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4.29.2018

Standing Stone Trail: Hiking to the Throne Room Scenic Overlook in Huntingdon County

One of my favorite hikes in the state is the Standing Stone Trail, especially around the Thousand Steps, and the Throne Room/Hall of the Mountain. The Standing Stone trail traverses ridges in the rugged Alleghenies, providing tremendous vistas, rigorous elevation changes, and an overall rocky landscape. 
This landscape is seriously rocky and exciting to hike. The Standing Stone Trail runs 80 miles and connects the Mid-State Trail to the Tuscarora Trail. The Throne Room gives a tremendous view of the rugged Alleghenies from an impressive boulder field at the top of a ridge. If you are a distance hiker, the trail starts in Cowans Gap State Park, and ends just beyond Greenwood Furnace State Park. If you are a day hiker or looking for a shorter hike, trailheads can be found at www.standingstonetrail.org
Looking up the vigorous climb towards the Throne Room from the trail, just north of the Throne Room.
Looking up at the throne.
I love the way lichen looks on rocks.
Our first glimpse of the view.
The views from this vista are magnificent. 
A look at the throne. This is a great place to sit and have a picnic lunch and soak in the views.
You can see across multiple ridges from this point. It is just shy of the highest point on the trail, Butler Knob, which stands at 2320 feet. We will reach that point later in this hike.
Approaching the Throne Room from the south. We will head back this way in a little bit.
We now approach the "Hall of the Mountain King" a boulder field that covers a large portion of the ridge top. 

Once you pass the "Hall of the Mountain King," you traverse the ridge through a nice forest as you ascend to Butler Knob. Once you reach this point, you find the abandoned Jacks Mountain Firetower, which you cannot climb up, but you see a nice view off of the side of the mountain. 

Heading back to the Throne Room, "King's Quarters," and the "Hall of the Mountain King." This stretch of trail is simply beautiful.
From this direction, you can see the elevation change as you head across the ridge top. After the Throne Room to the north, the trail has serious elevation change at it approaches Mapleton. If you hike in from Mapleton/Points North, you will have a nice and challenging hike. 

The "Hall of the Mountain King"
Almost to the Throne Room.
Such an incredible view.

If you are not catching this area on a thru hike, are coming in by car, and looking for a shorter hike, you are better off approaching from the south. I was hiking for the elevation change and approached from the area of Silver Mine Knob, which I do not recommend unless you have a vehicle with high wheel clearance. If you do approach from the north, you should start in Mapleton and head south. If you do opt to drive in at a point south of the Throne Room, park at Jacks Mountain Firetower, where there is a nice parking area and well maintained roads. Overall, we highly recommend this hike. The views are about as great as you can see within the state. 

4.22.2018

The Stately and Beautiful Johnstown Train Station

Today we continue our tour of Pennsylvania's train stations with a visit to Johnstown. This old Pennsylvania Railroad Station, and current Amtrak Station, is an absolute treasure. It was built in 1916 and designed by the renowned New York architect, Kenneth MacKenzie Murchison. Compared to most of the other remaining PRR stations, this station was a later addition. It was built as a monument to Johnstown being a major industrial and cultural center at the time. It was built around the same time as the Wilkinsburg Station during a time in which the Pennsylvania Railroad was elevating portions of their rail line to eliminate at grade crossings. Johnstown and Wilkinsburg were booming at that point, as was the railroad, which made at-grade crossings extremely dangerous. The construction of this station had a new practical purpose as the railroad elevated its line. The station, and all of the line improvements, cost 3 million dollars, not adjusted for inflation from 1916 levels. It survived the later deadly and devastating floods of 1936 and 1977. When the Pennsylvania Railroad was absorbed into Conrail, the station went along with it. It was later sold to private owners, who then donated the building to the Johnstown Area Heritage Association
This is an absolutely gorgeous building that has clearly seen some recent maintenance and restoration. This Beaux-Arts styled structure, with neoclassical elements is stately and incredible. It would have really been great to see this at the height of passenger rail. I would not mind seeing additional trains between the Keystone Corridor and western destinations. 

