9 Best Road Trips to Take in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's breathtaking outdoor scenery, punctuated by lush forests, craggy mountains, and scenic rivers, makes it a prime road-tripping destination. Traversing the Keystone State unveils immense natural beauty ideal for scenic drives with windows down. From the jagged Pocono Mountain peaks to the shores of Lake Erie, colorful vistas await around every bend. Add to this historic small towns frozen in time, charming city escapes, and attractions celebrating Pennsylvania's rich cultural heritage.
The best road trips in Pennsylvania allow you to enjoy adorable scenery across the state, stopping frequently to fully take in each unique region. Follow these itineraries to immerse yourself in the splendid diversity of Pennsylvania's extraordinary landscapes.
Great Lakes Seaway Trail
Driving along this picturesque byway offers road-trippers an opportunity to discover pristine beaches, sprawling state parks, quaint museums, and bustling breweries while appreciating the history of Erie. The route is around 518 miles, but the Pennsylvania segment extends 64 miles from West Springfield to North East. Various highlights along the route encourage tourists to stop and explore local treasures. These include the adorable town of Erie, known for its captivating history and breathtaking nature.
This picturesque trail houses Presque Isle State Park and Erie Bluffs State Park, teeming with outdoor opportunities like hiking and camping. The Erie Maritime Museum is a must-visit and introduces visitors to the legend of the USS Niagara. Towards the end of the journey in North East, the Lake Shore Railway Museum promises an exciting historical experience. At the same time, the North East Marina provides aquatic fun, such as kayaking and boating on Lake Erie.
Bucktail Scenic Byway
Explore Pennsylvania Wild's stunning scenery along this picturesque 100-mile route from Lock Haven to Ridgway. Endless panoramic vistas and highlights along the route make for an unforgettable road trip, with an opportunity to explore state parks, national forests, and rare history. While the journey is exquisite in any season, fall is the perfect time to appreciate the changing leaf colors as you wind your way through the Sproul and Elk State Forest.
The latter's sprawling wilderness houses a thriving elk population, which allows for amazing encounters with majestic animals in their natural habitat.
Pennsylvania Route 6
National Geographic rates this route among "America's most scenic drives," which speaks to the experience that awaits travelers. Pennsylvania Route 6 stretches at least 400 miles between the bustling city of Philadelphia and the Lake Erie shoreline before extending into some parts of the Buckeye State of Ohio. Picturesque panoramas define this historic route, exposing tourists to rolling landscapes harboring dense forests, state parks, and adorable little towns. Several idyllic stops along the byway invite you to pause and discover local treasures.
In Wellsboro, the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon presents the breathtaking scenery of the Pine Creek Gorge with sweeping vistas. Additionally, the Allegheny National Forest is a sanctuary for a thriving wildlife population, offering a chance to spot cute species like bald eagles, black bears, and white-tailed deer.
Elk Scenic Drive
Famous for its unmatched animal viewing experiences, this 127-mile scenic route cuts through five counties, delivering front-seat views of one of the country's largest land mammals. Other than exploring the diversity of Pennsylvania's wilderness, the journey passes through exciting small towns with unique attractions. A good starting point is in Benezette, which charms visitors with the Elk Country Visitor Center, an excellent venue to witness elk in their natural habitat. More fabulous experiences await at the Sinnemahoning State Park and Wildlife Center, ranging from peering into an eagle's nest to crawling into a bear's cave.
Drivers can leave the comfort of their car to exercise their legs along the primitive trails of the Quehanna Wild Area and enjoy some alone time. Additionally, the 50,000-acre nature area houses numerous bird species, so don't forget to bring binoculars.
Brandywine Valley Byway
Despite its relatively short length, the Brandywine Valley Byway is jam-packed with highlights along its 12-mile stretch to deliver a fulfilling experience. The journey begins at Chadds Ford, winding through the lovely towns of Kennett Square and West Chester before culminating in Wilmington, Delaware. This byway offers the rare opportunity to discover artwork, sample local cuisine, and explore curious history.
Some of the top points of interest to check out include the Brandywine River Museum of Art in Chadds Ford, home to a fine selection of pieces by American artists. Within Kennett Square, Longwood Gardens enchants guests with its wonderland of greenery and serene atmosphere.
Historic National Road
The only all-American road in Pennsylvania, the Historic National Road stretches approximately 620 miles across six states and is the country's first federally funded highway. This stretched road passes through beautiful small towns steeped in two centuries of American history, allowing travelers to see the region's cultural diversity. The first stop you will come across when driving along the Historic National Road in Pennsylvania is Farmington, which introduces tourists to Fort Necessity National Battlefield. This is a hub for American war enthusiasts, preserving the actual site of the Battle of Fort Necessity.
Next along the route is Uniontown, home to a fair share of historic gems, from Searights Tollhouse to the Fayette County Courthouse. The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum in Washington is another notable venue you should check out.
Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway
The Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway offers a variety of surprises. This scenic route introduces travelers to stunning natural views, highlighted by dense forests, beautiful waterfalls, and wide farmlands. The 68-mile journey starts in Seward and winds through Pennsylvania's countryside to Ohiopyle. There are many chances to discover historic and architectural treasures in the towns along the way. In Ligonier, the well-preserved Fort Ligonier provides a fascinating glimpse into the French and Indian War era. Visitors can also stop at Laurel Hill State Park to enjoy the scenic beauty of Laurel Highlands.
This peaceful natural spot offers quiet trails and fishing at Laurel Hill Lake. Ultimately, Ohiopyle is the perfect playground for nature enthusiasts, showcasing stunning landscapes. When you visit, consider exploring Ohiopyle State Park and enjoy exciting whitewater rafting on the Youghiogheny River.
Pennsylvania Turnpike
Nicknamed "America's First Superhighway," the Pennsylvania Turnpike offers more than just a road trip. The 360-mile journey features scenic views of Pennsylvania's backcountry as it takes you through charming, lesser-known small-town gems, from Irwin to Bristol and everything in between. Highlights include the Overholt Distillery Museum in Irwin, which celebrates a rich whiskey-making tradition synonymous with the town. Traveling east to Bucks County, Doylestown boasts one of the most beautiful downtown skylines in small-town Pennsylvania. The charming community is renowned for the Mercer Mile, which showcases three notable architectural masterpieces by Henry Chapman Mercer. At your final stop in Bristol, several historic gems await discovery. However, one of the best experiences for newcomers is taking a relaxed walk down the Bristol Wharf to unwind after a long yet exciting journey.
Gettysburg Loop
Don't miss the exciting Civil War heritage and explore rare sites and artifacts on this delightful road trip centered around the historic borough of Gettysburg. This 3-mile loop is ideal for anyone passing through with only a bit of time to spare. The town played a landmark role in the Civil War by hosting the Battle of Gettysburg, which changed the course of the infamous conflict in favor of the Americans. The trip is a chance to relive the glory days, starting at Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center. This lovely facility provides a preview of the experience awaiting, exposing you to insightful exhibits about the war.
Highlights along the route include Devil's Den and Little Round Top, two sites where the fierce battle took place. Visitors can also see where President Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address at the David Wills House and pay their respects to fallen heroes at the Gettysburg National Cemetery.
Pennsylvania offers roadtrippers a memorable journey through breathtaking vistas and charming destinations off the typical path. By exploring these scenic byways, travelers develop a deeper appreciation for the natural diversity and cultural richness of this historic state. Whether following river valleys, crossing mountain ridges, or strolling through historic downtowns, unforgettable moments happen at every turn. Most importantly, taking these routes at a relaxed pace allows for fully enjoying the peace and beauty of Pennsylvania's remarkable outdoors.
