Purchases of our 2024 PA Calendar and PA Amusement Parks Book

2024 PA Calendar and PA Amusement Parks Book Purchase Options

8.29.2021

100+ Amazing PA Scenic Overlooks and Vistas Guide and Bucket List

Pennsylvania has many great scenic overlooks, thanks to its many mountains, river valleys, rock outcrops, 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. The top thirteen are our clear cut favorites, but all are worth checking out.

1) Tank Hollow Overlook Above the Lehigh River 

Tank Hollow Overlook gives a stunning view above a dramatic bend in the Lehigh River Gorge in the Pocono Mountains, just north of Mauch Chunk. The views here are absolutely breathtaking. This view requires a short hike, but the effort is well worth it. For more information on visiting, check out this article.

2) (2 overlooks) Big Mountain Overlook 

Big Mountain Overlook gives stunning views eastward, both over following mountain ridges, but also to the right/Southeast, you can see the topography flatten as it heads into Maryland and Virginia and towards the Chesapeake Bay and the ocean. On the clearest days, you can get views up to a hundred miles out from this spot. You see the rugged topography of Pennsylvania give way within this spot, and it is really impressive.
On the road up to Big Mountain Overlook, from the Lincoln Highway/Route 30 and on the state forest road, you get westerly views that are pretty awesome as well. With views high enough to go over multiple mountain ridges. For more information on visiting, check out this article. 

3) 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.

4) 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
11) Belmont Plateau in Fairmount Park: Philadelphia
Fairmount Park in Philadelphia is an absolute treasure. In the summer, it is buzzing with activity, with people picnicking, playing games, and taking in the scenery. This spot gives a breathtaking view of the Center City Philadelphia Skyline. In the winter, the hill is a popular destination for sledding. Historically, this place helped transform our nation, with the Belmont Mansion serving as a stop on the Underground Railroad, where formerly enslaved people went to find freedom. It is comforting knowing that the stunning view from this spot is one of the first views that people saw as many experienced freedom for the first time. This is a lovely spot and the view is just fantastic. 

12) Boathouse Row - Philadelphia

Boathouse Row is an internationally famous place in Philadelphia. With sweeping views of the boathouses across the Schuykill River, with views of the Art Museum and Center City Philadelphia when looking in the other direction, this is a tremendous scenic overlook. This is a world renowned destination in rowing sports and an awesome place to just take in the cityscape. 


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.

14) and 15) Ridenour and Hawn Overlooks, Raystown: (Two Overlooks)
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.

16) 17) (Two Overlooks) Raystown Dam looking towards the Juniata River Valley and Towards the Lake

In this location, you get a view looking at what the Juniata River Valley looked like up through Raystown Lake. This gives you a view down the meandering river valley and you can even catch a glimpse at an eagles nest. 

If you continue up the road to the dam, you also get a look at the start of the lake from this cool amphitheater area. 

18) Reading Pagoda and Skyline Drive

Skyline Drive in Reading is another concept drive from the days in which driving was a more glamorous and novel concept. Building a road for a scenic drive, coupled with public park greenspace is an awesome concept. The stone walls of the drive were built up by the WPA during the Great Depression, putting young men to work and beautifying communities. The Reading Pagoda was built up as being a resort, but in a strange and winding history, that concept never worked out, and it instead has become a wonderful public gathering spot. The views from this place are awesome and the place is reminiscent of the Griffith Park Observatory in Hollywood, with an awesome building built off the edge of a cliff, overlooking an urban area. For more information on visiting, check out this article.

19) 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. 

Located a few miles down the road from the Winslow Hill Overlook, you will find the Dent's Run Overlook. This one gives a view the Dent's Run valley and gives views of elk over a sweeping vista that you can see miles away from.

The primary viewing area gives a view of a meadow in a former lumber town in which elk graze and feed on the greenery. Looking out from the parking area in the other direction, you get this beautiful and dramatic view looking out over the Sinnemahoning Creek Valley


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. 
For more info on visiting, check out this article.

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 "let them 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. 
Boulder Field
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.
36) 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.

37) 38) and 39) 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. 

40) 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.

41) 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.





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. For more information on visiting, check out this article.

43) 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

44) 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.

