Traveling far distances isn’t always doable, especially with tight budgets and even tighter schedules. That’s what makes a road trip so perfect. We don’t need to spend a ton of money; we can make the trip as long or as short as necessary, and we get to see some of the most amazing hidden gems in Pennsylvania. Not bad, huh?

Here are the Google Map directions for this rural road trip in Pennsylvania, which leads to some pretty awe-inspiring hidden gems. Add your starting point to customize them, and change and add destinations to meet your interests and your timeframe.

Google Maps
You'll probably want to carve out at least two days for this rural road trip in PA that will take you 439 miles. The drive time is just under 8.5 hours, although you still have to account for the time you'll spend at each destination. Gas up the car; roll down the windows, and hit the road on this epic road trip!

1. Tionesta

Tionesta, PA 16353, USA
Facebook/Tionesta PA
Let's kick off this rural road trip in Pennsylvania with a stop in the darling small town of Tionesta. Nestled in the Pennsylvania Wilds, the tiny town is home to the annual Tionesta Indian Festival, the seasonal Market Village (a quaint village of shops), and Hallers General Store. Outdoor lovers will definitely want to spend time on the massive 3,000-acre Tionesta Lake. Find out why this small town in Pennsylvania is the perfect destination for a getaway by reading our previous article.

2. Austin

Austin, PA 16720, USA
Flickr/Jon Dawson
Up next on our Pennsylvania road trip is the charming town of Austin. Home to Hammersley Wild Area, the most remote spot in Pennsylvania, Austin is absolutely spectacular, especially if you love the outdoors. Follow one of the trails at Hammersley Wild Area, or explore Sinnemahoning State Park. The vibrant small town also has a tragic past, which you can learn more about at its official memorial. Read more about the Austin Dam Memorial in our previous article.

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3. Coudersport

Coudersport, PA 16915, USA
Flickr/Nicholas_T.
Coudersport is perhaps best known for two gems - Cherry Springs State Park and Coudersport Ice Mine. The state park boasts some of the darkest skies on the Eastern Seaboard, making it perfect for stargazing. Coudersport Ice Mine, a seasonal attraction, fills with ice during the summer. That ice melts in the winter. Make some time, too, to explore the darling downtown area. Get a glimpse of all that waits in this adorable small town in Pennsylvania on this PA rural road trip.

Here are some tips for preparing for your trip to Cherry Springs State Park on YouTube, shared by Visit Potter-Tioga Visitors Bureau.

4. Wellsboro

Wellsboro, PA 16901, USA
Flickr/ScottB211
A small Pennsylvania town that looks like it's stepped from an old-fashioned postcard, Wellsboro is a breathtaking weekend destination, especially at Christmastime. Spend time exploring the enchanting downtown area, a throwback to yesteryear, any time of the year. Wellsboro is also home to perhaps the most spectacular natural wonder in Pennsylvania: Pine Creek Gorge, our very own Grand Canyon. Take a peek at the magic that awaits in this small town in Pennsylvania during the holiday season.

Take a stroll along Main Street in Wellsboro by viewing this YouTube video by Lawn Dominator Babe.

5. Selinsgrove

Selinsgrove, PA 17870, USA
Facebook/Downtown Selinsgrove
Our final stop brings us to the small town of Selinsgrove. A stroll through town will take you to quaint shops and restaurants. If you love spending time outdoors and gorgeous views, stop by Shikellamy State Park. Save some time to take the bridge to the darling Isle of Que, too, where you can go for a walk or a bike ride, and have a picnic. Read more about the enchanting Isle of Que in a previous article.

Will you go on this rural road trip in Pennsylvania? Do you have a favorite road trip in Pennsylvania? Share it with us in the comments! Up for a drive that will take you straight to some of the best pierogis in Pennsylvania? Go hungry!

Before you hit the road on any trip, make sure you’ve got everything you need. Double check with our handy road trip essentials packing list.

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More to Explore

Exploring Pennsylvania

Beth Price-Williams | December 03, 2023

What are some of the best hidden gems in Pennsylvania?

This rural road trip in Pennsylvania leads to some breathtaking hidden gems. However, there are countless other hidden gems in Pennsylvania that deserve a spot on your bucket list, including:

  • Camelback Mountain Resort in Tannersville offers a full menu of fun in all seasons – from snow tubing to ziplining.
  • Step into a fairy tale setting when you go on a hike through Salt Springs State Park in Montrose.
  • Stop to smell the flowers and sit in a life-sized bird’s nest at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden.
  • Climb aboard old-fashioned amusement park rides and cool down in the water park at Idlewild Park and SoakZone in Ligonier.
  • Drink in beautiful views and dig into a delicious meal at Allegheny Grille in Foxburg.

Are there any other amazing road trips in Pennsylvania?

If you don’t have a ton of time, you might want to check out one of these inexpensive road trip destinations in Pennsylvania, including:

  • View Pine Creek Gorge, the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, from Colton Point State Park and Leonard Harrison State Park. Hike along one of the scenic trails.
  • Spend the day chasing eight waterfalls at Bushkill Falls.
  • Lounge on the beach; swim, or go on a hike at Presque Isle State Park.
  • Visit Kinzua Bridge State Park, where you can walk along the remnants of Kinzua Bridge, which has been transformed into a skywalk. At the end is a glass floor that offers views of the forest below.
  • Go stargazing at Cherry Springs State Park, or plan to attend one of its free events.

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