Population160,652 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
Valley Towns and Forested State Park Landscapes
Franklin County, PennsylvaniaFranklin County combines Chambersburg and Waynesboro with a landscape linked to the Potomac and Susquehanna watersheds. Caledonia and Cowans Gap state parks cross county boundaries, while Mont Alto provides another local outdoor landmark. The county’s name honors Benjamin Franklin and its separate jurisdiction dates to the post-Revolutionary period. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated 160,652 residents in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, on July 1, 2025.
Franklin County at a Glance
Population160,652 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
County SeatChambersburg
Largest Municipality (2025 estimate)Chambersburg borough
Established1784
ZIP Code LookupUSPS address lookup
Total Area, Including Water772.897 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography)
Major RoutesI-76; I-81; US 11; US 30
Telephone Area CodesPUC area-code map
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Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
Discover Franklin County
Franklin County
Franklin County became a separate jurisdiction in 1784, shortly after the American Revolution, and was named for Benjamin Franklin. Chambersburg serves as its county seat. Its location within the Chesapeake Bay watershed connects most of the county with the Potomac drainage, while northeastern streams flow toward the Susquehanna. That geographic division provides useful context for a county of distinct towns and valleys whose history is broader than any one of its present community centers.
Chambersburg and Waynesboro provide two prominent community reference points within Franklin County. Caledonia, Mont Alto, Cowans Gap, and Buchanan’s Birthplace state parks offer different outdoor and historical settings. Some parks cross county boundaries, so a destination should be located specifically when planning a route. A town stop paired with one of these landscapes gives a broader introduction to the county than attempting to visit every park in a single outing.
What Shapes Us
Local Character
Franklin County combines Chambersburg and Waynesboro with a landscape linked to the Potomac and Susquehanna watersheds. Caledonia and Cowans Gap state parks cross county boundaries, while Mont Alto provides another local outdoor landmark.
Community History
Franklin County became a separate jurisdiction in 1784, shortly after the American Revolution, and was named for Benjamin Franklin. Chambersburg serves as its county seat.
Around the County
Chambersburg and Waynesboro provide two prominent community reference points within Franklin County. Caledonia, Mont Alto, Cowans Gap, and Buchanan’s Birthplace state parks offer different outdoor and historical settings.
Town centers and wooded landscapes invite different discoveries.
A Closer Look
Franklin County
Places and perspectives from Franklin County
Franklin County Wire
Franklin County & Pennsylvania News
Includes Pennsylvania statewide reporting; stories may cover other counties.Photo CreditsSpotlight PA — Pennsylvania Statewide
Top EPA official’s visits to Pa., other swing states ahead of midterms raise ethics concerns
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin is visiting battleground districts and states in the runup to the midterm elections. Are…
Read the Story Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Around Franklin County
Stories from every corner of Franklin County.
Top EPA official’s visits to Pa., other swing states ahead of midterms raise ethics concerns
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin is visiting battleground districts and states in the runup to the midterm elections. Are…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Erie gunman who killed family controlled their movements, finances: police
A Pennsylvania man who fatally shot eight others, including seven family members, before killing himself had exercised strict…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Rep. Perry’s Trump ties targeted by Dems in closely watched Pa. swing district race
The president’s declining popularity could be a liability for Republican U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, a Trump loyalist who…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Reading could pull up to $24M from reserves to balance its next 2 budgets
Reading may use $24 million in reserves to cover budget gaps over two years, raising fears the city…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
The legislature didn’t act on skill games by the Pa. Supreme Court’s deadline. What happens now?
Top lawmakers said they wanted to act before the court-imposed deadline but didn’t, leading some members to mount…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
County Resources
Find the Right Local Connection
Start with the organization responsible for the service you need. Follow its official link for current requirements, office locations and availability.
Government
Pennsylvania statewide resource for residents and visitors.
Schools
Public school contacts
Selected local schools from the NCES 2024-2025 directory. Contact the school or district to confirm enrollment, attendance boundaries and current services; this is not a complete school list.
Benjamin Chambers El Sch – Elementary; grades KG-05. 481 North Franklin St, Chambersburg, PA 17201. 717-261-3442.
Fannett-Metal El Sch – Elementary; grades KG-05. 14823 Path Valley Road, Willow Hill, PA 17271. 717-349-2513.
Greencastle-Antrim El Sch – Elementary; grades 03-05. 500 East Leitersburg Street, Greencastle, PA 17225. 717-597-3226.
Nancy Grayson El Sch – Elementary; grades KG-03. 301 Lurgan Avenue, Shippensburg, PA 17257. 717-530-2770.
