PA Wilds Trip Itineraries

Save time & find top attractions in the PA Wilds

Take the road less traveled, but already planned for you! There are plenty of trip itineraries already built out for regional fun seekers. Whether you're looking to take a road trip, get outdoors and explore nature, or take on a specialty tour in one of our charming communities, you're in for a sweet journey!

Learn more

Jump ahead

Know what you’re looking for?
Jump ahead to the itinerary section that interests you most!

Road Trips

Route 6 Motorcycle Loop Tours

Riding into the Pennsylvania Wilds on PA Route 6 via motorcycle? Check out the two “Take the High Road” Motorcycle Loop Tours developed by the PA Route 6 Alliance. Both tours take travelers along Scenic Route 6; however, the PA Wilds West Tour focuses on the Allegheny National Forest & Surrounds landscape, while the PA Wilds East Tour takes users through Elk Country, Dark Skies, and the Pine Creek Valley & PA Grand Canyon.

Get the PA Wilds East Tour here.

Get the PA Wilds West Tour here.

Allegheny National Forest by Motorcycle

If looking for more fun motorcycle trips through the Allegheny National Forest & Surrounds landscape, check out the seven (yes, seven!) distinct motorcycle road trips developed by the Allegheny National Forest (ANF) Visitors Bureau. This detailed guide includes a map of the ANF region and outlines scenic routes that traverse it. Each trip description includes hints on places to stop while traveling through the rural communities of the PA Wilds! Itineraries include: PA Route 66 to Kane / I-80 to the ANF; Longhouse National Scenic Byway; Eastern Continental Divide Loop (which goes into Elk Country!); the Tracy Ridge Loop; the Bradford-Eldred-Rock City Loop; the Allegheny Highlands (Scenic Route 6); the Southeast Gateway (starting at the I-80 Frontier).

Download the ANF Motorcycle Tour Guides here.

Bucktail Trail (Route 120)

The Bucktail Trail, also known as the Bucktail Scenic Byway, follows Route 120 for about 105 miles, from the I-80 Frontier city of Lock Haven to the Elk Country borough of Ridgway.  Named after the Pennsylvania Bucktails Regiment of Civil War rangers, the Bucktail Trail loosely parallels Interstate 80 and takes folks on a scenic view of the region’s back country communities. The one-day itinerary developed by the Lumber Heritage Region points travelers to 9 points of interest.

Get the itinerary at www.lumberheritage.org.

PA Route 6: East & West

The Lumber Heritage Region has split the vast PA Route 6 into two segments to make it easier than ever for travelers to find the best stops along the way. Take one day to explore nine stops along Route 6 East, which takes travelers through the two of the renowned experiences of the Pennsylvania Wilds: Dark Skies and the Pine Creek Valley & PA Grand Canyon.  Then, take two more days to experience Route 6 West, and make your way to 20 attractions throughout the Allegheny National Forest & Surrounds landscape of the Pennsylvania Wilds.

Get the LHR Route 6 East itinerary here.

Get the LHR Route 6 West itinerary here.

PA Route 6 Alliance developed a simple four day road trip through the Pennsylvania Wilds using Scenic Route 6. This thoroughfare stretches the entire Commonwealth, and takes users right through four counties in the Pennsylvania Wilds.

Get the PA Route 6 PA Wilds itinerary here.

Allegheny National Forest Scenic Drives

Looking for a fun day on the back roads of the Commonwealth’s only National Forest? Check out the Allegheny National Forest & Surrounds in the Pennsylvania Wilds by car. Allegheny National Forest (ANF) Visitors Bureau has outlined seven scenic road trips to get you started. In addition to providing a page for each of the seven trips, the guide provides a listing of amenities in the region, organized by community, to help visitors find just what they need along the way!

Download the ANF Scenic Drives itinerary here.

Railroads to Oil Fields

Explore the Pennsylvania Wilds’ Lumber Heritage Region, from the railroads to the oil fields, and take in historical sites and breathtaking scenes from the I-80 Frontier through the Allegheny National Forest & Surrounds and beyond. In just one day, you can trek 133 miles — including journeys along the Kinzua Experience and Scenic Route 6 — and see 9 points of interest along the way.

Get the itinerary at www.lumberheritage.org.

The Natural World

Mountain Laurel Tours

Mountain Laurel, Pennsylvania’s official state flower, is a beautiful native wildflower that is celebrated annually come spring and summer. Special events are held, such as the Laurel Festival in Wellsboro, and many enjoy scenic back road trips to spot the wildflower. To aid folks looking to find Mountain Laurel, Clinton County Visitors Bureau and Sproul State Forest collaborated on developing a Mountain Laurel Tour for those driving along the Coudersport Pike in Clinton County.

