Discovering the Northeast Tier: This four-day journey winds you through the Allegheny National Forest - the only national forest in the Commonwealth - and the sites in its surrounding towns and parks.
| Itinerary |
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Day 1: Warren |
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Day 2: Kane and the Kinzua Bridge State Park |
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Day 3: Scenic Route 6 |
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Day 4: Wellsboro |
Day 1: Warren
The City of Warren, situated in the northwest section of the state, is known
as the "gateway to the Allegheny National Forest" - making it the
ideal spot to begin this four-day itinerary.
Supported in the 19th and 20th centuries by the timber and oil industries, Warren's unique architecture represents 25 different styles and includes one the largest and most unique collections of historic properties in the state. The Warren Historic District includes twenty-eight blocks in the heart of the City and features over 600 historic structures.
After exploring this unique district, pack a picnic and head for the hills! Encompassing 513,000 acres, Allegheny National Forest is a nature lover's playground. Start out your afternoon with a short trip to nearby Kinzua Dam and Allegheny Reservoir.
Surrounded by forest, the dam and reservoir are at the heart of one of the largest and most popular outdoor recreation complexes in the northeastern United States. In the summer, there are plenty of activities ranging from swimming, boating and water-skiing, to camping, fishing and sightseeing. In the fall, the Kinzua countryside bursts into a colorful display of foliage, with miles of hiking trails and country roads from which to enjoy scenery. Winter doesn't put a damper on the enjoyment - hikers put on their cross-country skis, fishermen continue their sport on the ice, and snowmobiles speed along the many trails and forest roads.
In the summer months, the Kinzua Wolf Run Marina's Waterfront Café is a pleasant place to stop for dinner. Or, if the shoppers in your group could use a change of pace, stop at the Blair Outlets on your way back to Warren. Then have dinner in town, and enjoy a performance at the Historic Struthers Library Theatre.
Kids Would Love:
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Warren Bike Trail |
Nearby Lodging:
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Super 8 Motel - Warren |
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Horton House Bed and Breakfast |
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Edgewood Motel and Restaurant |
Visitor Information:
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Allegheny National Forest Vacation Bureau |
Major Highways: Route 322 to Route 62 North.
Day 2: Kane and the Kinzua
Bridge State Park
On your second day, enjoy your first glimpse of Scenic
Route 6, as you head east towards Kane. Nestled in the heart of the Allegheny
National Forest, Kane prides itself on being the Black Cherry Capital of the
World. This historic community has other claims to fame, including Evan O'Neil
Kane who proved the usefulness of local anesthesia, twice operating on himself.
Here you can catch the Knox & Kane (K&K) Railroad to the Kinzua Bridge. The K&K Railroad makes its steam-powered trip through the Allegheny National Forest and across the Kinzua Bridge - the fourth highest railroad trestle bridge in the world. Suspended 300 feet above the valley floor, this famous bridge is 2,000 feet long. Check out the varied wildlife from your windows and enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the stops. (Order ahead for an inexpensive but hardy box lunch). The trip from Kane is about three hours, and the entire round trip from Marienville, is about eight hours.
If you opt not to take the train, walking the Kinzua Bridge Trail is another great way to see the bridge and the surrounding forest. Follow the abandoned Erie Railroad line and enjoy the gorgeous view overlooking the bridge. The trail is five miles long.
If time permits, World War II enthusiasts should head north on Route 446 to Eldred for a tour of the WWII Museum. The triumphs and tragedies endured by ordinary citizens during World War II are remembered through the exhibits, maps, dioramas and audiovisual displays of the museum.
Kids Would Love:
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Kane Depot and Museum |
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Red Bridge Recreation Area |
Nearby Lodging:
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Royal Inn in Ridgway |
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Faircroft Bed and Breakfast |
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Towers Victorian Inn |
Visitor Information:
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Northwest Pennsylvania's Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau |
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Allegheny National Forest Vacation Bureau |
Major highways from Warren to Kane: Scenic Route 6.
Having passed through the heart of the Allegheny National Forest, Day 3 continues your excursion along Scenic Route 6 - named "One of America's most scenic drives" by National Geographic. The full Pennsylvania Route 6 experience passes through eleven counties stretching over 400 miles across northern Pennsylvania. Today, you will be heading from Kane towards the town of Wellsboro.
You won't get far on the Scenic Route before you are lured off the road by a quaint country store, restaurant, scenic view or charming early 1900s downtown village. You'll also be tempted by a country inn, B&B or hotel where you can rest for the night, or by out-of-the way restaurants, coffee shops and diners.
But whatever you do, be sure to leave time for a visit to the PA Lumber Museum on Route 6 in Galeton. This is not just your ordinary museum. The history of logging comes alive as you wander through the rustic logging camp - including the mess hall and bunkhouse, blacksmith shop, filers shack and horse barn. There is also a locomotive and engine house, with steam powered sawmill.
Time your trip around Independence Day and watch history really come alive during the annual Bark Peeler's Convention. The event re-creates the "conventions" held long ago when the lumber camp workers would gather to celebrate another year's hard work. As in the past, song, dance, good food and lively contests are the highlights of the festive gathering.
If you don't make it for the convention, you can still enjoy and learn by taking a tour of the grounds. A self-guided nature trail is an easy quarter-mile walk with informational stations placed along the trail to identify many of the tree species common to north central Pennsylvania.
Kids Would Love:
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Cherry Springs State Park |
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Patterson State Park |
Nearby Lodging:
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Canoe Place Inn |
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Radisson Hotel - Williamsport |
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Quality Inn Williamsport |
Visitor Information:
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Pennsylvania Route 6 Tourist Association - Coudersport |
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Potter County Visitors Association |
Major Highways: Scenic Route 6.
The final stretch of your four-day tour takes you to picturesque Wellsboro, the county seat of Tioga County. Spend the morning in town, exploring the quaint gas-lit Main Street and wandering among the neighborhood's pristine homes. Grab breakfast at the Wellsboro Diner - you'll need the energy to get you through your busy day!
After you get acquainted with the town, it's time to feast your eyes on Pennsylvania's 20,000-year-old wonder - Pine Creek Gorge, better known as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. A National Natural Landmark, Pine Creek Gorge measures approximately 50 miles in length and plunges a distance of 1,000 feet to Pine Creek.
Both Leonard Harrison State Park on the east rim of the canyon and Colton Point State Park on the west offer breathtaking vantage points. Hiking trails such as Pine Creek Trail wind their way along the canyon floor - ideal for a smooth bike ride or leisurely stroll. The tranquil lakes provide a great spot for spreading out your picnic blanket.
After a leisurely morning, it's time for a real adventure - exploring the canyon on horseback. Or for an even more unique experience, hop on board a covered wagon or surrey for a ride through peaceful meadows and mountain forests.
Following your day in the wilderness, head back to Wellsboro for a relaxing evening at the Penn Wells Hotel. The Penn Wells offers the classic feel of days gone by at the Hotel in the heart of downtown, or choose the modern feel at the Lodge just down the street.
For dinner, a nice choice is the hotel's Mary Wells Dining Room. A refreshing drink in the adjacent lounge is the perfect time to reflect on your four-day visit.
Kids Would Love:
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Draper's Super Bee Apiaries, Inc. |
Nearby Lodging:
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LaPetite Auberge Inn |
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Canyon Motel |
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Craig's Log Cabin |
Visitor Information:
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Tioga County Visitors Bureau |
Major Highways: Scenic Route 6.