The main corridor to the island loading area.
They are working on restoring the old waiting room area, which they plan to use as a concert venue during the Flood Music Festival, and other events that the city holds. The marble based oak benches are original to the station. 
A display showing the treacherous terrain that the railroad was able to conquer, in addition to some of the historic sites and triumphs of the company through this journey.
At this point the station sees only two passenger trains a day, the eastbound Amtrak Pennsylvanian, and the Westbound Pennsylvanian. There is, however, an endless parade of Norfolk Southern freight trains that pass through. Immediately west of the station is the famed old Stone Bridge, which serves as a symbol of the 1889 Johnstown Flood.

Historic Structures has a decent write-up on the history of this building. I was really floored by the beauty of this station and I highly recommend checking it out.

4.15.2018

50+ Amazing PA Scenic Overlooks and Vistas

Pennsylvania has many great scenic overlooks, thanks to its many mountains and worn away plateaus. By no means is this an all encompassing list, since with the state's glaciated plateau and mountainous, and hilly topography, there is a seemingly unlimited amount of opportunities for scenic views. Here are some of our favorites. We highly recommend checking them all out, for they truly are some of the best that the state has to offer. For more overlooks, check out our more recent 100+ Amazing Overlooks Article, here.
1) Hyner View (and the area around it, along with Route 144 Drive/High Plateau Scenic Byway, Renovo View, and others)
The hang gliding launch pad from the vista
Hyner View State Park has a jaw dropping view of the valley of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River from 1300 feet above it. This sweeping vista was so good that it served as the lookout point for a forest fire watchtower.
For more background and location information, check out our article.

2) High Knob Overlook: Loyalsock State Forest Near World's End State Park
It is a tough call between our favorite three overlooks on this list. The slight edge goes to Hyner, but High Knob gives a view that is so commanding and goes on for dozens of miles. In fall, the colors look almost as if they are on fire. The view looks as if it came straight out of a Bob Ross painting. Purely spectacular.
For more background and location information, check out our article.
One glimpse and it is easy to see why Worlds End State Park is such a huge natural attraction. From the many hikes, to the geological formations, and from the beautiful Loyalsock Creek and its covered bridges, this is an awesome destination for outdoor recreation. Loyalsock Canyon Vista is a place that I could spend hours at. Bring me a picnic lunch, pack my camera, tripod, a blanket, and a chair, and I would feel like I am on top of the world. This vista is phenomenal. 

Since the start of the automotive age, the PA Grand Canyon has been a natural draw for visitors. The views are nothing short of spectacular. The Pine Creek Gorge affords many great views, the best of which can be found and Colton Point and Leonard Harrison State Parks, Barbour Rock, Bradley Wales Park, Lebo Vista, and others. There are many opportunities for sightseeing, hiking, distance bicycle riding on the Pine Creek Rail Trail, and more. For more information, check out this link.
Colton Point State Park Views
Lebo Vista, Southern End of the Gorge

Knoebels has a way of collecting awesome rides that need a new home. One of these rides is a former ski lift that carries you to the top of a mountain that overlooks the entire amusement park. This 14 minute ride gives you stunning views of the natural surroundings of Knoebels, one of my favorite places in the entire state, and our overall favorite amusement park.

10) Ridenour and Hawn Overlooks, Raystown:
The Ridenour and Hawn Overlooks give stunning views over the Juniata Valley and Raystown Lake. The view from Hawn's at sunset is about as spectacular as it gets. Seeing the reflections of the light upon the lake, along with the boats cruising the lake, is absolutely beautiful to see, in addition to seeing the moon rise. This is an awesome place to take in a sunset.

11) Winslow Hill Overlook: Elk County
Winslow Hill, and the overall Elk grazing area, are home to sweeping natural vistas. These are also a story of triumph over environmental degradation. Winslow Hill was once strip mined and a mess. The land was rehabilitated, creating grazing lands for elk that were reintroduced to the region many decades earlier. Now, you may often see hundreds of elk at a time at this spectacular place.

