Pennsylvania is the kind of state that rewards you for getting off the interstate. Beyond the fastest routes between cities are winding mountain roads, forested valleys, riverfront towns, overlooks, and stretches of highway where the drive becomes part of the trip rather than simply the way to get there. Some of the best scenic drives in Pennsylvania cross the rugged Pennsylvania Wilds, while others follow the Delaware River or climb through the Laurel Highlands. Whether you are driving across Pennsylvania on a longer road trip or planning a leisurely weekend drive, these routes offer plenty of reasons to slow down and enjoy the scenery.
If you are turning the drive into part of a vacation, a little planning can make a big difference. Before leaving home, take a look at these perfect road trip tips for simple ways to make the time in the car more comfortable and enjoyable.
Scenic Drives in Pennsylvania at a Glance
| Scenic Drive | Approximate Distance | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Route 6 | 400+ miles through PA | Driving across Pennsylvania |
| Elk Scenic Drive | 127 miles | Wildlife and PA Wilds |
| Longhouse National Scenic Byway | 36 miles | Forest and reservoir views |
| High Plateau Scenic Byway | 27 miles | Remote mountain scenery |
| Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway | 68 miles | Mountains, waterfalls and parks |
| Route 32 / River Road | About 39 miles | River views and historic towns |
| Route 40 / Historic National Road | About 90 miles in PA | History and mountain scenery |
| Route 414 / Pine Creek Valley | Varies | Pine Creek and forest scenery |
| Route 92 / Viaduct Valley Way | About 37 miles | Endless Mountains and historic bridges |
| Route 611 / Delaware Water Gap | Short scenic stretch | River and mountain overlooks |
U.S. Route 6
If the goal is driving across Pennsylvania while seeing more than interstate exits, Route 6 deserves the top spot. The highway travels more than 400 miles across Pennsylvania’s northern tier, passing through small towns, forests, farmland, and mountain country along the way. Pennsylvania tourism even highlights an 87-mile section of Route 6 as a dedicated fall foliage trip.
One of the most worthwhile areas is around Wellsboro and Pine Creek Gorge. Often called the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, the gorge is about 12 miles from Route 6 and makes an easy detour when you have time to stop rather than simply drive through. Pennsylvania’s Route 6 scenic itinerary
Route 6 works especially well for travelers who enjoy smaller communities and don’t mind letting the road trip unfold at a slower pace. Instead of trying to cover the entire route in one day, choose a section and leave room for overlooks, parks, and towns that catch your attention.
Elk Scenic Drive
The Elk Scenic Drive winds for approximately 127 miles through the Pennsylvania Wilds, combining mountain scenery with one of the state’s most distinctive wildlife experiences. The route includes designated viewing locations created to give visitors safer places to watch for elk and enjoy the surrounding landscape.
Benezette is the area most closely associated with Pennsylvania’s elk herd and makes a natural stop along the drive. While there is never a guarantee that wildlife will cooperate with your travel plans, elk sightings are only part of what makes this route worthwhile.
The forests, mountain roads, and wide-open scenery give this drive a much more remote feeling than you might expect in Pennsylvania. VisitPA provides additional information about the Elk Scenic Drive and its wildlife-viewing areas.
Longhouse National Scenic Byway
At 36 miles, the Longhouse National Scenic Byway is manageable enough to enjoy without committing an entire day to driving. The loop travels through Allegheny National Forest and circles part of the Kinzua Creek arm of the Allegheny Reservoir.
Much of the route passes beneath hardwood forest, creating the feeling of driving through a tunnel of trees. Along the way, you can stop at recreation areas or make short detours to places such as Rimrock Overlook and Jakes Rocks, where views open across the reservoir and surrounding hills.
The U.S. Forest Service’s Longhouse National Scenic Byway guide is worth checking before your trip for current recreation information. If mountain scenery is the part of a road trip you enjoy most, you may also want to add some of these beautiful mountains to visit in the U.S. to your future travel list.
High Plateau Scenic Byway – Route 144
For a drive that truly feels removed from everyday traffic, follow Route 144 between Snow Shoe and Renovo along the High Plateau Scenic Byway.
The 27-mile byway travels through Sproul State Forest and climbs onto the Allegheny Plateau, where heavily wooded stretches and mountain vistas replace busy intersections and commercial development. The National Scenic Byway Foundation describes portions of this area as so remote that homes and power lines are not visible from the road.
It is exactly the kind of Pennsylvania mountain road that makes you understand why travelers seek out scenic routes rather than simply following GPS to the fastest highway. Deer, bear, and elk may be seen in the surrounding forest, and there are places to pull off and appreciate the view rather than trying to take it all in from behind the wheel.
Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway
Southwestern Pennsylvania offers a different mountain landscape along the Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway. The approximately 68-mile route follows portions of Routes 711 and 381 through rolling hills, farmland, woodlands, and communities tucked into the Appalachian landscape.
This is a particularly good choice if you want the drive to include more than scenery. The route passes near Ohiopyle State Park, where waterfalls, hiking trails, biking, and the Youghiogheny River make it easy to turn a scenic drive into a full day outdoors. Waterfalls are always worth considering when planning scenic stops, whether you’re traveling through Pennsylvania or seeking out beautiful waterfalls in Florida closer to home.
The combination of winding mountain roads and worthwhile places to stop makes the Laurel Highlands especially well suited for a weekend road trip, particularly during fall when the heavily forested ridges are filled with color.
Route 32 – River Road Through Bucks County
Not every beautiful Pennsylvania drive needs towering mountains. Route 32, better known as River Road, follows the Delaware River through Bucks County and offers a quieter combination of water views, wooded hillsides, historic communities, and countryside.
