This 367-Mile Road Trip Leads To Some Of The Most Scenic Parts Of Pennsylvania, No Matter What Time Of Year It Is
By Beth Price-Williams|Updated on December 07, 2022(Originally published December 02, 2022)
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Any time’s a great time for a road trip. After all, Pennsylvania is absolutely breathtaking all year round. This road trip spans 367 miles and will take you to some of the most scenic parts of Pennsylvania – from a beloved natural wonder to an enchanting small town. Gas up the car, grab a bunch of goodies, and pack using guidance from this Road Trip Essentials Packing List & Guide before you hit the road for an unforgettable adventure through Pennsylvania.
Here are the Google directions for this scenic Pennsylvania road trip. You can easily customize them to add or remove stops and tailor this road trip to meet your needs and interests. Ready? Off we go!
Boasting 21 named waterfalls, Ricketts Glen State Park is absolutely gorgeous any time of the year. During the spring, summer, and fall, you can set off on the epic (and challenging) Falls Trail that will lead you to all of the waterfalls. It is closed in winter unless you are an experienced climber or ice hiker. In that instance, you’ll have to sign in and out at the park office before setting off and upon return. If you’re visiting during the winter, hike some of the other trails that span nearly 26 miles in total. The rest of the park is brimming with natural beauty too – from a sandy beach to an abundance of local wildlife. Read more about this popular state park in Pennsylvania in our previous article.
Learn more on the official website of Ricketts Glen State Park.
You can’t have a road trip that leads to scenic destinations without including perhaps the most beautiful natural wonder in Pennsylvania. Pine Creek Gorge, commonly referred to as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, offers stunning views of the massive gorge. Find scenic overlooks and picturesque hiking trails at both Leonard Harrison State Park and Colton Point State Park. You’ll definitely want to visit in all seasons – when it’s a lush green, painted in autumn’s colors, and sprinkled in snow. Check out these two scenic hikes in Pennsylvania that promise breathtaking views of Pine Creek Gorge.
Here are the official websites of Leonard Harrison State Park and Colton Point State Park for more information.
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3. Hyner View State Park – North Bend
Hyner View State Park, 86 Hyner Park Road, North Bend, PA 17760, USA
For some of the most sensational views in Pennsylvania, head to Hyner View State Park. The tiny state park spans just six acres but is popular with picnickers and hang gliders. Bring a picnic along, and admire the jaw-dropping views of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. It's picture-perfect in all four seasons, so be sure to plan a visit in each. Discover why Hyner View State Park has the best scenic overlook in Pennsylvania.
Plan your visit on the official website of Hyner View State Park.
Cherry Springs State Park earns props as having some of the darkest skies on the Eastern Seaboard. Sit atop a 2,300-foot mountain to view the starry sky. If you’ve brought stargazing equipment along, you can stay at the overnight astronomy observation field. There's also a stargazing area for casual observers, although it doesn't allow overnight visitors. The park features a lone, one-mile trail that’s worth exploring. Don’t forget to bring a picnic, too. Read more about this dark sky park in Pennsylvania in our previous article.
Visit the official website of Cherry Springs State Park for more information.
5. Kinzua Bridge – Mt. Jewett
Kinzua Bridge State Park, 296 Viaduct Rd, Mt Jewett, PA 16740, USA
Stroll along the Kinzua Bridge, a former railroad bridge that was felled during a tornado and that is now a scenic skywalk that offers stunning views of the surrounding forest. At the end of the skywalk, you can stand on a glass floor that provides one-of-a-kind views. The fall foliage here is absolutely stunning. However, it's one of those destinations that you must visit in all four seasons. Take a peek at this bridge to nowhere in our previous article.
Find more information on the Kinzua Bridge State Park website.
Our next stop takes us to the enchanting small town of Bellefonte – the perfect spot to do a little shopping, treat yourself to some delicious food, and to explore on foot. Join a walking tour of the historic town, for example. If you visit during the winter, schedule it for the same time as Bellefonte’s Victorian Christmas. Stop by the official website of Visit Bellefonte to plan your trip.
Let’s end our road trip to some of the most scenic places in Pennsylvania at the Isle of Que, a tiny island that sits across from the charming town of Selinsgrove. (If you’re not in a hurry, spend some time in Selinsgrove, too.) The island’s perfect for a leisurely stroll, a bike ride, or to watch the sunset – any time of the year. Read more about this island in Pennsylvania in our previous article.
Would you go on this Pennsylvania road trip? What are your favorite scenic drives in Pennsylvania? Let us know in the comments! Next time you feel like setting off on a leisurely Sunday scenic drive in Pennsylvania, try one of the 10 best backroads in Pennsylvania.
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Beth Price-Williams|December 07, 2022
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Cure that nagging wanderlust with a road trip in Pennsylvania. No matter where you live in the state, you’ll quickly discover there are a ton of road trips in Pennsylvania. Here are just a few of them:
