If you love being outdoors, nothing can be more satisfying than a properly planned road trip. It’s an opportunity to explore new places, adventure, and spend quality time with your loved ones as you unplug from technology and take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Undoubtedly, an essential part of planning a road trip involves choosing a route and destination, basically depending on the kind of attractions you’re fascinated by. Having said this, there’s no better way to explore nature than taking a road trip through the mountainous roads of Pennsylvania!
Read on to learn about some of the most scenic drives through Pennsylvania’s mountains, alongside a few tips to stay safe and make your road trip more memorable.
Some Breathtaking Scenic Drives through Pennsylvania’s Mountains
Especially if you fancy exploring stunning mountain views, Pennsylvania has some of the most breathtaking scenic drives for travelers looking to discover its majestic beauty. For example, Hickory Creek Park boasts trails with a mesmerizing skyline that offers unique views of the Allegheny Valley unlike any other. The breathtaking lookouts and trees replaced with eye-catching wildlife make this spot perfect for a road trip adventure!
Once you gather your supplies and plan well for the perfect road trip, take Interstate 79 North to Exit 4 in Zelienople, then take Route 528 West for about 6 miles and turn left onto Route 288 South. Drive for about 11 miles, before taking Route 8 South. The park is about 15 Miles from the 8 South. Wait, here’s something for you if you prefer a more rugged experience!
Running from Ohiopyle State Park to the outskirts of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and winding through the Laurel Highlands mountain range is the Laurel Highlands Pathway, another huge favorite for Penn State road trippers. When traversing this route, one can’t help but admire the magnificent vistas of rolling hills and farmlands, perfect for picnicking with loved ones.
If that isn’t enough to make your heart flutter, The Allegheny National Forest should do the trick. Its diversity of fossils, ancient streams, and limestone caves are bound to capture your fancy!
Exploring the Mountain Trails for Unforgettable Views
Do you have a love for hiking? Pennsylvania’s mountain trails offer spectacular landscapes to explore. For instance, Ricketts Glen State Park Trail is an awesome option for those who adore the views of beautiful waterfalls and dense woodlands.
Outdoorsy types can also take heart from its numerous campsites, adding more adventure experiences to their journey! And if we consider some other spots like Shawnee Riverfront Walkway, one is never short on options to explore wildflowers or take stunning snapshots of the wooden bridge along its length. Similarly, Raccoon Creek State Park offers a diverse range of landscapes – prairies, ravines, and even white-tailed deer!
Safe Driving Tips and Hacks to Make Your Trip More Enjoyable
A trip through Pennsylvania’s mountains can be a lot of fun, but it also comes with some risks. From the US-6 in Sullivan County to the PA-89 in Fulton, PA-40 in Franklin, and PA-86 in Westmoreland County, many people avoid driving through the winding mountainous roads of Pennsylvania. However, you can stay safe and make your trip more enjoyable if you take extra caution behind the wheel. Some safe driving tips and hacks you may need include the following:
Don’t Speed
Always observe the speed limit on mountain roads. Besides missing out on amazing scenery, sudden curves in the road may surprise you.
Rest As Needed
Even if you’re in a hurry, remember to take breaks so as not to over-exhaust yourself, which otherwise makes for unsafe journeys.
Check Your Car Before Leaving
It’s also paramount to keep your car in check before starting the journey, as mountain roads can be very unpredictable. Make sure tires are inflated properly; windows and wipers are functioning adequately, etc.
Observe Driving Laws
It’s also a good idea to get acquainted with the driving laws and regulations of the state before embarking on your way. Moreover, having the contracts of one or two experienced firms of attorneys can be an invaluable way to stay safe, especially if you get into an accident or encounter a legal issue on the road.
Pennsylvania is indeed home to some of the most stunning views of mountains and other natural attractions in the US. A road trip through the commonwealth state’s mountainous region is specifically sure to provide an epic experience, especially if you know how to stay safe and healthy throughout your trip.