Mercersburg El Sch – Elementary; grades KG-05. 30 S Park Ave, Mercersburg, PA 17236. 717-328-5278.
Fairview El Sch – Elementary; grades KG-05. 220 Fairview Ave, Waynesboro, PA 17268. 717-762-1191.
Chambersburg Area Career Magnet Sch – High; grades 09-12. 2459 Loop Road, Chambersburg, PA 17202. 717-261-5656.
Hospitals
Local hospital contacts
Facility contacts from the CMS Hospital General Information directory, updated July 22, 2026. Contact the facility directly to confirm current services and appointment arrangements.
Wellspan Chambersburg Hospital – Acute Care Hospitals. 112 North Seventh Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201. 717-267-3000.
Wellspan Waynesboro Hospital – Acute Care Hospitals. 501 East Main St, Waynesboro, PA 17268. 717-765-4000.
Public Safety
Pennsylvania statewide resource for residents and visitors.
Emergency Services
Pennsylvania statewide resource for residents and visitors.
State Parks
Pennsylvania statewide resource for residents and visitors.
Trails
Pennsylvania statewide resource for residents and visitors.
Utilities
Pennsylvania statewide resource for residents and visitors.
Libraries
Local library contacts
Locations and public phone numbers are from the IMLS FY2024 Public Libraries Survey. Call the branch to confirm current hours and services before visiting.
Alexander Hamilton Memorial Free Library – 45 East Main Street, Waynesboro, PA 17268. 717-762-3335.
Blue Ridge Summit Free Library – 13767 Monterey Lane, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17214. 717-794-5929.
Coyle Free Library – 102 North Main Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201. 717-263-1054.
Lilian S. Besore Memorial Library – 305 East Baltimore Street, Greencastle, PA 17225. 717-597-7920.
St. Thomas Branch Library – 30 School House Road, St. Thomas, PA 17252. 717-369-4716.
Grove Family Library – 101 Ragged Edge Road South, Chambersburg, PA 17202. 717-264-9663.
Courts
Pennsylvania statewide resource for residents and visitors.
DMV
Pennsylvania — Find a Location
Pennsylvania — Title and Registration
Pennsylvania — Licenses & Photo IDs
Transportation
Pennsylvania statewide resource for residents and visitors.
Postal Services
USPS location finder — Search by street address, city or ZIP Code for nearby post offices, collection boxes and available services.
USPS ZIP Code lookup — Find the mailing ZIP Code for a specific street address.
USPS Hold Mail — Arrange a temporary mail hold and review identity-verification requirements.
USPS change of address and forwarding — Review forwarding options and submit an address-change request through USPS.
USPS package pickup — Check pickup availability for your address and schedule eligible shipments.
Veterans
National services available to local residents
VA accredited representatives — Find help with VA claims and benefit applications.
VA health care applications — Review application options and supporting information.
VA disability claims — Find the official steps for submitting a disability claim.
GI Bill and education benefits — Review how to apply for VA education benefits.
Veteran career and employment support — Explore VA employment, training and career assistance.
Employment
National services available to local residents
USAJOBS federal employment — Search federal openings by location and occupation.
Apprenticeship Finder — Search apprenticeship opportunities by location and occupation.
My Next Move career exploration — Explore occupations, industries and career interests.
Government job-training resources — Find routes to state training programs and support for different job seekers.
Unemployment benefit guidance — Find your state program and its application and eligibility information.
Plan Your Franklin County Visit
Find places to go, compare activities and make the most of your time here.
Local Questions
Franklin County: Places, Plans & Practical Answers
Start with these 11 answers, then find 5 more planning questions below the discovery lists.
Yes, as separate stops connected by a drive. Browse places such as 42 West Arts in Waynesboro, then use the battlefield park's directions for Monterey Pass near Blue Ridge Summit. Check gallery and interpretive-center hours separately.
Renfrew Museum and Park: Explore farmstead history and park grounds in Waynesboro; scheduled museum tours may require admission. Caledonia State Park: Enjoy a picnic and forest walk near the Franklin-Adams county line.
Caledonia State Park: Enjoy a picnic and forest walk near the Franklin-Adams county line. Monterey Pass Battlefield Park: Walk the historic battlefield landscape near Blue Ridge Summit; check trail and interpretive-center schedules separately.
Caledonia State Park: Enjoy a picnic and forest walk near the Franklin-Adams county line. Monterey Pass Battlefield Park: Walk the historic battlefield landscape near Blue Ridge Summit; check trail and interpretive-center schedules separately. Free access does not include purchases, rentals or separately ticketed activities.
