The Scenic Road Trip That Leads to 5 of Pennsylvania’s Most Charming Small Towns

A visit to Pennsylvania’s small towns allows us a glimpse at a simpler time when everyone knew each other, mom and pops ran shops and restaurants, and life moved at a slower pace. We’re incredibly fortunate to have countless charming small towns in Pennsylvania – from Indiana, the hometown of beloved Pennsylvanian Jimmy Stewart, to Boiling Springs, a darling town almost frozen in time. This scenic road trip leads to just five of the many charming small towns that dot the state.

Here are the Google Map directions for this road trip that leads to five of Pennsylvania’s most charming small towns. Drive time clocks in at just under seven hours as you’ll travel 332 miles. You can easily customize the map to add stops and tailor it to your needs and interests.

1. Lititz

Let’s kick off our road trip to Pennsylvania’s most charming small towns in Lititz. You really will feel as though you’ve stepped back in time in this friendly town that’s home to such attractions as Wolf Sanctuary of PA, Lititz Springs Park, and the Lititz Historical Foundation. Join a walking tour with Historic Lititz Walking Tours, and learn how to twist pretzels at Julius Sturgis Pretzel Company.

2. New Hope

We’ll next make our way to New Hope, a delightful small town that offers a unique opportunity. Cross the bridge over the Delaware River to the small town of Lambertville, New Jersey, a bonus stop on your road trip if you have the time. New Hope promises plenty to do, including shops and restaurants. Take a scenic ride with the New Hope Railroad; or stroll through Bowman’s Wildflower Preserve. If you want to go a bit further afield – around five miles – head over to nearby Peddler’s Village in Lahaska.

3. Jim Thorpe

Our next stop brings us to the enchanting mountain town of Jim Thorpe, affectionately known as the Switzerland of Pennsylvania. Start your visit with a stroll through downtown, where you’ll find an eclectic selection of shops and restaurants. Try to time your visit for the annual Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival, held the first three weekends in October, or Winterfest in February. A ride aboard the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway and a visit to the Old Jail Museum are both musts on your itinerary. You might also want to book an overnight stay (or two) at the Inn at Jim Thorpe; it’s said to be haunted.

4. Bloomsburg

A small-town Pennsylvania road trip must include Bloomsburg. This darling town, after all, is the only official town in Pennsylvania. It also hosts the annual Bloomsburg Fair, an epic multi-day festival, held every September. While you’re in town, stop by the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum, the Gallery at the Greenley Center, and the University of Bloomsburg. Spend some time exploring downtown, too.

5. Gettysburg

We’ll end our road trip to some of the most charming small towns in Pennsylvania in the historic town of Gettysburg. Considered by many the most haunted town in the United States, Gettysburg appeals to history buffs, novice and seasoned ghost hunters, and those who enjoy small-town life. If it’s your first visit, you might want to join a walking or biking tour to get to know this delightful small town that’s home to such historic sites as Gettysburg National Military Park, the Jennie Wade House, and the Farnsworth House Inn.

What are your favorite of Pennsylvania’s most charming small towns? What others would you add to this scenic road trip? Let us know in the comments! If you’re up for another adventure, follow this road trip to six stunning lakes in Pennsylvania. Before you hit the road, check out the OIYS road trip packing essentials guide.