PA Route 6 Road Trip Itineraries

FULL CORRIDOR TOUR

A ten day traveling itinerary covering the full length of Pennsylvania Route 6.

Discover the beauty of Pennsylvania along PA Route 6, a journey like no other! Spanning 427 scenic miles and featuring 211 miles of newly designated byway, this route invites you to explore charming towns, rolling hills, and breathtaking vistas.

DAY 1: Crawford County

Start the day in Linesville at one of the largest man-mad lake in the commonwealth, Pymatuning Reservoir. Find your way to the Linesville Spillway and learn why it’s said, “ducks walk on the fish.” Be sure to keep an eye out for the beautiful mural on Blossom and Booms Boutique*.

11 MINUTES / 7.6 MILES TO CONNEAUT LAKE
Just a short drive east, you’ll enter the borough of Conneaut Lake. It’s known for Pennsylvania’s largest natural glacier lake, and you’ll find year-round activities here including live music from Conneaut Cellars Winery & Distillery*, steamboat rides, and The Icehouse Park Festival.

16 MINUTES / 9.2 MILES TO MEADVILLE
Hang your hat for the evening in Meadville. Explore downtown Meadville to find all the hidden gems this city has to offer including public art, Baldwin Reynolds House Museum, the Crawford County Historical Society, and the historic Meadville Market House*. Stretch your legs on Ernst Trail through the lush bottom lands of French Creek Valley. French Creek is Pennsylvania’s most biologically diverse body of water, with 66 species of fish and 27 species of mollusks!

22 MINUTES / 14.7 MILES TO CAMBRIDGE SPRINGS
The next day, head north on Route 19 up French Creek into Cambridge Springs. We recommend lunch at Riverside Brewery Co.*. It is located on the historic site of the Riverside Inn and features a farm to fork menu, with a strong emphasis on pure maple syrup produced on their maple farm, Howles Maple Farm*, in Guys Mills. Check what the seasonal hours are and take a side quest to learn about the sweet heritage and tradition of producing pure Pennsylvania maple syrup. While in Guys Mills, visit Erie National Wildlife Refuge, an 8k+ acre National Wildlife Refuge established to provide waterfowl and other migratory birds with nesting, feeding, brooding, and resting habitat.

DAY 2: Erie County

12 MINUTES / 7.6 MILES TO EDINBORO
Visit Goodell Gardens & Homestead* to enjoy the public garden and arboretum, open seasonally from May through October. Edinboro Lake Resort & Sunset Grill is ideal to enjoy casual lakefront dining and beautiful cabin accommodations right on picturesque Edinboro Lake.

27 MINUTES / 22.2 MILES TO ERIE
Wherever you choose to stay in Erie County, making a visit into the county seat is a must! The city of Erie is the most urban of all the communities along PA Route 6. It sits on the south shore of Lake Erie which offers visitors a beautiful, sandy coastline and many activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and bicycling. Erie’s harbor is surrounded by Presque Isle State Park, a national natural landmark, and features many lighthouses, some of which, you can enter for a skyline view of the area. Dive into the past 200 years of Erie’s history at the Erie County Historical Society at the Hagen History Center. It includes exhibit buildings, archival and curatorial collections, and Frank Lloyd Wright’s original San Francisco office. By this point in the day, you could probably use a pick-me-up. Pressed Books & Coffee makes a fantastic cup of coffee and offers a curated selection of books.

50 MINUTES / 33.3 MILES TO CORRY
The Pennsylvania Route 6 Heritage Corridor is prime for outdoor recreation like cycling and hiking. To break up your travel into Warren County, stop at the Corry Junction Greenway Trail and put a few miles on. The quintessential small-town of Corry is energetic and welcoming. Its walkable layout makes exploring the downtown shops and eateries like the Painted Finch Gallery* and Epiphany’s Emporium* a breeze.

DAY 3: Warren County

27 MINUTES / 21.7 MILES TO YOUNGSVILLE
As you enter Warren County, you’ll be welcomed by a variety of exceptional wineries and breweries perfect for unwinding and experiencing local flavor. Start your journey in Youngsville at Brokenstraw Valley Winery, where you can enjoy wine tastings and year-round entertainment including live concerts and comedy shows at their on-site event center.

