This Pennsylvania Scenic Byway Is The Road Trip Of A Lifetime
Pennsylvania has an underappreciated natural appeal, and one of its best rural highways runs right through the middle of it: The Bucktail Scenic Byway. This route follows Pennsylvania Route 120 for roughly 100 miles (161 km) through the north-central part of the state, stretching from the borough of Ridgway east to Lock Haven, and boasts numerous worthwhile attractions along the way. Much of it threads a narrow valley between two of Pennsylvania's largest state forests, with the West Branch Susquehanna River rarely out of sight. Here is what the drive is like, and which stops are worth working into your next road trip.
What to Expect on the Bucktail Scenic Byway
This route closely traces the West Branch Susquehanna River, winding through a broad river valley before passing beneath steep, forested ridges of the Appalachian Mountains. Much of the drive lies within the Sproul State Forest, where hardwood-covered hills rise sharply from each side of the roadway to create long, enclosed stretches of wilderness. Narrow tributaries, sandstone outcrops, and densely wooded slopes further dominate the scenery, while occasional clearings reveal farms and small river towns set on the floodplain.
Elevation changes in the area are gradual when compared with some of Pennsylvania's more mountainous southern regions, but the local terrain still feels quite rugged and remote. Furthermore, frequent curves follow the natural contours of the river, giving the byway an exciting, continuous sense of movement through one of the state's largest unbroken woodland landscapes and making it especially popular with motorcyclists.
Top Stops Along the Way
Now that you know the lay of the land, here are a few roadside attractions we highly recommend you check out to get the most out of your experience traveling the Bucktail.
Straub Brewery
Straub Brewery in St. Marys ranks among the Bucktail Scenic Byway's most worthwhile historic stops, as well as most refreshing ones, too. Its collection of long-standing buildings and vintage signage makes it especially appealing to anyone interested in the region's early industrial days. Founded in 1872, it remains one of Pennsylvania's oldest family-owned breweries and is known for producing traditional lagers with water drawn from local springs. Here, you can tour portions of the brewery, learn about its old-school brewing heritage, and sample a range of beers in the taproom.
Elk State Forest
Elk State Forest is a standout natural destination, covering around 217,000 acres of hilly Pennsylvanian backcountry. The forest is characterized by its narrow stream valleys and extensive stands of hardwoods that produce spectacular fall color. For travelers on Route 120, this state-run woodland serves as a complement to the small, nearby river towns, perfectly highlighting the byway's lean towards outdoor activity.
Several scenic overlooks, whether reached via trail or road, provide wide views across Appalachia, while a network of other, usually quieter footpaths often lead to more remote creeks, waterfalls, and wildlife habitats strewn throughout. The area is particularly well known for its elk population, and early morning or evening drives commonly provide the best chance of spotting these large mammals.
Sproul State Forest
Sproul State Forest is what many consider to be the scenic heart of the byway, and is Pennsylvania's largest state forest, too, encompassing more than 305,400 acres. Much of Route 120 passes through this vast expanse of forest, where steep ridges rise above the West Branch Susquehanna and create long stretches of uninterrupted wilderness. Try taking a break at various roadside overlooks. But for something a little more active, the forest also contains numerous hiking trails, trout streams, and picnic sites, making it an excellent place to experience the area in all its natural goodness.
Hyner View State Park
Hyner View State Park features yet another one of the most impressive lookout points along this already very scenic byway, sitting high above the West Branch Susquehanna in a pocket of mountains entirely surrounded by the Sproul State Forest. This park's main attraction is the aptly named Hyner View, located at roughly 1,940 feet (591 m) in elevation and providing expansive views of the winding valley and highway below. Like many spots on this itinerary, the overlook is especially popular during fall, when the hardwoods on the far ridge turn before dropping their leaves for the winter. A short detour from the main route, Hyner View also serves as a launch point for hang gliders. Look out for one flying above, even if you don't make it to the top yourself.
Downtown Lock Haven
Lock Haven's downtown marks the eastern end (or start, depending on which way you go) of the Bucktail Scenic Byway and can provide a relaxed conclusion to the drive. The city's compact downtown core hosts a collection of old-timey brick buildings, mom-and-pop shops, restaurants, hotels, and landmarks that reflect its long connection to river transportation and other regional industries.
Drop by the Piper Aviation Museum, which highlights Lock Haven's storied role in aircraft manufacturing, or stroll along the nearby riverfront to enjoy views of the water and mountains off into the distance. Then grab a bite and a cold one at Broken Axe Brew House, or try out other local staples like The Old Corner Grill & Bottle Shop, Dutch Haven Restaurant, and several other small, independent eateries.
Experience Another Side of Pennsylvania on Route 120
The Bucktail Scenic Byway captures a truly peaceful side of Pennsylvania. It is where pleasantly meandering roads follow the flow of water through surprisingly vast woodlands, mountain overlooks, and historic communities in a quiet corner of America's Mid-Atlantic region. Hyner View delivers the widest vista, and Lock Haven the most walkable ending, though the long forested stretches of Route 120 in between are what most drivers remember afterward.
