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A Four-Day Road Trip on Pennsylvania’s Route 6 Heritage Corridor 

History, heritage and star-filled nights along the state’s northern tier

spinner image map of road trip over pine creek canyon in pennsylvania
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Most of Pennsylvania’s Route 6 Heritage Corridor runs parallel to the state’s northern border with upstate New York, often only about 10 miles south of the state line. Immerse yourself in the region’s cultural and industrial history on this four-day road trip that begins about 100 miles northwest of Pittsburgh and takes you around 300 miles east, to the banks of the Susquehanna River. No big cities on this rural route, just small towns packed with charm, rolling hills, incredible fall foliage, old-time country stores, panoramic vistas, a few quirky attractions and informative museums offering insight into industries that have played pivotal roles in building Pennsylvania, including coal mining and lumber. Cell signals are spotty in some areas, so it’s best to bring a map instead of relying on your phone’s GPS to tell you the way.

spinner image carp feeding at pymatuning state park pennsylvania
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Day 1: Linesville to Kane (115 miles)

Begin your journey on a quirky note at the Linesville Spillway at Pymatuning State Park in Linesville, about 1 1/2 hours northwest of Pittsburgh. People flock to this park for an entertaining sight — thousands of hungry carp flopping in the water to catch bread crumbs thrown by visitors as ducks waddle across the surface of fish backs to take part in the feeding frenzy. If you have poor vision, you’ll still enjoy hearing the flopping as well as the soothing sound of the water pouring over the spillway. Other fun park activities include boating and fishing for walleye and musky.

​While the amusement rides at Conneaut Lake Park are currently closed for renovations, it’s worth the 10-mile detour off U.S. Highway 6 via state Route 618 to attend the park’s special events, which include a family-oriented pumpkin festival in October and frequent concerts.

If you’re getting hungry, continue another 11 miles east on Harmonsburg Road to the Meadville Market House in Meadville for the fresh-baked breads and desserts at its bakery or a prepared lunch from Kettle Lake Kitchen or Zest Kitchen and Pantry. The market’s closed on Mondays. 

Many towns along this route are part of the PA Route 6 Artisan Trail, which showcases the craftsmanship of local painters, carvers, jewelry makers and more. Make an afternoon shopping stop in Corry, 40 miles northeast of Meadville via U.S. Highway 19 and 6. At Epiphany’s Emporium, hand-crafted gifts — kaleidoscopes, leather journals and other collectibles — range from $12 to more than $100. The Painted Finch Gallery features paintings and other creative works, with most prices above $200. 

End your day 60 miles southeast in Kane, named after Thomas L. Kane, the Civil War leader of Pennsylvania’s Bucktail Regiment. Try the famed leek vodka at CJ Spirits, a craft distillery, then dine at Texas Hot Lunch/4 Sons, which, despite its name, serves large portions of delectable dishes daily until 9 p.m. Try the Texas Outlaw burger, a hearty half-pound of beef and all the fixings, plus a special sauce.

Where to stay: The 14-room, reasonably priced Kane Manor Inn, built in 1896, brims with turn-of-the-century charm. A staircase leads to second-floor rooms, so request one on the first floor one if you have mobility issues. 

spinner image the milky way seen at night in cherry springs state park
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Day 2:  Kane to Coudersport (52 miles)

Fuel up for the day with a home-cooked breakfast at the Inn before heading to the Kane Depot, a restored railroad building with a surprising display about The Wolf Man of Kane, E.H. McCleery, the father of the American endangered species movement.

Continue 12 miles northeast on Route 6 to Mount Jewett, then about 5 miles north on Lindholm Road to Kinzua Bridge State Park. Considered the eighth wonder of the world when built in just 94 days and completed in 1882, this railroad trestle was originally 2,053 feet long and 301 feet high before a tornado toppled much of it in 2003. The state has converted the remaining portion into a 600-foot-long, ADA-accessible skywalk with panoramic views of the Kinzua Gorge — views that especially impress in fall when American beech, black cherry, sugar maple and white ash trees burst into color, filling the gorge with vibrant orange, red and yellow leaves.

But don’t visit the park just for the views. The bridge made a big contribution to the state’s economy, having been constructed as an alternative to laying 8 miles of railroad track over rough terrain in McKean County. Using the bridge, the Erie Railroad was able to transport coal, lumber and other commodities vital to the state’s economy out of the county and to market. Learn about the bridge’s historical significance and the industries it helped flourish at a museum in the park’s visitor center.