45) 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.


46) 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. Also nearby, in winter time when the leaves have fallen, the road heading down towards McConnells Mill and the Covered Bridge gives breathtaking views of the old structures and valley.
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. 
53) 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.

54) 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. 

55) 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.

56) 57) and 58) Cook Forest - Seneca Point Firetower, Seneca Point, 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.
59) 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. This view is a little different now, since Martin Tower, the former headquarters of Bethlehem Steel, was torn down. 
60) 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.
61) 62) 63) 64) 65) 66) The entire Lake Erie coastline in PA (sites ordered from West to East): Erie Bluffs State Park, Lake Erie Community Park, Presque Isle State ParkWaldameer 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.

67) 68) 69) 70) (Four Overlooks) Former Colerain State Park area: Spruce Creek, Indian Lookout, Canoe Mountain, and Colerain Road East View

Following Colerain Road through the former Colerain State Park area in Huntingdon County leads to a series of four breathtaking scenic overlooks, showing the rugged topography of central PA. For more information on visiting, check out this article.

71) Round Top Park Overlook Bradford County

This scenic overlook near Sayre is very pretty, and they have even built a nice community park around it, complete with large swings to take in the view. For more information, check out this article.

72) Allegheny Front Hawk Watch




In spring and autumn, the Allegheny Front Hawk Watch in Bedford County uses its awesome park setting to count the birds in the seasonal raptor migrations. It is not uncommon for fifty eagles, hundreds of hawks, and hundreds of turkey vultures to pass by this stunning scenic overlook. For more information on visiting, check out this article.

73) Gallitzin State Forest: Rager Mountain Division, Northwest of Johnstown, Charles F Lewis Natural Area

This overlook, just northwest of Johnstown in the Rager Mountain Division of Galltizin State Forest, requires a very rocky hike with rigorous elevation change, and passes through a beautiful little waterfall gorge that is filled with wildflowers in the spring, and through other overlook areas and a rock city. At the edge of the rock city, there is an impressive view down the waterfall gorge and across the Conemaugh River Gorge on a rocky outcropping. Be careful, especially on the descent from here. I had a boot failure which could have turned ugly had I fallen in the other direction. For more information visiting this spot

74) 75) (2 overlooks) Babcock Division of Gallitzin State Forest, East of Johnstown

Gallitzin State Forest consists of two large and main tract divisions, the Rager Mountain and Babcock Divisions. Both are well worth visiting. The Babcock Division has a series of great trails, including the Saylor Trail. It is situated on the edge of Cambria, Somerset, and Bedford Counties. 

The County Line Trail is home to several fantastic scenic overlooks as it weaves around the top of the Allegheny Front, giving similarly awesome views to the Allegheny Front hawk watch. During peak migration, people are sometimes stationed in this location to do raptor counts as well. For more information on visiting, check out this article

76) Scranton Route 307 Overlook

Similar to some of the other places we have mentioned in this article, this cool scenic overlook is a remnant of early highway building, from a time where driving was a more elegant pastime. The stonework was a WPA project, putting young men to work in the Great Depression. It is a roadside scenic overlook that gives a stunning view of Scranton. You can even hear the echoes of the train horns from Steamtown down below. For more information on visiting, check out this article. 

77) Delaware Water Gap Scenic Drive

The Delaware Water Gap Scenic Drive offers a multitude of scenic overlook pull offs. While many are partially obstructed with overgrowth, they are still really beautiful. 

78) Starrucca Viaduct, Northeastern PA

Our scenic overlooks are generally located in places of high elevation. In this overlook, you get a view of a stunning engineering achievement, in a stone arch railroad bridge that remains one of the tallest of its kind in the world, more than 150 years after it was first constructed. For more information on visiting, check out this article.

79) Nicholson/Tunhannock Viaduct

Northeastern PA has some seriously incredible railroad bridges, primarily because of its proximity to the major New York City market that needed major resources, especially fresh food, both as a public health concern and for overall quality and advancement of business. Similar to the relatively close Starrucca Viaduct, Tunkahannock Viaduct was built on an even larger scale, and it too remains one of the tallest reinforced concrete rail bridges ever constructed. There are multiple scenic overlook vistas to check out this engineering wonder. For more information, check out this article.

