Pennsylvania Wilds: Pine Creek Gorge, dark skies and Kinzua
Across the forests of northern Pennsylvania on US-6: the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, stargazing at Cherry Springs and the Kinzua Bridge skywalk.
- Distance
- approx. 266 km (165 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 57 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 7
- States
- PA
- Best time to go
- May–June and September
- Tolls and vignettes
- ≈ $5
- Updated
- June 25, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 266 km (165 mi) with 7 stops, from Williamsport to Warren. About 2 h 57 min of driving in total. Best time to go: May–June and September. Tolls and vignettes for a car: about $5 (PA).
More road trips in Pennsylvania
Photos along the route
Route description
Williamsport, home of the Little League World Series in late August, is the gateway to the Pennsylvania Wilds, a region of forested plateaus and small towns far apart. Take US-15 north and US-6 west to Wellsboro, about an hour, a small town with gas-lit streets, a village green and a good choice of places to stay and eat before you head into the forest.
Leonard Harrison State Park is about 16 km west of Wellsboro on PA-660, on the east rim of Pine Creek Gorge; Colton Point State Park faces it on the west rim, reached by a separate road. Short walks lead to the overlooks, while the Turkey Path drops steeply to the creek. On the valley floor the Pine Creek Rail Trail runs about 62 miles through the gorge, and outfitters rent bikes and run shuttles.
Back on US-6, drive west and follow PA-44 to Cherry Springs State Park, about 1.5 hours. Come on a moonless night from spring to autumn, let your eyes adjust and use only red lights; on clear nights the Milky Way stands out overhead. The park has a rustic campground, or you can stay in Coudersport, 20 minutes north, a small town with fuel and supplies.
From Coudersport US-6 continues west through Port Allegany and Smethport to Mount Jewett, where signs lead to Kinzua Bridge State Park and the skywalk on the viaduct’s surviving towers. Then drive through the Allegheny National Forest to Warren on the Allegheny River, about an hour, or detour on PA-59 to the Kinzua Dam. The trip is about 330 km; US-6 suits RVs, but fuel stops are few and deer are common at dusk.
Which stops are on Pennsylvania Wilds?
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Williamsport
PA - 274 km
Wellsboro
PA - 317 km
Leonard Harrison State Park
ViewsWellsboro, PAThe east rim of Pine Creek Gorge, the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, about 800 feet deep here, with overlooks next to the parking lot. The Turkey Path drops steeply to the creek, where a rail trail runs along the bottom.
- 437 km
Cherry Springs State Park
NatureCoudersport, PAA hilltop field with some of the darkest skies in the eastern US, certified as an International Dark Sky Park. Use red lights only; the public night-sky viewing area is free, and moonless nights from spring to autumn are best.
- 525 km
Coudersport
PA - 656 km
Kinzua Bridge State Park
ViewsMount Jewett, PAThe remains of a railroad viaduct toppled by a tornado in 2003; the surviving towers carry a skywalk ending in a glass-floored platform 225 feet above the valley. Free; the skywalk has been under repair until 2027 and opening only in autumn, so check first.
- 757 km
Warren
PA
How do you drive Pennsylvania Wilds in 3 days?
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Williamsport → Leonard Harrison State Park · 56 mi · 1 h 00 minOn the way: Wellsboro.Overnight nearby, for example: Canyon Country Campground (1 mi); Stony Fork Creek Campground (6 mi).
- Day 2: Leonard Harrison State Park → Coudersport · 38 mi · 0 h 41 minOn the way: Cherry Springs State Park.Overnight nearby, for example: Allegheny River Campground (5 mi); Hemlock Campground (15 mi).
- Day 3: Coudersport → Warren · 70 mi · 1 h 15 minOn the way: Kinzua Bridge State Park.Overnight nearby, for example: Buckaloons Campground (6 mi); Dewdrop Recreation Area (10 mi).
When is the best time for Pennsylvania Wilds?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
More routes for the best months
Practical guides for this route
Photo by Malivez on UnsplashDriving in the US: The Rules European Visitors Most Often Get Wrong at the Wheel
Photo by Aleksandr Dalakian on UnsplashFuel, Tolls and Distances: Practical US Driving Math for Motorhome and Camper Travelers
Photo by Tracy Zhang on UnsplashUS national parks: entry fees, passes and reservations in plain terms
Themes
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FAQs
How long is Pennsylvania Wilds: Pine Creek Gorge, dark skies and Kinzua?
3-day road trip of about 266 km (165 mi) with 7 stops, from Williamsport to Warren. About 2 h 57 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Pennsylvania Wilds: Pine Creek Gorge, dark skies and Kinzua?
We suggest 3 days: about 2 h 57 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Pennsylvania Wilds: Pine Creek Gorge, dark skies and Kinzua start and end?
It starts in Williamsport and ends in Warren.
Which states does Pennsylvania Wilds: Pine Creek Gorge, dark skies and Kinzua pass through?
Pennsylvania.
Where can you camp along Pennsylvania Wilds: Pine Creek Gorge, dark skies and Kinzua?
OpenStreetMap lists 66 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Williamsport South / Nittany Mountain KOA, Squarewood Acres Campground and Canyon Country Campground.
How much are the tolls on Pennsylvania Wilds?
Tolls and vignettes for a car: about $5 (PA). Estimate with typical rates; motorhomes pay more, and vehicles over 3.5 t often pay by distance.