Back on 6, travel about 16 miles northeast to Smethport for a walking tour through the Smethport Mansion District, where you’ll see more than 30 Gilded-era architectural marvels from the 1800s. Sidewalks and flat terrain make it an easy meander back in time. At the Old Jail House Museum, learn about the region’s early settlers and lumber barons; it’s not for the faint of heart, though, as the jailhouse (and its dungeon) is reputedly haunted. 

For some retail therapy, venture 26 miles east to the city of Coudersport. The charming downtown includes several PA Route 6 Artisan Trail members, like the Potter County Artisan Center, a co-op that sells art, pottery, quilts and other goods.

The Hotel Crittenden is currently undergoing a few renovations but you can still book a room or just dine at its wonderful restaurant, relishing dishes such as slow-smoked St. Louis-style BBQ ribs. After dinner, treat yourself to amazing stargazing at Cherry Springs State Park, an official Dark Sky Preserve 15 miles southeast of Coudersport on Route 44. Just know the drive includes windy roads through dark forested areas.

Where to stay: Check into a remodeled barn and farmhouse at the 10-room, budget-friendly Frosty Hollow Bed & Breakfast, known for its hearty breakfasts (try the signature granola) and Country Mercantile store. Request a ground-floor room if you have mobility issues; second-floor rooms are reached via a staircase.

spinner image sawmill in the pennsylvania lumber museum
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Day 3: Coudersport to Wellsboro (42 miles)

Head 11 miles east to the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum, which pays tribute to the state’s important lumber industry, which has historically provided 10 percent of the nation’s hardwood supply. See a recreated turn-of-the-century logging camp and mill, Civilian Conservation Corps cabins, locomotives and more. 

Continue 29 miles to Pine Creek Gorge, also known as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, and Leonard Harrison State Park (via a 6-mile detour south on state Route 362) for stunning views of the canyon, which stretches more than 45 miles at depths up to 1,500 feet. The main overlook is ADA accessible and provides numerous photo ops, especially during fall foliage season, and hikers can tackle challenging trails for other impressive vantage points. The gorge also features covered wagon rides and the Pine Creek Rail Trail for walking, biking or horseback riding.

In Wellsboro, a charming town 11 miles farther along 6, gas street lamps line Main Street with specialty stores perfect for picking up presents for the grandkids. Shop for brain-teasing toys and puzzles at Pop’s Culture Shoppe; or Legos, stuffed animals and train toys at the family-owned Dunham’s Department Store. Dunham’s Café 1905 serves gourmet soups, salads and sandwiches if you need a bite.

Don’t miss the Wynken, Blynken and Nod statue on the city’s Green, which memorializes Eugene Field’s childhood poem. The statue is dedicated to the memory of Wellsboro native Elizabeth Bailey, who loved the poem and her hometown.

Where to stay: The recently renovated 89-room Penn Wells Lodge has ADA-accessible rooms reachable by elevator for those with hearing or mobility impairments, and an accessible pool. The 70-room Penn Wells Hotel, located two blocks away, has been welcoming guests for more than 150 years, and features the elegant Mary Wells dining room with reasonably priced entrees such as Bruschetta Chicken and Parmesan-Crusted Haddock.

spinner image tunkhannock viaduct in pennsylvania largest concrete bridge in the united states
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Day 4: Wellsboro to Tunkhannock (90 miles)

For breakfast plates under $10, go retro in a 1939 dining car at the Wellsboro Diner. Or if you’re eager to get on the road, opt for its delicious (and large) chocolate-chip cookies to go.

Head east 62 miles to the French Azilum Historic Site, a 1793 French Revolution settlement. None of the buildings are left, but go for the stunning panoramic views of the pastoral farmland from the Marie Antoinette Overlook, easily accessed from the parking lot.

To see more of this scenic countryside, follow the Quilted Corners of Wyalusing, a community art project and self-driving tour showcasing 200 large-scale, hand-painted classic quilt block designs displayed on barns and buildings throughout the area. Grab a map from an outdoor kiosk at the Greater Wyalusing Chamber of Commerce or download a copy before you go.  

End your trip 24 miles south in Tunkhannock. Just before arriving in town, however, take a slight detour onto Route 11 to see the Tunkhannock Creek Viaduct, a 2,375-foot-long concrete railroad bridge rising 300 feet into the air. In town, wander through Tunkhannock’s many antique stores. Apple Wagon Antique Mall (open Thursday-Monday), a favorite, sells advertising memorabilia, crocks, furniture, jugs and more at affordable prices. 

Where to stay: Amenities at the moderately priced, 70-room Shadowbrook Resort include a golf course, yoga studio and outdoor pool. Request a ground-floor room; upper-floor rooms are accessible by stairs only. 

Pittsburgh-based freelance journalist Vanessa Orr's work has appeared in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and numerous other publications.

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