Pennsylvania is packed with surprises, and this road trip strings together some of the state’s most unforgettable sights into one incredible loop.
Along the way, you’ll discover breathtaking waterfalls, cross historic covered bridges that have stood for generations, and wander charming towns filled with colorful storefronts, scenic rivers, and fascinating stories.
One day you could be standing on a wooden bridge above a rushing creek, and the next you could be hiking through a gorge lined with cascading falls or exploring streets that look like they belong in a storybook.
If you’re looking for a Pennsylvania adventure that mixes natural beauty, small-town charm, and a healthy dose of history, this route delivers one memorable stop after another.
1. New Hope
New Hope sits along the Delaware River in Bucks County, about 50 minutes from Philadelphia, and pairs beautifully with neighboring Lambertville, New Jersey, just across the historic New Hope-Lambertville Bridge.
The town is famous for its walkable Main Street, where you can browse bookstores, art galleries, antique shops, and landmarks like the Bucks County Playhouse, a riverside theater that has hosted stars since 1939.
One of the most popular things to do is ride the New Hope Railroad, which runs vintage train excursions through the countryside past farms, forests, and colorful fall foliage.
You can also stroll the Delaware Canal Towpath, spot historic buildings dating back to the 1700s, and enjoy river views from waterfront restaurants.
2. Bushkill Falls
After exploring New Hope’s historic streets, it’s time to explore Bushkill Falls, one of the Pocono Mountains’ most famous natural attractions in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Often called the “Niagara of Pennsylvania,” this park features eight waterfalls connected by a network of wooden walkways, bridges, and hiking trails ranging from easy strolls to longer routes up to about 2 miles.
The star of the show is the 100-foot Main Falls, which plunges through a steep gorge and can be viewed from several platforms that give you different angles of the rushing water.
Beyond the falls, you can tackle forested trails, spot wildlife, paddle boats on Twin Lakes, and enjoy a destination that has been welcoming outdoor lovers since opening to the public in 1904.
3. Jim Thorpe
Continue driving for about an hour to Jim Thorpe, a mountain town that’s packed with Victorian architecture, steep hillsides, and some of the most scenic views in eastern Pennsylvania.
Often nicknamed the “Switzerland of America,” the town sits near the Lehigh Gorge and is known for attractions like the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, which follows the Lehigh River through dramatic cliffs and forested landscapes.
You can also tour the Asa Packer Mansion, a beautifully preserved 1861 home with 18 rooms, browse shops along Broadway, or learn about the town’s unusual connection to Olympic athlete Jim Thorpe, whose remains are buried here.
If you’re ready for more outdoor adventure, hop on the Lehigh Gorge Trail, a crushed-stone path stretching 26 miles through the state park, with rushing rapids, waterfalls, and old railroad landmarks along the way.
4. Ricketts Glen State Park
Keep the outdoor adventure going at Ricketts Glen State Park, a 13,193-acre park in northeastern Pennsylvania that is home to one of the most spectacular waterfall collections in the state.
The park’s biggest draw is the Falls Trail, a challenging 7.2-mile loop that passes 21 named waterfalls, including the 94-foot Ganoga Falls, the tallest waterfall in the park.
Stone steps, narrow paths, and wooden bridges lead you through a deep old-growth forest where waterfalls tumble over layers of sandstone and shale in nearly every direction.
When you’re ready for a break from the trail, head to 245-acre Lake Jean for swimming, kayaking, fishing, or simply relaxing beside the water before continuing your Pennsylvania loop.
5. Forksville Covered Bridge
From the waterfall-filled trails of Ricketts Glen, slow the pace with a stop at the Forksville Covered Bridge, a classic Pennsylvania landmark spanning Loyalsock Creek in the tiny Sullivan County village of Forksville.
Built in 1850, this historic bridge stretches 152 feet across the creek and is one of the oldest covered bridges still standing in Pennsylvania, with its distinctive red sides and wooden Burr arch truss design.
Driving through the bridge feels like stepping into another era, and the surrounding scenery includes rolling hills, quiet country roads, and some of the most picturesque farmland in the Endless Mountains region.
It’s an easy addition to a road trip and gives you a chance to see one of Pennsylvania’s most photographed covered bridges before heading to your next stop.
6. Hassenplug Covered Bridge
Continue deeper into Pennsylvania’s covered bridge country to find the Hassenplug Covered Bridge, tucked away along a quiet road near Mifflinburg in Union County.
Built in 1825, this 80-foot wooden bridge is recognized as the oldest covered bridge in Pennsylvania and carries traffic over Buffalo Creek using a traditional Burr arch truss system.
Unlike larger covered bridges that sit near busy attractions, Hassenplug feels wonderfully secluded, surrounded by farmland, wooded hills, and peaceful creek views.
The bridge has survived floods, storms, and nearly two centuries of change, giving you a chance to stand beside a remarkable piece of Pennsylvania history before continuing your journey through the state’s storybook landscapes.
7. Historic Pomeroy-Academia Covered Bridge
Next, make your way to Juniata County to see the Historic Pomeroy-Academia Covered Bridge, one of the longest covered bridges in Pennsylvania and a true engineering standout.
Built in 1902, this impressive bridge stretches 278 feet across Tuscarora Creek and features a double-span Burr Arch design that makes it unlike most other covered bridges in Pennsylvania.
The bridge once carried traffic between the villages of Academia and the nearby Pomeroy mill area, but today it serves as a pedestrian bridge where you can walk through its weathered wooden interior and admire the craftsmanship up close.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it offers a fascinating look at early 20th-century bridge building.
8. Ohiopyle State Park
Get ready for some big outdoor adventure at Ohiopyle State Park, a 20,500-acre park in southwestern Pennsylvania that is one of the state’s top destinations for hiking, biking, and whitewater rafting.
The park is centered around the Youghiogheny River, where powerful rapids attract paddlers from across the country, and Ohiopyle Falls sends water crashing 20 feet over a wide rock ledge right in the heart of town.
You can walk the 0.5-mile trail to Cucumber Falls, a beautiful 36-foot waterfall framed by sandstone cliffs, or bike a section of the Great Allegheny Passage, a 150-mile rail trail connecting Pittsburgh and Cumberland, Maryland.
With rushing rivers, scenic overlooks like Baughman Rock, and 79 miles of hiking trails, Ohiopyle showcases a completely different side of Pennsylvania.
9. Lititz
After the rushing rapids and waterfalls of Ohiopyle, continue about 3.5 hours to Lititz, a charming Lancaster County town that blends small-town charm with fascinating history, unique shops, and famous sweet treats.
Founded in 1756 by Moravian settlers, Lititz is home to Lititz Springs Park, where a natural limestone spring flows through the center of town and hosts annual events that have been local traditions for generations.
One of the biggest draws is the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, established in 1861 and recognized as America’s first commercial pretzel bakery, where you can learn how hand-twisted pretzels are made and even try twisting your own.
You can also stroll along Main Street to browse independent boutiques, visit the Wilbur Chocolate Store, and explore a town that was named the Coolest Small Town in America in Budget Travel’s 2013 nationwide contest.
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