Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Pennsylvania is a stunning state, and it is full of natural features that will enchant lovers of the great outdoors. In addition to stunning mountains, waterfalls, and emerald forests, the Keystone State also boasts a climate that’s perfect for growing grapes. In fact, there are enough wineries and waterfalls in Pennsylvania to create an entire road trip! Today, we’re going to do just that. We’ve broken up this road in Pennsylvania into helpful itineraries for Day One, Day Two, Day Three, and Day Four. You can customize this trip however you would like, but these stops are all so magical that you won’t want to miss a single one!
For your convenience, we’ll also point out a few hotels along the route for a comfortable stay. If you venture off-course to see any other landmarks, you can always check out the list of Pennsylvania Best Western hotels to find one near your route. Ready to experience the beauty of the local landscape and the richness of local wine? Let’s hit the road!
1. Silverthread Falls
Silverthread Falls, Delaware Township, PA 18328, USA
Our fun-filled road trip in Pennsylvania starts at a positively stunning waterfall. More a mighty ribbon than a mere thread, Silverthread Falls will take your breath away. At 80 feet in height, this beauty is immediately striking... and it's just a short walk away from the parking lot. The boardwalk to reach it is ADA accessible, making this a perfect first stop on our adventure for hikers of all skill levels.
Just barely past Silverthread Falls, Dingmans Falls is like the cherry atop this waterfall sundae. This massive waterfall is the second tallest in the state, with its waters dropping an astonishing 130 feet. The viewing platform provides excellent views, but a staircase just beyond it will take you up for a bird's-eye view of the cascade.
Deep in the Pocono Mountains is a collection of eight massive waterfalls, with some nearing 100 feet in height. Nicknamed the "Niagara Falls of Pennsylvania," this spot is accessible via hiking trails and stairs, and it does come with a small admission fee. However, it's a worthwhile investment... this park is one of the loveliest in Pennsylvania!
4. M & M Vineyards
M & M Vineyards, 18 Shepherds Hill Dr, Bangor, PA 18013, USA
After getting a taste of the local landscape, you might want to wash the experience down with a glass of wine. M & M Vineyards in Bangor is open Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m., and it is a magical place to unwind. It's surprisingly affordable to get a wine tasting, too, and their snack plates perfectly round out the experience.
Harrison Wright Falls is named for a doctor of mineralogy who was active in the area back in the 1800s, and it's just one of several in Ricketts Glen State Park. It's on our list first today because it is arguably the park's most photogenic cascade, and it is well worth a visit. At just 0.2 miles south of Waters Meet, it's easy to find and breathtaking to see.
This Tioga County treasure is a real hidden gem, and it's so magnificent that nature has separated it into two waterfalls. There's an upper and lower waterfall approximately 50 feet apart, and they're tucked away in a remote region that many Pennsylvania natives may not even realize exists. To get there, you'll park in a small gravel parking lot on River Road in Ward Township. There's a trail leading into the woods there, and the falls are a mere five-minute trek away.
While you're enjoying the countryside, you might as well visit one of its most scenic sweet spots. Oregon Hill Winery is open Thursday through Sunday, and it has been cherished by locals since 1983. In that time, they've perfected their "Pennsylvania Mountain Wines." Their fruit wines in particular are a hit with fans!
8. Jacoby Falls
Jacoby Falls Trailhead, 5119 Wallis Run Rd, Trout Run, PA 17771, USA
Like many local waterfalls, Jacoby Falls is hidden in a state forest. This beauty is tucked away in Loyalsock State Forest, and it takes about 3 miles to make it to the waterfall and back to the car. The best time to visit Jacoby Falls is after a decent rain, as Jacoby Run has a tendency to produce only a minor trickle.... or to run dry if it hasn't rained recently. However, if you catch this waterfall while it's flowing, you're in for a real treat.
That’s all for today! Once your adventures are wrapped up, there are several great Best Western hotels nearby that are ready to accommodate your stay. Genetti Hotel, SureStay Collection By Best Western and Best Western Williamsport Inn are just a short drive away. Each has a slightly different vibe, but wonderfully comfortable beds. You’ll want to rest up because you have a big day ahead of you tomorrow!
Say "Round Island Run" ten times fast! This beautiful waterfall is tucked away in Sproul State Forest, and it is aptly nicknamed Three Falls for its three tiers. Together, the tiers create a roughly 20-foot cascade that's downright stunning. The hike from the parking area is just barely over 2 miles round-trip, and it will take you to one of the more remote waterfalls in the state.
10. Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls - Trough Creek State Park, James Creek, PA 16657, USA
This beautiful spot in Trough Creek State Park is a real treat, and it's super easy to access. A bridge stretching over Abbot Run provides a stunning view of this tiered fall. Like many waterfalls on this trip, it's best viewed after a decent rain. If there's a good flow, you might also spot a smaller waterfall beneath the bridge!
11. Vin De Matrix Winery
Vin De Matrix Winery, 307 Kings Mountain Rd, Rockwood, PA 15557, USA
This lovely tasting room in the Laurel Highlands is open Friday through Sunday, and it is practically overflowing with charm. The tasting room is intimate, and the surrounding landscape is breathtaking. From sweet to dry, they have something for everyone.
Ready to take it easy for the night? We don’t blame you, you’ve done a lot of driving and exploring on this epic road trip in Pennsylvania! Fortunately, SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Somerset is nearby.
Photos truly don't do this spot in Ohiopyle State Park justice. Stunning and powerful, this 30-foot waterfall is amazingly just 20 minutes from Downtown Pittsburgh. The hike to access it is surprisingly short and sweet, but it does feature a staircase that does get slippery when wet, so use caution during your visit.
13. Hells Hollow Falls
Hells Hollow Falls, Slippery Rock Township, PA 16117, USA
The final stop on our waterfall tour is Hells Hollow Falls in McConnells Mill State Park. This is a place of otherworldly beauty, complete with historic iron furnaces, a covered bridge, and a magnificent cascade. The hike to the waterfall is easy, just over a mile there and back. This waterfall is actually wider than it is tall, but it's a stunning and peaceful conclusion to your epic road trip in Pennsylvania.
That’s it for the final leg of this road trip in Pennsylvania! You can explore Slippery Rock Township, which is petite and beautiful, or head back into Pittsburgh for some time in the city. If you do visit Pittsburgh to extend your adventure, you might consider staying in the Best Western Plus Cranberry-Pittsburgh North or the Best Western Monroeville Pittsburgh East.
There’s so much to love about these wineries and waterfalls in Pennsylvania. Are there any we missed? Let us know in the comments! And, remember, you can always stay in a Pennsylvania Best Western if you decide to change the route to accommodate additional stops. Happy traveling!
