Updated Dec 8, 2022

10 Unforgettable Road Trips To Take In Pennsylvania Before You Die

Discover ten mapped-out road trips in Pennsylvania, each offering unique and unforgettable destinations.

Updated Dec 8, 2022

Written by

Published Sep 26, 2024

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

Experience a slice of yesteryear on this road trip that leads to such charming small towns as Jim Thorpe, New Hope, and Bloomsburg.

Published Sep 26, 2024

Written by

Beth Price-Williams

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

alt — Gettysburg is a borough and the county seat of Adams County in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. The town hosts visitors to the Gettysburg National Battlefield in the Gettysburg National Military Park.

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.

Trip Ideas|Road Trips

Updated May 31, 2024

Spend Three Days In Three State Parks On This Weekend Road Trip In Pennsylvania

A 3-day road trip in Pennsylvania covers Salt Springs, Ricketts Glen, and Lehigh Gorge State Parks, offering hiking, waterfalls, and whitewater rafting.

Updated May 31, 2024

Written by

Beth Price-Williams

A weekend road trip in Pennsylvania just sounds heavenly, doesn't it? We have so many amazing destinations that it can be tricky to narrow down what to pack into three days. If you're a fan of the outdoors, hit the highway on this road trip to three of the best state parks in Pennsylvania. One day is dedicated to each of the parks, so you can pack in a whole lot of fun in this 3-day road trip in Pennsylvania.

Here are the Google Map directions for the road trip. You can easily customize them, adding your starting and ending points, or switching around the days you visit the parks

Our epic three-day road trip doesn’t require a ton of driving – just 211 miles over 4.5 hours. The minimal driving means you get to spend more time in each state park, rather than on the road.

Day One: Salt Springs State Park

Spanning a cozy 405 acres, Salt Springs State Park is an often overlooked, absolutely gorgeous state park that’s perfect for exploration. Bring your hiking shoes for your adventure. The park boasts 16 miles of hiking trails, and you’ll definitely want to follow the Fall Brook Trail. It passes along a picturesque boardwalk, past towering hemlock trees that are more than 300 years old, and to several cascading waterfalls. This is one trail where you'll want to make sure you have your camera. It’s a great start to one of the best roads trips in Pennsylvania.

Bring a pair of binoculars, too, because the lush park with fern floors is brimming with wildlife – deer, red foxes, porcupine, beaver, flying squirrels, and red squirrels. Fishing is permitted, and you’ll definitely want to enjoy a leisurely picnic. Explore during the day and reserve one of the rustic camping cottages for an overnight. While the cottages have electric lights and outlets, you’ll have to use the rustic bathrooms nearby. Whatever you do, make sure you get a good night’s sleep, because tomorrow is going to be absolutely epic, especially if you love waterfalls. Here's the official website of Salt Springs State Park.

Day Two: Ricketts Glen State Park

Ricketts Glen State Park is always a natural choice for a road trip destination for one specific reason: waterfalls. The gorgeous state park is huge, tallying more than 13,000 acres. One of the highlights is, undoubtedly, the 21 named waterfalls, including the 94-foot-tall Ganoga Falls. You can see them all, too, on the challenging 7.2-mile Falls Trail. While the trail is quite challenging due to its rough terrain, the rewards are more than worth it. The park also features more than a handful of other trails, some of which give you a glimpse of some of the waterfalls, or you can also explore on horseback. The perfect stop for this weekend road trip in Pennsylvania.

Bring your beach gear along, too, if you’re roadtripping during the summer. Ricketts Glen features a beautiful sandy beach that leads into Lake Jean. The beach has everything you need for a relaxing time – a concession stand and picnic tables, and you can rent a boat if you want to explore the water.

You can camp out overnight too, in one of the modern cabins (which feature bathrooms), by pitching a tent, or parking your RV. Get all of the details on the official website of Ricketts Glen State Park.

Day Three: Lehigh Gorge State Park

Our final day brings us to Lehigh Gorge State Park. Adventure awaits, especially if you’re a daredevil. If you are, go whitewater rafting through the gorge. The water trail promises a ton of fun and gorgeous scenery. You can also find local outdoor outfitters to lead you on a tour. A great final stop on one of our favorite road trips in Pennsylvania.

The best way to explore, however, is probably on one of the scenic hikes. (Biking is also popular at the park.) Lehigh Gorge State Park boasts 33 miles of hiking trails, including the 1.2-mile Buttermilk Falls and Luke’s Falls Trail. You’ll pass such beautiful scenery as waterfalls, and you’ll stroll through a cave. Learn more on the official website of Lehigh Gorge State Park.

What would be your top three state parks to visit on a 3-day road trip in Pennsylvania? Let us know in the comments! Then carve out some time to hit the highway on this scenic road trip that will make you fall in love with Pennsylvania all over again. And don’t forget the road trip snacks!

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

1. Lititz

2. New Hope

3. Jim Thorpe

4. Bloomsburg

5. Gettysburg

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Get the latest updates and news

Spend Three Days In Three State Parks On This Weekend Road Trip In Pennsylvania

Day One: Salt Springs State Park

Day Two: Ricketts Glen State Park

Day Three: Lehigh Gorge State Park

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Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

One of the Country’s Most Terrifying Haunted Houses Has Opened in Stamford, and It’s Not for the Faint of Heart

Hike the Most Challenging Trail in Maine’s Acadia National Park for an Unforgettable Adventure

The Best Apple Cider Donuts in Vermont Come From This Small-Town Apple Orchard

The Natural Wonder in Pennsylvania Is the Definition of a Hidden Gem

The up-and-Coming City in Pennsylvania That’s Perfectly Sized