Download the Coudersport Pike Mountain Laurel Tour here.

Learn about the Laurel Fields at Clear Creek State Park at www.visitpago.com.

From Dark Skies to the PA Grand Canyon

Visit Potter-Tioga has developed a list itinerary for “10 Incredible Outdoor Experiences in Potter and Tioga Counties,” home to the Pennsylvania Wilds Dark Skies and Pine Creek Valley & PA Grand Canyon landscapes, respectively.  Located conveniently along the Scenic Route 6 corridor, these rolling hills offer plenty of public lands for visitors to reconnect with nature, and many opportunities to do so in unique ways (including the Pine Creek Rail Trail! There are also two other outlines for trips provided on the same page.

Check out the itinerary at www.visitpottertioga.com.

Down on the Farm!

Interested in exploring the farms of the Pennsylvania Wilds? Visit Clearfield County has made it easier than ever to do so by developing itineraries for agritourism.  Check out an apple vineyard, a winery, and then head over to the garden for fresh vegetables, and much more! The two itineraries are designed to provide 6 to 8 hours of activities each day, not including driving time, meals, or other stops.

Check out the Day 1 Agritourism itinerary here.

See the Day 2 Agritourism itinerary here.

ANF Fall Foliage Tour

When leaf peeping season comes, it’s time to get to the forest! See the Commonwealth’s only National Forest — the Allegheny National Forest & Surrounds — in a whole new light each fall. Explore the region and take in the awe-inspiring beauty of this woodland region using the Fall Foliage Tour developed by the Allegheny National Forest (ANF) Visitors Bureau. Take a day trip, or spend the night, while taking in the nine unique experiences outlined in the guide!

Download the guide here.

Specialty Tours

Food & Wines in the Forest: ANF

Take a day trip, or stay the night, while enjoying good eats and locally-sourced libations in the Allegheny National Forest & Surrounds landscape of the Pennsylvania Wilds. The Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau has developed a downloadable guide that points to eight unique experiences and key places to visit for traveling foodies.

Download the guide here.

American Made, American Proud

Looking to explore the grit and perseverance of early Pennsylvania Wilds entrepreneurs? Take in five unique experiences in the Allegheny National Forest & Surrounds landscape of the Pennsylvania Wilds utilizing the “American Made, American Proud” guide developed by the Allegheny National Forest (ANF) Visitors Bureau. The guide points travelers to ANF-based industry centers that help tell the region’s history: the Eldred World War II Museum, Penn Brad Oil Museum, and Zippo/Case Museum, to name a few.

Download the guide here.

Lumberjack Burger Trail

Celebrating our region’s lumber heritage with their name, the Lumberjack Burger Trail was developed by Visit Clearfield County and features 13 locations for those looking for a delicious burger or tasty treat. Visit 11 of the 13 listed locations with your Lumberjack Burger Trail Passport and you can receive a free t-shirt! (Restaurants provide stamps!)

Learn more about the Lumberjack Burger Trail here.

Lumberjack Tasting Trail

Like its sibling, the Burger Trail, the Lumberjack Tasting Trail celebrates our region’s lumber heritage with its name and was developed by Visit Clearfield County. It features 15 different stops throughout parts of Elk Country and the I-80 Frontier. From wineries to breweries and distilleries, this trail for adventurers 21+ includes options to suit all tastes.

Download the guide here.

Historical Walking Tour: Williamsport

Looking for a guide to the historical hot spots in Williamsport, the largest city in the PA Wilds? If you’re heading to this I-80 Frontier community, be sure to check out the Self Guided Historical Walking Tour of Downtown Williamsport list developed by Lycoming Arts, a nonprofit organization committed to supporting the arts community in Lycoming County. The tour includes cultural, civic and and historic buildings throughout downtown.

Download the tour here.

Susquehanna Grains & Grapes Trail: Clinton County

The Clinton County Economic Partnership’s Visitors Bureau has a new beer and wine tasting adventure: The Susquehanna Grains & Grapes Trail. In what is a collaboration with six of their member businesses, the new trail invites people to take a “self-guided adventure at six unique beer and wine establishments.” People age 21 and older who are interested in the trail should first secure a free “Passport,” available at the Visitors Bureau at 212 North Jay Street, Lock Haven, and at all of the six trail locations. As groups and individuals work their way along the trail, they can get their Passport stamped at each location. Once their passport is filled, they need to complete some brief information and return the Passport to the Visitors Bureau to be eligible for a prize drawing.