12) Throne Room, Standing Stone Trail, Huntingdon County, Raystown Lake Region

The Standing Stone Trail is home to seemingly endless scenic vistas along its 80 mile length. Two of the vistas have made it onto our list, the Throne Room/Hall of the Mountain King and the Thousand Steps in Jack's Narrows. These are some commanding vistas and they require vigorous hiking, on one of the premier challenging hiking trails in the state, the Standing Stone Trail. They had a tremendous vision when they created this trail. 
The trail travels across mountain ridges, providing spectacular views any way that you look. The tops of the mountains in this specific region are filled with large rock scrambles, making for some exciting hiking terrain. 

Thousand Steps Vista
Our second overlook along the Standing Stone Trail provides a fantastic overlook of the Juniata River and Jack's Narrows, a place that the river created that carries the former Main Line of the Pennsylvania Railroad and the historic Route 22/William Penn Highway. There are roughly 1100 steps and they were once the daily commute for quarry workers. Now the steps serve as a fantastic hike and lead to a sweeping set of overlooks.


The Marie Antoinette/French Azilum Overlook gives a view over a spectacular bend in the Susquehanna River from just off of Route 6 in Bradford County. On the other side of the river is a settlement that was built for French asylum seekers during the French Revolution, when masses of French common people, both French nationals and the people in colonized lands, such as the Haitians, stood up against the French elites. Because the royal family and elites had allied with the Americans in the revolution, a number of prominent people created this village for French asylum seekers to settle in. A number of these people still remain within the region. Marie Antoinette is rumored to have been headed here, but the French people decided to not heed her classic advice to "go and eat cake." While that quote may or may not have been said by her, we do know the fate that she faced in place of possibly ending up in PA's beautiful Susquehanna River Valley.

Filled with history, this geological formation over looks a horseshoe bend in the Susquehanna River. Its wide open placement made it a signal place for the local Native American tribes. This overlook is roadside on the historic Route 6 corridor, just like its nearby neighbor, the Marie Antoinette Overlook, which provides a view over another similar meander in the Susquehanna River. Simply a stunning overlook.

Little Round Top is possibly the most historic lookout on this list. It overlooks the "Valley of Death," a place in which tens of thousands of people died to create a stronger and more inclusive nation. The geology of the Gettysburg area, with these small hills and rocky formations, played an integral role in the US Army being able to flush out the Confederates and reunify the country. The sacrifices made in this area make this a solemn and important place to reflect.

Kinzua Bridge is absolutely beautiful. This former rail trestle was the largest in the world when it was first constructed over a century ago. An F3 tornado ripped down a portion of the bridge. Since the storm, the remaining portion of the bridge has been reinforced, and a glass floor skywalk was added to the end, so you can look down nearly 200 feet into the harsh gorge the bridge crossed. This bridge is a monument to engineering and it is incredible to see. 
Hickory Run State Park is one of the prettiest state parks in the state. Between the excellent hiking, camping, waterfalls, the boulder field, and the Lehigh Gap, this state park in the Poconos is excellent. The Fireline Trail offers my favorite vistas in the park, showing tremendous views of the Lehigh Gap. The views look as if they were the inspiration for impressionist paintings. Truly magical, especially in the autumn with vibrant colors. You can also bike and paddle through the entire Lehigh Gap. We recommend exploring all the way down to Jim Thorpe, which is accurately labeled as the "Switzerland of America." You can catch the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway to soak in the views as well. The Glen Onoko Falls area and Tank Hollow, in addition to a myriad of other places, offer tremendous views of the gorge.


 Palm Sunday Mass at St. Mary of the Mount Church
Mt. Washington View from the Monongahela Incline
View from the Lower Hill
Lower Hill
Schenley Park Oval Overlook with some flurries
More Schenley
And some West End Overlook sunrise action!
Fireworks night at Pittsburgh's West End Overlook.
24) Brady's Bend

Brady's Bend Overlook provides a stunning view of a horseshoe bend in the Allegheny River. The views are fantastic and the drive around the area is beautiful. This has long been an attraction for travelers to see, and we make a point of getting up to this vista as the seasons change. Additionally, there are some spectacular railroad remnants located nearby on the banks of the river.

