These 10 Beautiful Byways In Pennsylvania Are Perfect For A Scenic Drive
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Christi
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The National Scenic Byway program has been around since 1991; it designates certain U.S. roads as scenic byways if they are particularly historic or particularly scenic. If you’ve been driving through the state and at any point thought to yourself, “Wow! The scenery is great from this highway!” chances are you’ve found yourself on a scenic byway, maybe without even realizing it. Pennsylvania is home to 20 such roads – here are 10 of the most beautiful Pennsylvania scenic byways.
Bucktail Trail Hwy, Gibson Township, PA 15832, USA
Running along PA 120 near Lock Haven, the Bucktail Trail Byway runs through gorgeous forested areas of Pennsylvania state parks, including the Bucktail State Park Natural Area and Kettle Creek State Park.
Enjoy a quick ride on the Bucktail Trail Byway in this video from Smitty's Adventure Days:
Enjoy a quick ride on the Bucktail Trail Byway in this video from Smitty's Adventure Days:
Pennsylvania 144, PA-144, Bellefonte, PA, USA
Follow PA 144 in order to enjoy the High Plateau Scenic Byway, which runs between Snow Shoe, Centre County, and Renovo, Clinton County. You'll see such sights as Sproul State Forest and be able to stop at cool landmarks along the way, like the historic St. Severin's Old Log Church in Cooper Settlement.
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Longhouse National Scenic Byway, Marienville, PA 16239, USA
This particular byway follows a loop, perfect for a scenic drive through the Longhouse National Forest. Located in Warren and McKean counties, it passes the Allegheny Reservoir on PA 321, PA 59, and Forest Road 262.
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Tunkhannock Creek Viaduct, PA-92, Nicholson, PA 18446, USA
This is not only a beautiful drive, but also a perfect way to admire two of Pennsylvania's most impressive viaducts: the Tunkhannock Viaduct and the Starrucca Viaduct. The byway is along PA 92 between Tunkhannock in Warren County and Lanesboro in Susquehanna County.
Montgomery County, PA, USA
Running between Bucks County and Montgomery County, U.S. Route 202 also contains a bike path.
Take a road trip with Look Around as they travel on U.S. Route 202 from New Jersey to Pennsylvania:
Take a road trip with Look Around as they travel on U.S. Route 202 from New Jersey to Pennsylvania:
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Brandywine Valley SPCA, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA 19380, USA
The Brandywine Valley is famous as one of the most gorgeous spots in Pennsylvania and the Blue Route is the perfect way to appreciate its landscape. You can stop at various landmarks along the way like the Tyler Arboretum.
Tunkhannock, PA 18657, USA
The name might sound epic, but it won't disappoint. Running along US 6 in Tunkhannock, this byway runs through one of the most strikingly beautiful mountain regions in Pennsylvania.
Grand View Scenic Byway, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Most of the scenic byways on this list will take you through incredible views of Pennsylvania's mountains, forests, or valleys, yet the most striking part of the Grand View Scenic Byway is Pittsburgh's skyline. The view will stun you.
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Pennsylvania 419, PA-419, Pennsylvania, USA
The Lebanon Cornwall Scenic Byway is an ideal way to tour Pennsylvania Dutch County in southeastern Pennsylvania. It follows PA 419 and will take you to such landmarks as the Cornwall Iron Furnace (pictured above) and Middlecreek Wildlife Preserve.
Lake Wilhelm, Pennsylvania, USA
Running along Creek Road in Mercer County, the Lake Wilhelm Scenic Byway will bring you straight to its namesake, the beautiful Lake Wilhelm. Be sure to enjoy the surrounding Maurice K. Goddard state park while you're there.
Let's take a virtual flyover of the beautiful Lake Wilhelm and Goddard State Park:
Let's take a virtual flyover of the beautiful Lake Wilhelm and Goddard State Park:
It is quite fortunate that we are blessed with so many Pennsylvania scenic byways to spend a quiet afternoon exploring. Have you had any fun experiences in these places? Are there any other scenic drives near you that you’d suggest?
One of the best ways to enjoy a scenic drive through Pennsylvania is by renting an RV and taking a road trip. Share your favorite place for a relaxing drive with a comment.
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More to Explore
More scenic drives in Pennsylvania
What are some scenic places to drive in Pennsylvania?
Aside from the scenic and historic byways we've featured above, Pennsylvania has many roads that inspire us as we travel. Here are a few more scenic places to drive in Pennsylvania:
- Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway: This stretch of road in Southwestern Pennsylvania is a beautiful scenic drive over rolling hillsides, past peaceful farmlands, through gorgeous forests, and into charming small towns. Along the way, you'll discover lovely bed & breakfasts for a quick stay before continuing on your journey ever this 68-mile scenic byway.
- Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway: Connecting Delaware to the Brandywine Valley is this lovely 37-mile road. It may be fairly short, but there is much to see and do along the way. Stop at Longwood Gardens for a tulip festival in the spring, stop for a hike in Stroud Preserve in West Chester, or stop for a bite to eat in Chadds Ford. Each time you take this drive you will discover something new.
- Elk Scenic Drive: You'll pass through several of Pennsylvania's state parks in this 127-mile jaunt. Much of the drive passes through the beautiful Moshannon State Forest where you can stop for a hike. Benezette, PA is the heart of elk country so you'll definitely see some of the majestic animals grazing in the late afternoon sun.
- Gettysburg National Military Park: This is another quick and easy 23-mile drive that is perfect for nature lovers and history buffs alike. You can even tune into a narrative of the historic events during your self-guided tour by looking for the park's app in the App Store. Start your tour at the Museum Visitor Center. Along the drive, you'll see 16 historic sites, each with its own story.