5 MINUTES / 2.9 MILES TO IRVINE
Just down the road in Irvine, take a step back in time at the Wilder Museum of Warren County History. With more than 4,000 fascinating artifacts – from classic cars to Native American relics – this hidden gem offers something for every curious traveler.

13 MINUTES / 7.9 MILES TO WARREN
Continue into the Downtown Warren Historic District, where unique shopping and dining await. Grab a coffee at a local cafe or enjoy a meal and a pint at popular spots like Bent Run Brewing Company or Wicked Warren’s, known for their creative menus and friendly atmosphere. Warren County offers a range of lodging options to suit every traveler. Choose from cozy bed & breakfasts, comfortable hotels, or immerse yourself in nature with camping in the Allegheny National Forest, Chapman State Park, or at private campgrounds. Before heading into the great outdoors, take some time to visit the scenic small towns nearby – head south to Tidioute, home of the Pennsylvania State Championship Fishing Tournament, or north to explore the Amish country charm of Sugar Grove.

15 MINUTES / 9.5 MILES TO KINZUA DAM
On Route 59, just east of the city of Warren, you’ll find the awe-inspiring Kinzua Dam and Allegheny Reservoir, created in 1965. This area is a haven for water lovers and anglers – perfect for fishing walleye, trout, bass, pike, and muskellunge, or for enjoying watersports like jet skiing, paddleboarding, waterskiing, and kayaking. Prefer dry land? Hit the trails! Popular hiking and biking routes include Morrison, Rimrock, and the extensive Trails at Jakes Rock – a 35-mile mountain biking trail system with stunning overlooks of the reservoir and forest.

21 MINUTES / 15.9 MILES TO SHEFFIELD
Before you leave Warren County, make a final stop in Sheffield at Allegheny Cellars Winery. Their wildlife-themed tasting room and gift shop offer a relaxing and unique way to close out your visit, with wines to savor and souvenirs to take home.

DAY 4: McKean County

18 MINUTES / 15.3 MILES TO KANE
Travel along PA Route 6 into the welcoming community of Kane. At the Wilds Sonshine Factory, Inc., you’ll learn about local agriculture, the importance of conserving natural resources, and the unique spirits produced on-site. Just down South Fraley Street, you’ll find a variety of great restaurants and local shops. Be sure to visit The Laughing Owl Press Company*, which features a novelty shop and showcases antique printing presses in action – a rare and fascinating sight. For a dose of local history, stop by the Kane Historic Preservation Society and Museum. If you visit at the right time, be sure to catch one of McKean County’s signature annual events, like Art in the Wilds* in Kane or the Swedish Festival just a few miles east in Mount Jewett.

25 MINUTES / 16.4 MILES TO KINZUA BRIDGE STATE PARK & SKYWALK
Get your camera ready for a must-see stop: Kinzua Bridge State Park and Skywalk. Visit the park’s Visitor Center to explore the history of the Kinzua Viaduct, then walk the SkywalkÑ225 feet above the Kinzua Gorge valley floor. The experience concludes with a thrilling glass-floor viewing platform at the end of the structure, originally built in 1882. While you’re in the heart of the Allegheny National Forest, consider extending your stay to enjoy the many outdoor recreation opportunities. The forest features miles of ATV trails, public lands for hunting and fishing, and exceptional birdwatching, with over 250 bird species including bald eagles and osprey.

31 MINUTES / 21.4 MILES TO BRADFORD
Next, head north to Bradford for the evening. On your way into
town, visit the renowned Zippo/Case Museum & Flagship Store. Once in Historic Downtown Bradford, you’ll find a wide selection
of restaurants, attractions, and accommodations. For evening entertainment, check the schedule at the Bradford Creative &
Performing Arts Center*, which hosts performances and events suitable for the whole family. If you’re an early riser, enjoy a peaceful morning stroll along the scenic Marilla Bridges Trail, which loops around the Marilla Reservoir.

25 MINUTES / 17.6 MILES TO ELDRED
History enthusiasts should also make time to visit the Eldred WWII Museum on the eastern side of McKean County. This museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories, sacrifices, and achievements of the
WWII generation. Hop back on Route 6 in Port Allegany and enjoy a free live performance at the Town Square Concerts*.