26), 27) and 28) Ohiopyle State Park: Baughman, Kentuck Knob, and Tharp Knob Overlooks
These overlooks, located throughout Ohiopyle State Park, show some awesome views of the Youghiogeheny Gorge. These overlooks are often overlooked in favor of the many small to medium sized waterfalls at the park, but they also provide commanding views
Kentuck Knob Overlook. The Kentuck Knob Overlook at Ohiopyle State Park is located near the park's campground, and close to Frank Lloyd Wright's second most famous work in the area, the home at Kentuck Knob. 
The Baughman Overlook is perhaps the most famous of the overlooks at the park. The geology of the Yough Valley lends itself to really great views, many of which can also be seen on a hike up the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. 

29) Kennerdell Overlook

The Kennerdell Overlook provides a spectacular view over another bend in the Allegheny River, just north of Brady's Bend. It too is home to some nearby neat railroad remnants, in addition to a pretty waterfall.

30) The Many Potter County Overlooks
Potter County has dozens of overlooks. Seemingly everywhere you go in Potter County, you run into overlooks. They don't call it "God's Country" for nothing! Potter is one of the most rugged and remote counties within the state.



31) Big Pocono State Park/Camelback Ski Area Overlook


The view from Big Pocono State Park, at the top of Camelback Mountain Ski Area and Resort


There are a ton of fun sightseeing opportunities and activities going on in the Pocono region of the state. One of my favorite places to check out is Big Pocono State Park, high atop Camelback Mountain Ski Area and Resort. This overlook gives you a wide expanse of view over the Poconos, and to as far out as New Jersey and New York. There are also a ton of different activities to do at Camelback, including an alpine roller coaster, zip lining, and more. There are also a plethora of different places to see throughout the Poconos.

32) Route 40 Overlook, Hopwood, PA Fayette County

The Route 40 Overlook in Hopwood, deep in the Laurel Highlands and near Ohiopyle State Park, Fallingwater, and Laurel Caverns. This overlook looks over Uniontown. The colors are especially vivid at this spot, in addition to Ohiopyle State Park.

33) Jo Hays Vista: Centre/Huntingdon Counties
This overlook is located right on the border between Centre and Huntingdon Counties. It gives a tremendous view over the mountains and the beautiful farmland in the valley. It is located along the Mid-State Trail and McAlvey's Fort Road on the border of Centre and Huntingdon Counties.

34) Beam Rocks/Wolf Rocks Overlook Hikes
Both of these hikes are located within a half mile of each other, tops, across Laurel Ridge, just off of the historic Lincoln Highway/Route 30 Corridor, on the border of Westmoreland and Somerset Counties. The give a tremendous view of the Laurel Highlands, right near Linn Run State Park and Laurel Mountain Ski Area. I rate these hikes as easy to moderate. The biggest challenges are the ankle busting small rocks and respecting the size of these outcroppings, through not putting yourself into a precarious position when you get to them. The views are tremendous and these are some of the best hikes in Western PA.


35) Buchanan State Forest, Bedford and Fulton Counties

Buchanan State Forest offers a tremendous drive across the Sideling Hill Mountain Ridge just off of the Lincoln Highway/Route 30 Corridor in Fulton County. The views afforded here are simply incredible.

This scenic overlook in McConnells Mill State Park, overlooking Slippery Rock Gorge, is often overlooked. It gives an awesome view and is relatively easy to access.
The Allegheny National Forest and Allegheny Reservoir afford incredible views. The Jakes Rock and Rimrock Overlooks are particularly fantastic. 

Mt. Davis, in Somerset County, is the highest point in Pennsylvania, and the views from the top are awesome.


Blue Knob is the second tallest mountain in Pennsylvania, and the views from the ski area section are incredible. This is a great place to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon with a picnic lunch. 