Learn more about the tour here.

The Region’s Communities

The Pennsylvania Wilds region is larger than some states, including Massachusetts and Vermont! Encompassing nearly 13 counties, over 2 million acres of public land and Pennsylvania’s only National Forest, there are hundreds of communities that serve the traveling public and offer rich histories worth exploring. These hamlets add to the experience. Take the time to tour the rural communities of the Pennsylvania Wilds, from the larger cities to the quaint villages. Tours have already been established for many communities, making it easier than ever to find all the hidden gems!

Historic Williamsport: Walking & Driving Tours

Explore the architectural wonders of Williamsport, the largest city in the Pennsylvania Wilds. Conveniently located in the I-80 Frontier, along the West Branch Susquehanna River, the City of Williamsport was once known as the Lumber Capitol of the World and today, Millionaire’s Row, serves as a reminder of the city’s heritage. Home to Little League Baseball, the city offers a thriving arts community. Many of the buildings featured in the walking tour were constructed in the 1800s.

Download the walking tour here.

Take in the rich history infused in the City of Williamsport, from a paddle wheel boat ride on the West Branch Susquehanna River to a stroll through the many museums and shops of downtown, using the simple One Day or Two Day itineraries developed by the Lycoming County Visitors Bureau. These quick lists provide visitors with a go to guide for must-see locations.

Get the itineraries at www.vacationpa.com.

Smethport Mansion District: Walking Tour

Take in the Gilded Era in Smethport and explore the history of this Scenic Route 6 community, located in the Allegheny National Forest & Surrounds landscape of the Pennsylvania Wilds.  The tour developed by the Allegheny National Forest (ANF) Visitors Bureau includes over 30 stops, encompassing a visit to the Old Jail Museum, quaint shops and the historic Route 6 Diner.

Download the walking tour here.

Bradford National Historic District: Walking Tour

Walk in the footsteps of of early oil barons of the Allegheny National Forest & Surrounds landscape and marvel the architectural treasures that remain today.  “From backwoods to boomtown,” the Bradford National Historic District Walking Tour, developed by the Allegheny National Forest (ANF) Visitors Bureau, helps travelers find all the not-to-be-missed attractions in this McKean County community!  The guide includes a brief description of 25 places to visit, in addition to the popular Zippo/Case Museum and Penn Brad Oil Museum.

Download the tour itinerary here.

Kane: A star in the forest

Unravel the history of Kane, located in the Allegheny National Forest & Surrounds landscape of the Pennsylvania along Scenic Route 6, and a stone’s throw from the Kinzua Experience. Allegheny National Forest (ANF) Visitors Bureau distributes a map of the community, and outlines various amenities found in the region. Many of the suggested stops help visitors learn about the history of the area.

Download the itinerary here.

Clearfield: A historical lens

The I-80 Frontier community of Clearfield offers small shops and various museums great for family entertainment. If you’re looking for a way to connect with Clearfield’s past, be sure to check out the short itinerary developed by Visit Clearfield County, which points travelers to five stops, including a tasty lunch.

Check out the itinerary at www.visitclearfieldcounty.org.

Sinnemahoning & Emporium

Take time to relax in Elk Country, while exploring the remote communities of Emporium and Sinnemahoning. Take a pontoon boat tour while visiting Sinnemahoning State Park to see the George B. Stevenson Dam up close from the water, and be sure to stop into the state-of-the-art Wildlife Center while at the park. Then check out Sizerville State Park, the Sinnemahoning Water Trail, or the challenging Fred Woods Trail nearby before heading to the nearby town of Emporium to take in the local art scene.

Check out the itinerary at www.visitpago.com.

DuBois: Art & Heritage

Explore the history and culture of DuBois, an I-80 Frontier community located in Clearfield County, utilizing a short guide developed by Visit Clearfield County. This tour ensures you’ll visit some of the most popular places in DuBois, from the Winkler Gallery of Fine Art to the quirky Doolittle Station.

Check out the itinerary at www.visitclearfieldcounty.org.

Related Articles

Track the changing leaves to see the best colors with DCNR weekly fall foliage reports


Read More

Wilds Child: Late summer migratory paths at Parker Dam State Park


Read More

Why Pennsylvania’s fall foliage season is the most beautiful


Read More

More From Our Blog

Journeys & Landscapes