DAY 5 & 6: Potter & Tioga Counties

37 MINUTES / 29.2 MILES TO COUDERSPORT
Head for the stars at Cherry Springs State Park, a designated International Dark Sky Park, that offers some of the best stargazing on the East Coast. For those seeking a true off-the-beaten-path experience, this remote area offers unspoiled beauty and tranquility – but keep in mind that services and accommodations are limited, so plan ahead. Fill your gas tank and stock up on snacks in nearby Coudersport. While in town, stop by Cream ‘N Sugar* for an ice cream cone, latte, or a bite for breakfast or lunch. Head south to visit the Austin Dam Memorial Park*, where you can explore the remains of the dam and learn about the devastating dam break of 1911.

26 MINUTES / 22.3 MILES TO GALETON
Welcome to Galeton – you’re now halfway across PA Route 6! If you’re visiting around the Fourth of July, check out Galeton’s Red Suspender Weekend, famous for its Saturday night fireworks display. Before continuing, explore the multi-level antique and collectibles shop, A Stroll Down Memory Lane*, then head into Tioga County.

25 MINUTES / 16.3 MILES TO PA GRAND CANYON
Get your camera ready! The PA Grand Canyon features stunning overlooks at Colton Point and Leonard Harrison State Parks. Pine Creekflows through the gorge and is known for excellent trout fishing. Pine Creek Outfitters, Inc.* offers guided tours as well as kayak and bike rentals to experience Pine Creek on or off the water. The 62-mile Pine Creek Trail, one of the top rail-trails in the Northeast, runs alongside the creek – perfect for biking, hiking, or an overnight adventure. For a more relaxed experience down Pine Creek, hop aboard a
horse-drawn wagon with Ole Covered Wagon Tours.

26 MINUTES / 15.6 MILES TO WELLSBORO
When you’re ready to rejoin civilization, head into the charming town of Wellsboro. Famous for its gas-lit Main Street and events like Dickens of a Christmas, Wellsboro offers a variety of cultural attractions. Catch a film at the Arcadia Theatre, a delicious meal at Timeless Destination, or explore the Gmeiner Art and Cultural Center*. Don’t miss local favorites like Highland Chocolates* and Pop’s Culture Shoppe* for one-of-a-kind gifts and treats.

22 MINUTES / 13.2 MILES TO MANSFIELD
Continue to Mansfield, known as the Crossroads of the Northern Tier. Access the Tioga River and Reservoir from the Lambs Creek Recreation Area and Boat Ramp or enjoy the scenic 3.5-mile Lambs Creek Hike and Bike Trail into downtown Mansfield. While there, visit The History Center on Main Street and browse the town’s variety of shops. Just outside Mansfield, discover hidden gems like the seasonal Mansfield Cider Mill and Mill Cove Environmental Area, a nature preserve with a shooting range, picnic pavilions, and access to the Tioga-Hammond Lakes Recreation Area. Nearby accommodations include The Ranch House*, which offers an authentic agritourism experience, surrounded by rolling farmland and wide-open skies, where guests can unwind with panoramic views of the peaceful countryside.

DAY 7 & 8: Bradford, Wyoming & Lackawanna Counties

20 MINUTES / 16.9 MILES TO TROY
Throughout many of Bradford County’s towns, you’ll find charming, “Norman Rockwell”-style streets lined with local shops. Alparon Community Park, Inc., in Troy hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Troy Fair and the Endless Mountains Maple Festival. Right next door, the Heritage Village & Farm Museum*, operated by the Bradford County Heritage Association*, hosts the PA Heritage Festival* every September. Be sure to check event dates to see if they align with your travel plans.

27 MINUTES / 20.8 MILES TO TOWANDA
Catch a movie or live performance at one of the Bradford County Regional Arts Council* venues – we recommend the Keystone Theatre in Towanda, formerly known as Hale’s Opera House. Dive into local history at the French Azilum Historic Site, located on a horseshoe bend in the Susquehanna River. For a bite to eat, stop by Shores Sisters Farm Market & Cafe for breakfast or lunch. Afterward, head to the Marie Antoinette Overlook for a scenic view of the French Azilum and the Susquehanna River basin. Discover endless adventure along the North Branch of the Susquehanna River – launch your kayak, canoe, or boat from one of the many access points in Bradford and Wyoming counties. Cast a line and enjoy some of the best fishing in the region!