 
Altoona's Horseshoe Curve is one of the most famous engineering accomplishments of all time. In the dawn of railroading, the Pennsylvania Railroad figured out a way to traverse to rugged Alleghenies without using inclined planes, or a prohibitive amount of tunnels. This path had been utilized as a Native American trail to traverse the Alleghenies as easily as possible. 
42) Tidioute Overlook
The Tidioute Overlook, similar to the Brady's Bend and Kennerdell Overlooks, gives a tremendous view over the Allegheny River. Two views can be seen from this spot, with one overlooking an environmentally protected island in the river, and the other showing the small borough of Tidioute.

43) Grand View Point Hotel/Ship Hotel Site/Mt. Ararat, Lincoln Highway
In Lincoln Highway lore, the Grand View Point/Ship Hotel, 18 miles west of Bedford, is one of the most talked about old landmarks. In the days of early highways, service areas and rest stops had to be strategically placed at the top of large summits in order to cool down radiators, fuel up, get a bite to eat, and maybe even spend the night. 
The hotel boasted a view of "three states and seven counties." While the hotel is long-gone, the view remains. 

44) Johnstown Inclined Plane
Johnstown's Inclined Plane is the steepest vehicular incline in the world. Built in response to a need for quicker evacuation the case of another major flood in the city, this incline provides stunning views of the Conemaugh Valley and Johnstown.

45) Cook Forest - Seneca Point Firetower and Forest Cathedral
Cook Forest State Park is home to some amazing views. The Seneca Point Overlook gives a stunning view of the Clarion Valley, including views from an old fire tower, and the nearby Forest Cathedral offers stunning old growth forest. 
Here is a view of the Forest Cathedral.
46) South Mountain Overlook - Bethlehem
From South Mountain you can get an excellent view of Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley. The location is right on Mountain Drive, heading up to Lehigh University's Mountain Top Campus, from the main area of campus. Excellent views can also be seen of from both sides of the mountain up at Lehigh's Mountain Top Campus. 
47) Shikellamy State Park - Selinsgrove, PA
Shikellamy State Park hosts some fantastic views of the Susquehanna River, at the confluence of the West and North Branches of the Susquehanna River.
48) 49) 50) 51) 52) 53) The entire Lake Erie coastline in PA (sites ordered from West to East): Erie Bluffs State Park, Lake Erie Community Park, Presque Isle State Park, Waldameer Park, Tom Ridge Environmental Center, Chautauqua Park, and many more
A wintry view from Lake Erie Community Park, just a few miles east of Erie Bluffs State Park

Scenic views abound along PA's entire Lake Erie Coastline. From Erie Bluffs State Park to Presque Isle State Park, up through Lake Erie Wine Country, you will be certain to find many awesome views.  Follow the Route 5 Seaway Trail along the coastline, and branch off whenever you get the chance. There are MANY awesome vistas to take in throughout the entire route. We love visiting Erie so much that we make a point of getting up there multiple times a year. 
One of the beaches at Presque Isle State Park
Sunset from the beaches of Presque Isle State Park
A view of Presque Isle State Park and Lake Erie from the Ferris Wheel at Waldameer Amusement Park. Visiting this park and taking in the views is so much fun. Riding Ravine Flyer II, one of the best wooden roller coasters in the world, is an added plus. Waldameer is located right at the entrance to Presque Isle State Park.
 A view of Ravine Flyer II from the Ferris Wheel
 Another view of Ravine Flyer II
A view of Presque Isle State Park and Lake Erie from Waldameer's Ravine Flyer II roller coaster. 
A view from Chautauqua Park of Presque Isle Bay, Lake Erie, and Presque Isle State Park.
54) Route 15/Interstate 99 Welcome Center Rest Stop
One of the finest highway rest stops I have ever stopped at in my travels across the country is the Route 15/Interstate 99 Southbound Welcome Center in Tioga. It gives a view of the Upper Tioga River and the Tioga-Hammond Lakes.
By no means is this an all encompassing list, but these are some of our absolute favorites. Be sure to check them all out. 
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