A Civil War regiment of rangers once got its name from the buck tails its members wore on their hats.
Today, a winding Pennsylvania mountain highway carries that same name.
I love that detail.
It reminds me that some roads have stories long before you turn the key.
And Pennsylvania has plenty more where that came from. One scenic drive follows a famous coast-to-coast highway, while another takes you around a reservoir tucked inside a national forest.
You can even explore the Gettysburg battlefield from your own driver’s seat without paying for an auto tour.
With six scenic routes to choose from, there’s no shortage of ways to spend those final holiday hours.
Grab some snacks, fill the tank, and leave a little room for unexpected stops.
These drives might just become the highlight of your long weekend.
Gateway to Endless Mountains PA Scenic Byway
Some roads promise a lot with their names, and this one claims mountains that never end. Bold move, US Route 6.
The byway runs along US-6 near Tunkhannock, in northeastern Pennsylvania. It holds an official spot among the state’s designated scenic byways.
Route 6 itself carries serious bragging rights. National Geographic has called it one of America’s most scenic drives.
Across the whole state, the highway stretches for more than 400 miles. This gateway section gives you a taste without asking for your entire weekend.
So why start here? The name says it plainly, since this stretch serves as your welcome mat to the Endless Mountains region.
You get a chance to ease into the drive at your own speed. Roll down the windows and let the hills do the talking.
Tunkhannock makes a handy base for the trip. You can grab a snack in town, then point the car toward the open road.
A little planning helps a lot. Download your map ahead of time, since rural signal can wander off like a curious kid.
Bring a camera or keep your phone charged. Pullover moments tend to sneak up on you when the views start stacking up.
Above all, skip the rush. Gateways exist to be enjoyed slowly, and the mountains will still be waiting when you round the next bend.
Address: US-6, Tunkhannock, PA 18657
Bucktail State Park Natural Area
Hats with deer tails sound like a fashion choice, yet they gave this route its name. The Bucktail honors a regiment of Civil War rangers.
Here’s the fun twist. This state park is mostly a road, a long ribbon of PA-120 winding through north-central mountain valleys.
The scenic corridor stretches about 75 miles. Along the way, you trace the West Branch of the Susquehanna River through steep, wooded terrain.
Gorgeous views are the main event. Your job is simply to keep your eyes on the road while your passengers gasp.
Want a bonus stop? Hyner View State Park sits just off the route, perched 1,300 feet above the river.
That tiny 6-acre park has a stone observation platform. The retaining wall was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
Hang gliders love launching from that ridge. Even if you stay grounded, the panorama ranks among Pennsylvania’s most spectacular overlooks.
Kids tend to enjoy this one too. Riverside scenery keeps little faces glued to the windows instead of screens.
Plan your fuel wisely, though. Renovo is known as the last stop for gas for many miles, so top off there.
Timing matters as well. Weekend evenings get busier, while Sunday mornings run quieter for a peaceful cruise.
Address: PA-120, Mill Hall, PA 17751
Gettysburg Auto Tour Stop 1
History class never let you control the radio. At Gettysburg, the lesson comes with cup holders and your favorite playlist.
Stop 1 kicks off the self-guided auto tour on Reynolds Avenue. You drive your own vehicle through the battlefield, and it costs nothing.
That freedom changes the whole experience. You can pause for photos, ask questions, and linger wherever a monument catches your eye.
Bus tours keep a strict schedule. Your car lets you cover just as much ground while setting your own pace.
The route links battlefields, historic landmarks, and monuments. Each stop adds a new piece to one of the most famous chapters in American history.
Guided options exist too, if you’d like an expert along. Some travelers prefer that extra layer of storytelling.
Families should feel right at home here. The tour works well for kids, and short hops between stops help restless legs.
Hours run from 6 AM to 7 PM, seven days a week. That early start is great news for sunrise fans.
Crowds tend to peak on Saturday and Sunday mornings into the afternoon. Arriving early helps you beat the bumper-to-bumper history buffs.
Pack water and a printed or downloaded map. Then roll slowly, read the markers, and let Pennsylvania’s past ride shotgun.
Address: 48 Reynolds Ave S, Gettysburg, PA 17325
Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor
Long before interstates, drivers chased adventure on a road named after Abraham Lincoln. Route 30 still carries that old spirit across Pennsylvania.
The Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor celebrates this famous route. Its home base sits on Route 30 East in Latrobe.
Think of the corridor as a road trip with a backstory. It showcases a cross-state scenic driving path built on historic pavement.
Travelers describe it as a fun trip down a historical route. Honestly, that sounds like the best kind of homework.
Why does this drive feel different? You aren’t just looking at scenery, you’re following the tire tracks of early motorists.
Western Pennsylvania hills roll along beside you. Small towns pop up often enough to keep snack breaks easy.
The Latrobe office keeps set hours. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 AM to 4 PM, and closed Mondays.
Holiday weekend travelers should note that Monday closure. Swing by earlier if you’d like to start your drive there.
Bring curiosity along with your sunglasses. Old roads reward drivers who slow down and notice the details.
Let the kids track mile markers or count town signs. A little game can make the miles fly by faster than a speeding Model T.
Address: 3435 Route 30 East, Latrobe, PA 15650
Laurel Highlands Northern Loop Scenic Drive
Some Pennsylvania drives are best enjoyed with nowhere urgent to be. The Laurel Highlands Northern Loop offers about 125 miles of winding roads, ridge views, small-town stops, and forest scenery in southwestern Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources recommends beginning in Donegal, near Exit 91 of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. From there, follow PA 711 north toward Ligonier and use the state’s Northern Loop fact sheet to guide the route.
The drive traces the ridgeline and passes through or near four state parks and a state forest.
There are good reasons to leave extra time. The route includes a stop at Conemaugh Gorge, a walk to a mountain bog, and chances to pause for overlooks or explore nearby communities.
DCNR recommends allowing at least four hours, an estimate that leaves limited room for lengthy hikes or leisurely meals.
Autumn brings colorful views, but the drive is appealing whenever you want a change of scenery. Cell service can be limited in parts of the region, so download directions or bring a paper map before setting out.
Check the hours and status of individual attractions before making them part of your itinerary.
Start: Donegal, PA, near Pennsylvania Turnpike Exit 91.
Longhouse National Scenic Byway
A winding forest road, sparkling reservoir views, and towering trees make the Longhouse National Scenic Byway one of northwestern Pennsylvania’s most rewarding drives. This scenic route travels through the Allegheny National Forest, looping around the Kinzua Creek arm of the Allegheny Reservoir.
One of the best reasons to take this drive is the scenery along the way. Rimrock Overlook delivers sweeping views of the reservoir from a dramatic rocky ledge, while Jakes Rocks offers impressive rock formations, panoramic vistas, and trails for hiking and mountain biking.
You’ll also find inviting places to stop and enjoy the outdoors. Red Bridge Recreation Area is a good choice for a picnic, while Kinzua Beach offers opportunities to relax near the water.
These stops make it easy to turn a simple drive into a leisurely afternoon of exploring.
Autumn is especially beautiful, when the surrounding hardwood forests burst into brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. Summer visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and other recreational activities around the reservoir.
Start near Kane and follow Route 321 toward Longhouse Drive. Leave plenty of time for photographs and scenic stops.
Around here, rushing through the journey would mean missing much of the fun.