23 MINUTES / 15.6 MILES TO WYALUSING
For a tasting experience, adults can stop at Grovedale Winery & Vineyards in Wyalusing or visit Deep Roots Hard Cider* just a few minutes away in Sugar Run. Adventure seekers may want to explore the Endless Mountains Gravel Bikepacking Loop (EMGBL), a 430-mile route that winds through the scenic counties of Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Wyoming. You can always shorten the ride to fit your schedule.

10 MINUTES / 7.6 MILES TO LACEYVILLE
Wherever means of travel take you into Wyoming County, don’t miss a visit to The Oldest House and Area Historical Society in Laceyville. Originally built in the 1780s, this historic home changed hands several times before being owned by Paul Lacey – a member of the Lacey family for whom the town of Laceyville is named. Explore the rich history of the area with a visit to the house and museum, open seasonally.

23 MINUTES / 17.8 MILES TO TUNKHANNOCK
Unwind in the charming town of Tunkhannock, set along the scenic Susquehanna River – named Pennsylvania’s River of the Year six times. For a truly memorable stay, book a night at Belhana by the River, where you’ll enjoy private river access and peaceful surroundings. Catch a film or event at the Wyoming County Cultural Center at the Dietrich Theater*, and if your timing is right, join in on one of the town’s community events, such as Founder’s Day. Just outside Tunkhannock, explore Vosburg Neck State Park or Miller Mountain in Pinchot State Forest.

18 MINUTES / 12.7 MILES TO NICHOLSON
We recommend a short detour north on Route 92N to Nicholson, where you’ll find the iconic Tunkhannock Viaduct. Towering at 240 feet and stretching 2,375 feet, it’s the largest reinforced concrete bridge in the world still in use today and a true visual landmark.

29 MINUTES / 17.5 MILES TO CARBONDALE
Journey into Carbondale, known as “The Pioneer City.” This historic town was home to the first deep vein anthracite coal mine, a major catalyst of the Industrial Revolution. Visit the Carbondale Historical Society to explore this rich legacy.

A Community Approach

We have 20 Heritage Communities within the Route 6 Corridor, and quite honestly, any of them could provide a nice weekend road trip. In Milford, you could take time to reflect on this country’s military history and the people who served to protect our freedom. In Carbondale, you could spend an entire weekend learning about railroad history. In Coudersport, you could attend a star party and view the night sky the way it was meant to be viewed. In Corry, you could spend days visiting mom-and-pop boutiques.

Each of our 20 Heritage Communities has something special to offer. That’s why we call them Heritage Communities. These charming small towns are the jewels scattered across PA Route 6, just waiting to be discovered.

Fall Foliage Road Trips

One of the most classic ways to explore PA Route 6 is a fall foliage road trip. As a whole, Pennsylvania offers lots of great leaf peeping opportunities, but the best of the best is found in northern part of the state, particularly along the Route 6 Corridor. During peak fall colors, the mountainsides and valleys come alive with brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows.

An important aspect to keep in mind, though, is because PA Route 6 spans such a long distance and passes through so many different regions, the fall foliage doesn’t peak at the same time everywhere. If planning a fall foliage road trip, check the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website for an up-to-date map released each week of the fall season by the Bureau of Forestry with updates on fall foliage in each region of the state. You can then use one of our fall foliage itineraries to time your trip so that you’ll experience each region during peak color. Click each of the links below to view, download, and print fall foliage itineraries.

• 4-Day Western PA Fall Foliage Road Trip
• 4-Day Eastern PA Fall Foliage Road Trip Fall Foliage
• 6-Day PA Route 6 Fall Foliage Road Trip

The Complete “Do 6” Road Trip

Of course, you don’t need to wait until fall to explore a road trip across PA Route 6. All you need is a week. And if you want to really take your time and have an even richer experience, plan for two weeks.