80) and 81) (Two Overlooks) Breezyview Overlook and Chickies Rock, Lancaster County

Breezyview Overlook and Chickies Rock in Western Lancaster County, above the Susquehanna River, are just awesome to check out. They give sweeping views of the Susquehanna River. Breezyview Overlook is roadside and Chickies Rock Overlook requires a short hike. For more information on visiting, check out this article.

82) Susquehanna River Bridge: Wrightsville-Columbia Bridge

The Wrightsville-Columbia Bridge is a beautifully adorned bridge that carries the old Lincoln Highway across the Susquehanna River. There is a community park located on the eastern end that gives a sweeping scenic vista of the bridge. For more information on visiting, check out this article. 

83) Rockville Bridge Near Harrisburg

As with the other bridge overlooks on this list, the Rockville Bridge across the Susquehanna River is also among the largest bridges of its kind. This tremendous bridge has remained an integral connection in commerce since its construction. It is an incredible thing to see in action. For information on visiting, check out these articles. 

84) Pikes Peak Overlook, Route 15, Liverpool, PA above the Susquehanna River

Pikes Peak Overlook is located halfway between Harrisburg and Sunbury, just off of Route 15. It gives a great view of the Susquehanna River from State Game Lands. The ride between Harrisburg and Sunbury is very pretty and underrated in regards to its scenic aspects. Be sure to check it out. It is located just off of Overlook Road, with a 50 foot hike over. Be careful driving up Overlook Road because it is a state forest road and steep.

GPS coordinates are 40.609803, -76.954436

85) and 86) (2 overlooks) Mt. Pisgah Altar and Shade Mountain Lookout Overlook

The Mt. Pisgah Altar was a labor of love and it gives a fantastic view of the rugged central PA topography. It is an awesome place to visit and reflect. For more information on visiting, check out this article.

87) Cassandra Overlook, Railwatching Scenic Overlook in Cambria County 

The Cassandra Overlook is world famous with people who love to watch trains. It gives a rare straightaway view over the old Pennsylvania Railroad Mainline in an area known for its rugged curves. It is well worth checking out, especially with the rest of the great railroad viewing attractions in the area. For more information on visiting, check out this article.

88) Fallingwater: The home built over a waterfall by the famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright

The scenic overlook that gives a view of the architectural wonder, Fallingwater, is breathtaking and incredible to see. For more information on visiting, check out this article.

89) Chimney Rocks Hollidaysburg

Many of the overlooks we mention are located on rocky outcrops. Chimney Rocks is one of these places. It is an awesome public park area that includes multiple scenic overlooks near a neat rock formation overlooking Hollidaysburg. For more information on visiting, check out this article.

90) Bells Majestic View: Centre County

This scenic overlook in Centre County is quite beautiful, especially at sunset since it faces west. It gives a phenomenal view of Penn's Valley and Nittany Mountain. It is located off of the Siglerville-Millheim Pike, and you can drive right up to it. GPS Coordinates to find it are: 40.829752, -77.508710

91) Big Valley Vista, Bald Eagle State Forest

The state forests of Centre and Mifflin County are seemingly endless with so many places to go for outdoor recreation and to take in scenic views. The Big Valley Vista is in Bald Eagle State Forest and gives an easterly view. You can drive right up to this one on rugged state forest roads at coordinates: 40.78464, -77.51479

92) New Lancaster Valley/Locust Ridge Road Vista

The New Lancaster Valley Vista gives a stunning view about twelve miles down the New Lancaster Valley to where Jacks Mountain and Thick Mountain meet. The view is so incredible. Central PA's topography is so amazing. 

GPS Coordinates: 40.79362, -77.31011


93) Negley Park Harrisburg Overlook

Just across the Susquehanna River from Harrisburg, you can get a sweeping view of the river, city, and capitol complex from Negley Park. This is a pretty awesome place that is well worth seeking out. 

