Pennsylvania’s scenic byways, managed by PennDOT, showcase the Commonwealth’s remarkable diversity — from the rolling farmlands of Lancaster County to the rugged gorges of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. These designated routes guide travelers through covered bridges, historic battlefields, charming small towns, and forests that blaze with color each autumn.
Drive through the Laurel Highlands and discover cascading waterfalls tucked among ancient hemlock groves. Wind along river valleys where bald eagles soar above waterways once traveled by Native Americans and early settlers. Pass through communities where roadside farm stands offer fresh-picked produce and handmade goods that reflect generations of tradition.
Key stops along Pennsylvania’s byways include state parks with panoramic overlooks, preserved iron furnaces and historic villages, and vineyards nestled in unexpected wine country. Many routes connect to hiking trails, fishing streams, and cultural heritage sites that reward those willing to slow down and explore.
The best time to drive is mid-October, when fall foliage transforms the landscape into a patchwork of amber, crimson, and gold. Spring wildflower season offers its own quiet beauty. Allow a full day for any single byway, with extra time for spontaneous detours — Pennsylvania’s back roads always have something worth discovering.
Explore Nearby
- High Point Monument — State Park in New Jersey
- High Point State Park — State Park in New Jersey
- Cliff Ridge Hang Gliding Area — Public Land
- Stony Point Light — Lighthouse in New York
- Tarrytown Light — Lighthouse in New York