Bistro 71: Plan a bistro meal in Chambersburg; confirm the current location when making reservations. Montezuma Mexican Restaurant, Waynesboro: Choose a Mexican meal at the Walnut Street location in Waynesboro.
42 West Arts: Browse locally made art and crafts on West Main Street in Waynesboro. Cheerful Flowers & Gifts: Look for gifts and seasonal items on North Main Street in Chambersburg.
Black & Blush Boutique: Browse women's clothing and accessories in Chambersburg. Graceful Beauty Boutique: Shop for women's apparel on East Main Street in Waynesboro.
Franklin County combines Chambersburg and Waynesboro with a landscape linked to the Potomac and Susquehanna watersheds. Caledonia and Cowans Gap state parks cross county boundaries, while Mont Alto provides another local outdoor landmark. Use the local museums and historic sites above to explore that story in more detail.
Alexander Hamilton Memorial Free Library – 45 East Main Street, Waynesboro, PA 17268. 717-762-3335. Blue Ridge Summit Free Library – 13767 Monterey Lane, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17214. 717-794-5929. These contacts come from the supplied local-library directory; call for current opening hours, children’s programs and visitor services.
Benjamin Chambers El Sch – Elementary; grades KG-05. 481 North Franklin St, Chambersburg, PA 17201. 717-261-3442. Fannett-Metal El Sch – Elementary; grades KG-05. 14823 Path Valley Road, Willow Hill, PA 17271. 717-349-2513. These are selected contacts from the supplied school directory. Contact the school or district to confirm attendance boundaries and enrollment; a nearby school is not necessarily the assigned school.
Chambersburg is the county seat recorded in the supplied Franklin County information. Use the Government tab in local resources to locate the department you need; offices may have different addresses and appointment arrangements.
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
My Local Guide
Find Something Fun
Make Time for a Local DiscoveryExplore places to eat, shop and spend time in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Follow each link for current visiting details.
Kids’ Fun
- Renfrew Museum and Park — Explore farmstead history and park grounds in Waynesboro; scheduled museum tours may require admission.
- Caledonia State Park — Enjoy a picnic and forest walk near the Franklin-Adams county line.
Restaurants
- Bistro 71 — Plan a bistro meal in Chambersburg; confirm the current location when making reservations.
- Montezuma Mexican Restaurant, Waynesboro — Choose a Mexican meal at the Walnut Street location in Waynesboro.
Shopping & Retail
- 42 West Arts — Browse locally made art and crafts on West Main Street in Waynesboro.
- Cheerful Flowers & Gifts — Look for gifts and seasonal items on North Main Street in Chambersburg.
Clothing & Boutiques
- Black & Blush Boutique — Browse women's clothing and accessories in Chambersburg.
- Graceful Beauty Boutique — Shop for women's apparel on East Main Street in Waynesboro.
Outdoor Fun
- Caledonia State Park — Enjoy a picnic and forest walk near the Franklin-Adams county line.
- Monterey Pass Battlefield Park — Walk the historic battlefield landscape near Blue Ridge Summit; check trail and interpretive-center schedules separately.
Free Things to Do
- Caledonia State Park — Enjoy a picnic and forest walk near the Franklin-Adams county line.
- Monterey Pass Battlefield Park — Walk the historic battlefield landscape near Blue Ridge Summit; check trail and interpretive-center schedules separately.
Businesses in This County Guide
More Franklin County Questions
How could I build a short Franklin County outing from these places?
One possible plan is Renfrew Museum and Park, a meal at Bistro 71, and a browse at 42 West Arts. These are separate stops; map their addresses and check opening times before deciding whether all three fit your day.
How can I keep a Franklin County day trip inexpensive?
Start with Caledonia State Park and Monterey Pass Battlefield Park and bring a picnic where permitted. Budget separately for museum or amusement tickets, restaurant meals, parking where charged, rentals and purchases. Check the linked destination’s current fees instead of assuming every activity on its grounds is free.
Where should I check the forecast before visiting Caledonia State Park?
Use the county weather section above for the forecast. For Caledonia State Park, also open the destination’s notices for trail, road or facility closures. A county forecast does not confirm that an individual trail or activity is operating.
What should I confirm before making a special trip to Black & Blush Boutique?
Use Black & Blush Boutique to confirm the physical-store address, current opening days and whether the item or fitting you need is available. Some shops list online stock, multiple locations or appointment services, so contact the store about a specific visit.
Where can I find the businesses featured in this Franklin County guide?
The “Businesses in This County Guide” section links to Klines Tax Service, Stolzfus Manufacturing. Open a business page for its contact details. A business featured in this guide may serve the county from another location; confirm its address and service area directly.
Every place has a story.Find Your Next Favorite.