“Do 6” in 6 Days – This 6-day road trip follows PA Route 6 from west to east across northern Pennsylvania, using the helpful “Do 6” Mile Markers as a guide. In 6 days, you’ll enjoy stops in numerous Heritage Communities to view popular tourist attractions such as the Linesville Spillway and Pymatuning State Park, where “ducks walk across the backs of fish” and Kinzua Bridge State Park where you can view the valley from the Kinzua Skywalk. From there you’ll journey through the Dark Sky Region as well as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon on your way to the scenic vistas in Bradford County and the plethora of outdoor recreation, historical sites, and waterfalls.

“Do 6” in 14 Days – Also arranged east to west, this road trip itinerary all the same great aspects of the 6-day version, but allows for more time spent within each community so that you can visit more attractions and experience more of what makes each place unique.

“Take the High Road” and Explore PA Route 6 on Motorcycle

PA Route 6 is perfect for motorcycle enthusiasts because the road itself is mainly a two-lane road through rural areas and communities. No big-city traffic. No hustle-bustle of too many people crammed into too small of a space. Here you can relax and enjoy the ride while taking in the charm of small-town America.

For the motorcycle enthusiast, we’ve developed 5 loops across PA Route 6 ranging from 189 miles to 270 miles in length. Each loop is designed to take riders through some of the most pleasant and scenic areas of northern Pennsylvania. We have loops for the Pocono Mountains, Endless Mounts, Pennsylvania Wilds East, Pennsylvania Wilds West, and the Great Lakes Region. View and download the “Take the High Road” Motorcycle Loop Map today and view and download itineraries that we’ve created for each of these loops as well.

Follow the Artisan Trail!

Northern Pennsylvania’s rich history, diverse regions, and friendly people come together to produce a vibrant culture of craftsmanship and creativity. Each year, we celebrate the unique talents of the artisans living and working within the Route 6 Corridor with our Artisan Trail Map. Each map is a directory of the many talented individuals and businesses in this region, and we have created itineraries that make discovering these folks even easier.

Our artisan-themed road trips take travelers on an artistic adventure through each region of PA Route 6. Visit this page and enjoy art-inspired road trips for the Pocono Mountains, Endless Mountains, Pennsylvania Wilds, and Great Lakes Region.

PA Route 6 Public Art & Mural Trail

If you’re looking for another artsy road trip adventure, consider the PA Route 6 Public Art & Mural Trail, which consists of stops to view the dozens of murals and public art pieces scattered throughout the corridor. Many of these works detail local history and celebrate life in small towns. View this page and you’ll find an interactive map with the address for each mural and public art piece that we have located or had submitted to us from members of each community. Be sure to zoom in on the map, though, as some of these are so close to each other that you need to enlarge the map in order to see how many actually exist in each area.

The Ultimate Biking Road Trip

A “non-traditional” road trip is to cycle across PA Route 6, which carries both state and national bike route designations. But if you’re looking to get off of Route 6 and explore the more rural and scenic areas within the corridor, consider selecting one our bike loops. We have 6 Signature Loops as well as 20 Heritage Community Loops to choose from. Visit the bicycle page on our website and click on the loop you’d like to ride. You’ll be redirected to our Ride with GPS account which offers detailed cue sheets for each loop.

Our 6 Signature Loops were created with advanced riders in mind. These loops traverse some of the region’s most challenging riding, averaging around 67 miles per loop with numerous elevation gains. Some of them can be done in a single day while others might require a weekend.

Our Heritage Community Loops, however, are much shorter, with each one beginning and ending in one of our 20 Heritage Communities. These loops, when strung together using PA Route 6 as the connector, form the Trans Pennsylvania Cycle Tour. These loops range 15-30 miles in length with varying skill level and mixed surface riding. Each of our loops is designed to showcase the best that each community and surrounding areas has to offer.

Conclusion

There’s more than one way to experience a road trip! But as long as that road trip in along PA Route 6, you’re sure to have an enjoyable and memorable experience. You can follow these itineraries verbatim or use them as a general guide to help you customize a trip to suit your desires. Either way, the only thing you need to do next is decide when you want to go!