Pennsylvania offers some of the most picturesque and memorable road trips in the United States, featuring diverse landscapes from the grand Pennsylvania Grand Canyon to quaint historic towns. Here are eight scenic drives in Pennsylvania that promise experiences and views you’ll cherish for years.
1. US Route 6 – The Northern Scenic Connector
US Route 6 is acclaimed as one of America’s most beautiful drives, stretching over 400 miles through the Pennsylvania Wilds region. It takes travelers alongside the Pine Creek Gorge, known as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, offering breathtaking views from Colton Point and Leonard Harrison State Parks.
This route also passes Kinzua Bridge State Park, home to one of the world’s top skywalks, and through charming towns such as Wellsboro and Warren. The route is perfect for fall foliage viewing, hiking, and exploring historic logging heritage at the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum.
2. Laurel Highlands Back Roads – Sewickley Heights to Fern Hollow Road
This shorter but enchanting drive in Western Pennsylvania features winding roads under towering tree canopies, especially stunning at sunrise or sunset. Sewickley Heights and the nearby Fern Hollow Road provide a mystical atmosphere surrounded by nature. Start in the quaint town of Sewickley for cafés and shops before venturing into gently twisting roads ideal for leisurely drives and photo ops.
3. Zelienople to Slippery Rock – PA Route 528
This route takes a winding path through western Pennsylvania’s beautiful countryside. PA Route 528 is known for its curvy, twisty roads that are popular among sports car and motorcycle enthusiasts. The journey weaves through small towns known for local shops, craft breweries, and historic sites like the Living Dead Museum in Evans City, making it a mix of scenic beauty and interesting stops.
4. Volant to State College – PA 208 & US 322
Spanning around 3-4 hours of driving, this mid-sized trip passes through beautiful western Amish farmlands and colorful forested areas. Volant, a small town known for family-owned shops and wineries, kicks off the trip. As the route progresses, drivers pass Grove City Outlets, ideal for shopping, and enjoy scenic rural landscapes blending farmland and woods.
5. Pennsylvania Route 18 – Waynesburg to Erie
This approximately 200-mile drive stretches from the southern to the northern part of Pennsylvania, passing through diverse landscapes from old steel towns to serene reservoirs like Shenango and Pymatuning. The route is excellent for an overnight trip with stops that include regional eateries and outdoor recreation areas. This road offers a captivating mix of Pennsylvania’s industrial heritage and natural beauty.
6. Franklin to Scranton – Routes 62, 666, and 6
Running through the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds, this drive offers deep forest views within the Allegheny National Forest, access to Cherry Springs State Park (famous for dark skies), and the Pine Creek Gorge. The scenic journey crosses several small towns, state and national forest lands, and historic sites, creating an immersive nature-filled experience.
7. West Newton to Philadelphia – PA Route 31 & US Route 30
This long route covers a significant east-west stretch of Pennsylvania, moving from the Youghiogheny River Valley through the Northern Laurel Highlands before heading toward the Philadelphia metro area.
Highlights include picturesque farmland, maple groves, wild woodland, the historic town of Somerset, and Pennsylvania’s first commercial wind farm. It’s perfect for multi-day drives with historical and natural attractions.
8. Scenic Route 6 and Surroundings – Pennsylvania Wilds
Beyond the segment described in the first entry, this broader area encompassing Route 6 includes many side excursions like Tioga-Hammond Lakes, extensive hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and fishing spots. The region is ripe with opportunities for camping and outdoor adventures, making it ideal for travelers wanting to combine scenic driving with nature activities.
Each of these routes offers a unique glimpse of Pennsylvania’s landscapes, from dense forests and mountains to small historic towns and rural farmland. Whether for a quick day trip or a multi-day adventure, these picturesque Pennsylvania road trips provide scenic beauty and cultural experiences you’ll talk about for years.
Locations overview:
US Route 6 (Northern Pennsylvania Wilds region)
Sewickley Heights and Fern Hollow Road (Western PA)
PA Route 528 from Zelienople to Slippery Rock
PA 208 & US 322 from Volant to State College
Pennsylvania Route 18 from Waynesburg to Erie
Routes 62, 666, and 6 from Franklin to Scranton
PA Route 31 & US Route 30 from West Newton to Philadelphia
Tioga-Hammond Lakes, Pine Creek Gorge, Kinzua Bridge State Park area
These drives offer varied scenery including Appalachian forests, river valleys, historic towns, and the famous Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, making Pennsylvania an outstanding destination for road trip enthusiasts.
This article compiles information about these routes from Pennsylvania tourism sources and scenic drive guides.
Sources
(https://www.visitpa.com/explore/trips-trails/)
(https://pawilds.com/journey/scenic-route-6/)
(https://uncoveringpa.com/pennsylvania-fall-foliage-road-trips)
(https://ftp.sharpservices.com/top-5-pennsylvania-car-tours-a-scenic-drive-guide/)
(https://pabucketlist.com/pa-road-trips/)
(https://www.reddit.com/r/Pennsylvania/comments/1dpemu8/driving_through_the_great_state_of_pa_what_are/)
