The Scenic Road Trip That Will You Fall in Love With the Beauty of Pennsylvania All Over Again

No matter how long you've lived in Pennsylvania, you have probably come to take its natural beauty for granted. We don't do it on purpose, but we're so used to it that sometimes we forget to stop and appreciate the Keystone State's natural beauty. So, to help you fall in love with our beautiful state all over again, pile your family into the car and visit these scenic Pennsylvania road trip stops. They are some of the most beautiful spots in the state.

However, before you hit the road, there are a few things you'll want to do. You definitely want to make sure you pack everything you'll need during your journey; check out this Road Trip Essentials Packing List & Guide to make sure you don't forget anything.

Then, tap or click on this customizable Pennsylvania Road Trip map for directions or navigation assistance in Google Maps for this Pennsylvania scenic drive. You can easily personalize the road trip to your timeframe and interests. Ready? Let's go!

1. Ricketts Glen State Park – Benton

Let's kick off our road trip at Ricketts Glen State Park, a natural wonder that's brimming with beauty and waterfalls. That's right. If you're up for a challenge, follow the Falls Trail, which measures just over seven miles and gives you an up-close view of 21 waterfalls. Pretty impressive, right? The park also features a sandy beach, boating, and camping. It's picture-perfect in all four seasons.

2. Chanticleer Garden – Wayne

At Chanticleer Garden, our next stop, you'll feel as though you've stepped into a fairy tale. The seasonal gardens offer the perfect opportunity to stop and smell the flowers and enjoy the fresh air. Explore pretty gardens such as the pond garden, Bell's Woodland, and the Asian Woods.

3. White Cliffs of Conoy – Marietta

Our next stop takes us to a rare hidden gem. The White Cliffs of Conoy were formed from waste from nearby quarries over many years. Today, it's accessible (wait until you see the views!) via a picturesque hiking trail. If the name sounds familiar, that's because it's named after the White Cliffs of Dover in England.

4. Penn’s Cave – Centre Hall

Did you know that Pennsylvania is home to America's only all-water cave? Yep, and it's the next stop on our road trip. Join a guided boat tour of the all-water cave for a one-of-a-kind adventure. When you're back above ground, do a little gemstone mining, find your way out of a maze, and join a Farm-Nature-Wildlife Tour.

5. Benezette

If you love seeing wildlife in their natural habitat, you will absolutely love the charming town of Benezette. You'll see elk just about everywhere you go. Start your visit at the Elk Country Visitor Center, where you can learn a bit about the elk and watch them from viewing areas. Even if you just want to drive through town, you're sure to see a whole lot of elk as you pass through.

6. Hammersley Wild Area – Austin

Our next stop takes us to the most remote spot in Pennsylvania, Hammersley Wild Area. The area is so remote that you won't have cell service, and motorized vehicles are not allowed in the area. However, you can explore one of the hiking trails, like the Twin Sisters Trail.

7. Susquehannock State Forest – Coudersport

Are you falling in love with Pennsylvania all over again? If you haven't yet, you surely will at our next stop. Susquehannock State Forest spans a quarter of a million acres. It's brimming with pure natural beauty and a ton to do for the whole family. Plan to spend at least a night—maybe even camp overnight—at this natural wonder that offers hiking, biking, ATV riding, picnicking, and horseback riding.

Isn't Pennsylvania gorgeous? If you are feeling inspired, try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.