The road parallels the river for roughly 39 miles, passing places such as Yardley and Washington Crossing as it winds north through the county. Visit Bucks County describes River Road as one of the area’s most scenic roadways and highlights historic sites, dining, recreation, and small towns along the route.
This is a drive that works best when you allow time to stop. Wander through a town, walk part of the Delaware Canal Towpath, have lunch along the river, and continue when you’re ready. The Bucks County River Road guide offers several ideas for places worth including.
Route 40 – Historic National Road
For scenery mixed with American history, follow Route 40 through southwestern Pennsylvania.
The Historic National Road crosses roughly 90 miles of the state and was part of America’s first federally funded highway. The Pennsylvania portion travels through mountain country while connecting historic sites, old inns, communities, and landmarks tied to the country’s westward expansion.
Fort Necessity National Battlefield is one of the major stops along the route, but the appeal of the drive is the way the history is woven into the landscape. Stone buildings, old roads, mountains, and small towns make Route 40 feel noticeably different from a modern highway trip.
VisitPA has a complete Historic National Road itinerary if you want to turn the drive into a multi-day trip.
Route 414 Through Pine Creek Valley
Route 414 through Pine Creek Valley is less about checking off a designated scenic byway and more about following one of Pennsylvania’s prettiest natural corridors.
Around Blackwell and Slate Run, Route 414 parallels Pine Creek through steep, heavily forested terrain. The road provides access to portions of the Pine Creek Rail Trail and places where you can stop to hike, bike, or simply enjoy the valley. Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources notes that several access areas for the rail trail are located along Route 414.
The surrounding landscape feels rugged without requiring a backcountry adventure to experience it. Pine Creek, wooded mountainsides, rock formations, and the occasional waterfall make this section especially appealing for travelers who like to combine driving with short outdoor stops.
Route 92 – Viaduct Valley Way Scenic Byway
In northeastern Pennsylvania, Route 92 travels through the Endless Mountains along a designated scenic section known as the Viaduct Valley Way Scenic Byway.
The byway stretches approximately 37 miles and winds through a landscape of forests, farmland, river scenery, and small communities. Its most distinctive features are the enormous historic railroad viaducts that rise above the surrounding valleys, including the Tunkhannock Viaduct in Nicholson.
This route has a quieter character than some of Pennsylvania’s better-known mountain drives. It is a good choice for anyone who enjoys discovering places that feel a little less polished and considerably less crowded.
The Nicholson Heritage Association has additional information about the Viaduct Valley Way Scenic Byway and the history behind its designation.
Route 611 Through the Delaware Water Gap
Few Pennsylvania drives combine mountains and river scenery as dramatically as the stretch of Route 611 through the Delaware Water Gap.
Here, the Delaware River cuts through Kittatinny Ridge, creating the narrow mountain passage that gives the recreation area its name. Several overlooks along Route 611 provide views of the Gap, including Point of Gap, Arrow Island, and Resort Point.
This isn’t a long road trip by itself, which is part of its appeal. Include it in a larger trip through eastern Pennsylvania or combine the drive with hiking and time in the surrounding Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
Road conditions in the Gap can occasionally be affected by construction, weather, or rockfall. Route 611 reopened after a previous closure, but portions have operated with traffic restrictions, so checking current conditions before leaving is worthwhile.
Which Scenic Drive Is Best for Driving Across Pennsylvania?
If you specifically want a scenic alternative for driving across Pennsylvania, U.S. Route 6 is the clear choice.
Its 400-plus miles across the northern part of the state allow you to cover substantial distance while still passing through mountain scenery, forests, small towns, and some of Pennsylvania’s most interesting outdoor destinations.
It will take longer than crossing the state on the interstate, and that is really the point. Route 6 works best when the drive itself is part of your vacation.
Best Time of Year for Scenic Drives in Pennsylvania
Every season changes Pennsylvania’s mountain roads, although some are considerably easier to explore than others.
- Fall is the obvious favorite. Forested routes through the Pennsylvania Wilds, Allegheny National Forest, Endless Mountains, and Laurel Highlands become especially colorful as the leaves change.
- Spring brings greener forests, wildflowers, waterfalls, and generally lighter crowds. Weather can still change quickly in higher elevations, so layers are helpful.
- Summer gives you the most flexibility for combining a scenic drive with hiking, picnics, parks, kayaking, or other outdoor activities.
- Winter can be beautiful, but it requires more planning. Mountain roads may be affected by snow, ice, and limited winter services, making the same preparation you would use for a winter outdoor adventure especially important when checking weather, road conditions, and emergency supplies before you leave.
Tips for Driving Pennsylvania’s Mountain Roads
The roads that offer the best scenery are not always the roads that allow you to make the best time. Curves, elevation changes, wildlife, and limited services can all slow down a mountain drive.
A few simple preparations can make the trip easier:
- Fill the gas tank before entering more remote areas.
- Download directions in case cell service becomes unreliable.
- Allow more driving time than you normally would for the same mileage.
- Watch carefully for deer, elk, and other wildlife, especially around dawn and dusk.
- Use designated overlooks and pull-offs rather than stopping along the roadway.
- Check the weather before leaving, particularly during fall and winter.
- Bring water, snacks, chargers, and a few basic road-trip supplies.
- Check road conditions before traveling through mountainous or heavily forested areas.
PennDOT’s 511PA service provides current traffic, construction, weather, and road-condition information and is a useful final check before leaving on a scenic drive.
For longer drives, having a few family road trip essentials packed before you leave can also make several hours in the car much more comfortable.
Pennsylvania has plenty of destinations worth visiting, but some of its best scenery is found between them. Taking Route 6 instead of the fastest highway, winding through the Pennsylvania Wilds in search of elk, following the Delaware River through Bucks County, or climbing into the Laurel Highlands changes the trip completely. Sometimes choosing the slower road is exactly what makes a road trip memorable.