7 Hidden Gems in Northern Pennsylvania
Also known as the Pennsylvania Wilds, the northern section of the Keystone state offers motorcycle riders a little slice of heaven. From villages that transport you back in time to incredible scenery with expansive overlooks, you’ll be captivated at every turn. Speaking of turns—this region has more twists than an M. Night Shyamalan movie that’ll satisfy most any rider’s need for excitement.
If that wasn’t enough to visit this area, here are 7 hidden gems for you to explore while you’re there.
PA Route 6
Okay, so this isn’t necessarily a hidden gem, especially for people who live in the area, but it’s a gem nonetheless. Besides, you can’t visit northern Pennsylvania on a bike without getting a taste of this road! It’s named as one of America’s most scenic drives by National Geographic and connects many small towns full of unique flavor and has tons of interesting sites to stop at along the way. You can find out more about it here.
Austin Dam Park
Open year-round to the public, this little jewel features gorgeous walking trails, picnic and camping areas, as well as its main attraction, the ruins of the Bayless Pulp & Paper Company dam, which failed in 1911, resulting in two hundred million gallons of water to flood through the town of Austin. There are photo opportunities galore, and it’s well worth a stop.
Brown Hill Farms
This farm not only sells fresh, local produce, but they also have a spectacular 15-acre sunflower field that’s open to the public in August, as well as pumpkin fields and a corn maze in October.
Coudersport Ice Mine
Located south of Route 6 on Route 44, this natural wonder offers an intriguing respite from your ride. Here you’ll get to see ice formations that form in the summer and actually melt in the winter. Pretty cool.
Benezette
Known as the elk capital of Pennsylvania, this town boasts almost 1,000 wild elk. The best viewing opportunities are at the Elk County Visitor Center, which also offers educational opportunities on elk history, walking trails, a gift shop, and an immersive 4D theater show to enjoy during your visit.
Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour, Scranton
If you’ve ever been curious about what daily life was like working in the mines or just like history and cool stuff, the Lackawanna Coal Mine makes for an excellent stop. This restored mine will take you 300 feet beneath the earth’s surface for an up close and personal look at how people worked to fuel the economy and heated the nation. Tours are available daily from April 1 through November 30, seven days a week (closed for major holidays). There’s also a gift shop and group rates are available. For pricing and more info, click here.
Steamtown National Historic Site, Scranton
For history buffs and locomotive fans, this site provides an intriguing look into the past and a chance to learn all about America’s industrial history. You can also enjoy seasonal excursions, where you can immerse yourself in the steam locomotive experience, as well as enjoy views from Bridge 60, which spans the Lackawanna River.