Venture beyond it all
Scenic Drives Around Trail Central
Nestled into the ridges and valleys of the Allegheny Plateau in beautiful northwestern Pennsylvania, the Allegheny National Forest region offers low-traffic, two-lane scenic byways with plenty of opportunities to explore charming small towns, local restaurants and unusual shops brimming with collectibles and rare treasures.
Download the Scenic Driving Tour Map which includes descriptions of seven of our most popular driving tours. Or view the entire Tour Map as a flip book.
Autumn is a special time in the Forest region with over 513,000 acres of hardwood forests brushed with the colors of scarlet, sunshine yellow and brilliant orange. At elevations of over 2,000 feet, the fall foliage usually peeks early, with prime “leaf peeping” normally the last two weeks of September and the first two weeks of October.
Scenic Route 6 | Southeast Gateway | Southwest Gateway| Longhouse National Scenic Byway | Eastern Continental Divide Loop | Tracey Ridge Loop | Eldred-Rock City Loop
Longhouse National Scenic Byway
The Longhouse National Scenic Byway is a 27-mile loop around the Kinzua Creek arm of the Allegheny Reservoir and is recognized by USA TODAY as one of America’s top 50 scenic drives. Beginning in Bradford and following Rt. 59 into the Allegheny National Forest, the route passes Timberdoodle Flats and the Bradford Ranger Station before offering access to the Morrison Trail and its two scenic loops. Rimrock Overlook and Jakes Rocks provide sweeping views from dramatic rock formations, and Longhouse Drive traces the western shoreline past Dewdrop Recreation Area to Rt. 321. A short detour leads into Kane for local dining, artisan shopping at the Kane Depot, and wine tasting at Flickerwood Wine Cellars. The drive finishes by circling the eastern shoreline and reconnecting with Rt. 59 and Rt. 219 for a return to Bradford.
Eldred – Rock City Loop
The Eldred–Rock City History Loop begins in Bradford and follows Rt. 219 north to Rt. 346, a winding road that leads through forested hills toward Eldred. The Eldred WWII Museum offers a two-hour look at the region’s wartime history and its former munitions plant. Continuing north on Rt. 446 into New York, the route becomes Rt. 305 and passes Portville’s flood-control dykes, with a worthwhile detour to Sprague’s Maple Farm for a meal and a short hike. From Portville, follow Rt. 417 into Olean and turn onto Rt. 16, which climbs to Rock City Park, known for its sweeping views and trail through massive ancient boulders. The drive finishes by looping back onto Rt. 346 and returning to Bradford’s restaurant row, home to local favorites like Turn & Burn, the Farm Family Restaurant, and Chu Lee Garden.
Scenic Kinzua – Route 6 Loop
This drive begins in Ellicottville and heads south on Rt. 219 to Lantz Corners, then east on Pennsylvania’s Route 6 into Mount Jewett, where the town’s Swedish heritage and Kaffe Sol’s homemade breads offer a warm welcome. Continue to the signed turn for Kinzua Bridge State Park and follow the Kinzua Bridge Scenic Byway, a forested route known for wildlife sightings, to the Kinzua Sky Walk with its sweeping gorge views and partial glass floor. From the park, travel toward Smethport to explore the Old Jail Museum and view the town’s historic mansions. Continue on Rt. 6 and Rt. 155 through forested ridges and valleys to Emporium, then south to Benezette for a visit to the Elk Country Visitors Center and the chance to see Pennsylvania’s elk. The loop returns via Rt. 255 and Rt. 153 to Rt. 219, passing through Ridgway before heading back toward Bradford or north to your next stop.