Sometimes the best way to reset is a quiet drive…just the sound of tires on the road and a stretch of trees in front of you. Pennsylvania’s wilderness offers that kind of escape. Whether you're looking for views, wildlife, history, or just some time off the grid, these three scenic routes are some of the best you can take — and they’re all doable in a weekend! All you need is an adventure ready vehicle.
Longhouse National Scenic Byway
This 36-mile loop near Kane wraps around the Kinzua Creek arm of the Allegheny Reservoir. It’s surrounded by the deep woods of the Allegheny National Forest and offers one of the best fall foliage drives in the state. You’ll pass scenic overlooks like Jakes Rocks and Rimrock, and cruise past hidden trailheads and lakeside spots like Kinzua Point.
The road has a cozy, tree-covered feel and is ideal for a slow, thoughtful drive. If you're someone who likes to pause and wander off the road a bit, there are plenty of places to hike, take photos, or just breathe in the forest air.
Start exploring →
https://visitanf.com/longhouse-national-scenic-byway/
https://pawilds.com/asset/longhouse-national-scenic-byway/
West Branch Susquehanna River Scenic Byway
Running between Karthaus and Cherry Tree, this 72-mile byway follows the West Branch of the Susquehanna River and takes you through a mix of small river towns and scenic backroads. It’s got a little bit of everything: covered bridges, rock formations, historic markers, and calm stretches of water.
Top stops include McGee’s Mills Covered Bridge, the Bilger’s Rocks geologic maze, and Curwensville Lake, where you can take a quiet walk or just sit by the water. If you’re the type of traveler who loves finding cool old signs and surprising natural wonders just off the road, this drive is for you.
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https://www.visitpa.com/listing/west-branch-susquehanna-river-scenic-byway/1463/
https://susquehannagreenway.org/about-the-greenway/west-branch/
Elk Scenic Drive
The Elk Scenic Drive is a 127-mile loop across five counties, with a big focus on wildlife, especially Pennsylvania’s wild elk herd. You can follow official route signs through peaceful highland forests, stopping at state parks, hiking trails, and wildlife centers.
Make sure to branch off onto the Quehanna Highway, an alternate route that cuts through untouched wild areas. It’s especially good for spotting elk and other wildlife. A must-visit stop is the Wildlife Center at Sinnemahoning State Park, where you’ll find interactive nature exhibits, sweeping valley views, and a full-sized bald eagle nest replica.
This is the drive you take when you want to lose the cell signal for a while and reconnect with the natural world.
Start exploring →
https://pawilds.com/journey/elk-scenic-drive/
https://visitpago.com/wp-content/uploads/Elk-Scenic-Drive-map-hi-res.pdf
You don’t have to go far to get away. These three drives offer some of Pennsylvania’s most peaceful, picturesque roads. Longhouse is perfect for a half-day forest loop. West Branch brings variety, river views, and geology in a manageable stretch. And Elk Scenic Drive is a nature route packed with wildlife, scenic roads, and plenty of places to pull over and enjoy the quiet.
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