ziplining trip...note the white camera on top of my helmet!
If the weather's hot, cold or rainy (or you just want to be indoors!), Refreshing Mountain has created three unique Escape Room experiences for groups to enjoy. Two Escape Rooms are indoors and one is a special outdoor activity. The base rate for each is for 4 participants. Escape rooms are a great way to exercise your brain and test your knowledge. You'll need quick wit, sharp insight, and deductive reasoning skills in order find the clues which lead up towards solving puzzles or riddles within each room's challenges! This challenge runs between 45 minutes to an hour.
The Elevated Obstacle Course at Refreshing Mountain is a two-level, family friendly obstacle course designed to test your physical and mental strength. The first level has 11 obstacles ranging from 3 – 13 feet off the ground while the second course boosts you up 15 -25 ft in height for an exhilarating adventure. All 22 challenging elements are full of fun no matter what your age!
Axe Throwing: Give it a toss! If you enjoy a bit of friendly competition with friends, this is the ticket! Refreshing Mountain has all sorts of axes and targets available so there will always be one perfect fit no matter what your skill level. Of course, they have helpful guides who are always ready when needed (and might even join in on the fun themselves). Base rate for 2 people is $60.
Archery & More...: Choose the Bulls Eye package to test your skills at archery, sling shots, plus have fun with pedal carts, and a visit to the wildlife center with 40+ species of reptiles and amphibians and birds of prey, and farm animals.
The main wildlife exhibit includes Owls and Hawks, along with a diverse collection of native Amphibian and Reptile species (some of which are rarely seen!). Additionally there are Zoological displays featuring more than 30 species including: Rattlesnakes, Tropical Lizards, Pythons, and Poison Dart Frogs. There's even a farm animal interactive experience that's far better than your typical 'petting zoo'!
If you’re planning your trip to the Historic Smithton Inn during the spring or summertime, then the pool at Refreshing Mountain will be a favorite destination. Wash away all the heat and enjoy a rejuvenating swim. The near-Olympic size pool is open from Memorial Day until Labor Day and features a 30-foot water slide, diving board, wet playground, and of course, plenty of expansive deck space for sunbathing. The dress code at the Refreshing Mountain pool opts for one-piece swimsuits for females and boxer-style shorts for men, so be prepared when packing for your visit.
Throughout the year the team at Refreshing Mountain lines up special seasonal activities to amp up the fun. For example, in the fall you can throw pumpkins at targets as you traverse the zip line course. During the holiday season they light up the canopy and grounds with Christmas lights for a magical experience.
All these wonderful Refreshing Mountain adventures can definitely work up an appetite! Whether you want a simple snack , tasty drink or a hearty sandwich, there are plenty of delicious options at the 319Cafe. Worth noting is that they serve our favorite ice cream there too (Fox Meadow Creamery!!). Click Here to see their full menu of drinks, sandwiches, wraps, snacks and ice cream.
Refreshing Mountain has a really cute gift shop if you want to bring home a souvenir to remember your adventures. T-shirts, sweat shirts, beanies, coffee mugs, stuffed animals and more can be purchased for you to keep or give as a gift.
There are some really great 'hidden gem' restaurants, coffee shops and taverns not far from Refreshing Mountain.
As you can imagine, the rolling hills and forests near Refreshing Mountain are an outdoor lover's dream! Here are a few nearby attractions we recommend checking out when you're in the area
There are some unique, locally owned businesses near Refreshing Mountain that are worth checking out.
Hursh's Country Store & Gift Shop | 2425 W Main St, Ephrata | Website
After enjoying an exciting adventure at Refreshing Mountain, it's just a 12 minute drive to come back and relax at the peaceful Historic Smithton Inn. Enjoy a bountiful breakfast each morning. Take advantage of amenities that include a Tesla charging station, wireless internet access, concierge recommendations, flat screen TVs, and off-street parking.
Choose from one of 9 luxurious guest rooms and suites. Every guest room has a working fireplace. Some have jacuzzi tubs or frameless glass rain showers.
If your visit happens to fall on a weekend, the Historic Smithton Inn has an amenity you won't find at any other B&Bs in the area, an on-site wine bar with live music! Weathered Vineyards Ephrata is open Friday from 5 - 8 pm, Saturday from Noon - 8 pm and Sunday from Noon - 5 pm.
We can’t wait to see you here in beautiful Lancaster County! To find out more to do in the area take a look at our "Things to Do" page.
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