94) Dennison Point Hike at Kennerdell and Clear Creek State Forest

This overlook requires a decent and lightly strenuous hike to get to, but if you love the Kennerdell Overlook, you will want to check this one out. It is right down the road from the Kennerdell Overlook and requires a really nice hike to get to. This land was supposed to become a state park, but it never happened. The view of the Allegheny River Gorge here is just amazing. For more information on visiting, check out this link

Lambs Hill Overlook in Bradford County seems to be a place that is long forgotten. It has a nice and old picnic area within a state forest area. It gives a great view of the rugged topography of the region and of the agrarian makeup of the area. For more information on visiting, check out this article.

96) Pymatuning/Linesville Spillway

The Pymatuning/Linesville Spillway is a place that we usually end up at if we are anywhere within a half hour of the place. We love to go here and feed the fish, but it is easy to overlook the scenic beauty of the spot. While this is a manmade reservoir spillway area, the natural beauty of the spot is awesome. Giving views of both manmade engineering, a lake, and the walls of the gorge leading into it. For more information on visiting, check out this article.

97) Spruce Flats Bog Forbes State Forest, Laurel Highlands

Spruce Flats Bog is such a unique place within the landscape of Pennsylvania. Bogs are rare within the state, and higher altitude bogs are a rare occurrence anywhere. Millions of years ago, an open water pond was located here in this depression on the mountain. 

For more information on visiting, check out this article.

98) Yough River Lake Dam Overlook

The Youghiogheny River Lake Dam gives a stunning view of the river valley as it meanders towards Ohiopyle. This is also near the GAP Trail, which is in our next set of overlooks. 

The GAP Trail travels from Pittsburgh, PA to Cumberland, MD, maneuvering through the mountains of southwest PA and Western Maryland. In Cumberland in connects to the C&O trail, which goes all the way to Washington, DC.
The most stunning of the overlooks can be found right as you enter in Pennsylvania from Maryland on the GAP Trail, just as you leave an old train tunnel portal. This spot has a bunch of benches as a place to rest and picnic after making the climb up to this spot from either direction. 
Salisbury Viaduct Overlook. This bridge crossing is an impressive and awesome structure at about 100 feet tall. It gives a stunning view of the Casselman Valley
Pinkerton Tunnel, giving views of a cool bend in the Casselman River. For more information in visiting these places, check out this article on a trip of ours on the GAP Trail. You can also take in similar views riding on the Capitol Limited train, which runs from Chicago, via Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Connellsville, Cumberland, MD, and Washington, DC, which goes on a similar course through this landscape.

102) Susquehanna Overlook Williamsport

This overlook is built along the lines of an old style scenic overlook and picnic area from when the idea of driving was more of a novelty and entertaining event. I wish they would still build these types of scenic overlooks, for there are so many great spots across the state where they could easily add these and help out the local areas. This one gives a view above the Susquehanna River near Williamsport on the northbound side of US 15. For more information on visiting, check out this article

103) Frick Park Overlook Mon Valley Industrial View and Kennywood

It is not often that you get a view that gives you a birds eye view of the commercial and industrial areas  and an amusement park. This spot in Pittsburgh's Frick Park gives a view over the eastern and southeastern industrial and commercial cities heading out of Pittsburgh, Homestead, Braddock, Duquesne, and Clairton, all the way out to Kennywood Park. To reach this spot, hike up the Overlook Trail in Pittsburgh's Frick Park.

104) 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. 

We have released our 2022 Pennsylvania Calendar! 

It features views of: 

-Independence Hall in Philadelphia 

-Sunrise in Downtown Pittsburgh 

-Knoebels Amusement Resort 

-Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway 

-Millersburg Ferry across the Susquehanna River 

-Tank Hollow Overlook above the Lehigh Gorge in the Poconos 

-The Reading Pagoda 

-Kennywood Park 

-Mercer's Mill Covered Bridge in Chester and Lancaster Counties 

-Academia-Pomeroy Covered Bridge in Juniata County

-Ohiopyle State Park 

-A holiday scene in Pittsburgh 

The calendars open up to be 17 inches tall by 11 inches wide (8.5 by 11 pages) 

It makes for a great gift for someone or for yourself. It is available for purchase through the PayPal dropdown menus at the top of the page and the bottom of this article.

Thanks for your ongoing support over the years! 

2022 PA Calendar and PA Amusement Parks Book Purchase Options
 
Blogger Widget