Scenic Drives in Pennsylvania
Routes
60
Avg Distance
420 mi
Avg Drive
7h 49m
Destinations
37
Pennsylvania's scenic drives offer a varied experience, with routes averaging 420 miles and taking around 8 hours to complete. You'll encounter hilly terrain and moderate elevation changes, with some routes reaching over 1,600 feet. The state boasts 60 routes with drive scores up to 9, showcasing its diverse landscapes.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$4.47/gal
Diesel: $6.18/gal
Typical trip cost
$72–$77
One-way, ~420 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG
CO₂ per trip
~147 kg
ICE vehicle, one-way average
Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-10-12
Climate through the year: Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania peaks at around 88°F in Jul and cools to 41°F / 26°F in Jan. Wettest month is Sep at ~4.4 in of rain.
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain in | Snow in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 41 | 26 | 3.1 | 7.1 |
| Feb | 44 | 28 | 2.8 | 8.4 |
| Mar | 53 | 34 | 4 | 3.6 |
| Apr | 65 | 44 | 3.5 | 0.3 |
| May | 74 | 54 | 3.3 | — |
| Jun | 83 | 64 | 4 | — |
| Jul | 88 | 70 | 4.4 | — |
| Aug | 86 | 68 | 4.3 | — |
| Sep | 79 | 61 | 4.4 | — |
| Oct | 67 | 49 | 3.5 | — |
| Nov | 56 | 39 | 2.9 | 0.2 |
| Dec | 46 | 31 | 4 | 3.5 |
Source: NOAA NCEI Monthly Climate Normals, 1991–2020 reference period. Sampled at the major-airport station for PA — microclimates along specific routes can vary significantly.
Planning Tips
- Scenic routes often have fewer gas stations and services. Top off your tank before heading into mountainous or rural stretches.
- Budget extra time for scenic drives — pulling over for views, photos, and short hikes is half the point.
- Check weather conditions for mountain passes and high-elevation stretches, especially in shoulder seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Top Scenic Routes
Editor's pick
Bristol, PA → Harborcreek, PA
Through: Allentown → Mount Pocono
This route stands out with a drive score of 9, featuring hilly terrain and a maximum elevation of 1,629 feet. It includes access to parks, making it a great option for exploring Pennsylvania's natural beauty.
Editor's pick
Bristol, PA → Lawrence Park, PA
Through: Allentown → Mount Pocono
With a drive score of 9, this journey presents similar hilly terrain and elevations up to 1,625 feet. The inclusion of park access provides opportunities for roadside stops and exploration.
Editor's pick
Croydon, PA → Wesleyville, PA
Through: Allentown → Mount Pocono
This drive scores a 9 and navigates hilly terrain with a peak elevation of 1,594 feet. Its park access makes it an appealing choice for those who enjoy incorporating nature stops into their travels.
Erie, PA → Manchester, VT
Through: Montreal → Cohoes
Erie, PA → Tullytown, PA
Through: Patp → Allentown
Whitman, PA → Wesleyville, PA
Through: Mount Pocono
Fairless Hills, PA → Erie, PA
Through: Allentown → Mount Pocono
Woodbourne, PA → Erie, PA
Through: Allentown → Mount Pocono
Erie, PA → Whitman, PA
Through: Patp → Allentown
Erie, PA → Folcroft, PA
Through: Patp → Allentown
Lawrence Park, PA → Philadelphia, PA
Through: Patp → Allentown
Erie, PA → Baldwin, PA
Through: Patp → Allentown
Erie, PA → Eddington, PA
Through: Patp → Allentown
Erie, PA → Penndel, PA
Through: Patp → Allentown
Erie, PA → Pennsport, PA
Through: Patp → Allentown
Erie, PA → Moore, PA
Through: Patp → Allentown
Upper Darby, PA → Wesleyville, PA
Through: Mount Pocono
Langhorne Manor, PA → Erie, PA
Through: Allentown → Mount Pocono
Ridley Park, PA → Erie, PA
Through: Mount Pocono
Prospect Park, PA → Erie, PA
Through: Mount Pocono
Erie, PA → Collingdale, PA
Through: Patp → Allentown
Fairview, PA → Erie, PA
Through: Mount Pocono
Erie, PA → Sharon Hill, PA
Through: Patp → Allentown
Erie, PA → Center City, PA
Through: Patp → Allentown
Trevose, PA → Erie, PA
Through: Mount Pocono
Erie, PA → Darby, PA
Through: Patp → Allentown
Tacony, PA → Erie, PA
Through: Mount Pocono
Philadelphia, PA → Erie, PA
Through: Mount Pocono
Erie, PA → Millbourne, PA
Through: Patp → Allentown
Yeadon, PA → Erie, PA
Through: Mount Pocono
Whitman, PA → Avonia, PA
Through: Mount Pocono
Haverford, PA → Harborcreek, PA
Through: Mount Pocono
Erie, PA → Rockledge, PA
Through: Patp → Allentown
Abington, PA → Harborcreek, PA
Through: Mount Pocono
Lansdowne, PA → Erie, PA
Through: Mount Pocono
Drexel Hill, PA → Erie, PA
Through: Mount Pocono
Bryn Athyn, PA → Erie, PA
Through: Mount Pocono
Erie, PA → Warminster, PA
Through: Patp → Allentown
Albion, PA → Croydon, PA
Through: Patp → Allentown
Girard, PA → Philadelphia, PA
Through: Patp → Allentown
Erie, PA → Lawrence Park, PA
Through: Patp → Allentown
Haverford, PA → Lawrence Park, PA
Through: Mount Pocono
Erie, PA → Broomall, PA
Through: Patp → Allentown
Erie, PA → Hatboro, PA
Through: Patp → Allentown
Erie, PA → Wyncote, PA
Through: Patp → Allentown
Fairview, PA → Philadelphia, PA
Through: Patp → Allentown
Whitman, PA → Albion, PA
Through: Mount Pocono
Bala-Cynwyd, PA → Erie, PA
Through: Mount Pocono
Norristown, PA → Harborcreek, PA
Through: Mount Pocono
Erie, PA → Ardmore, PA
Through: Patp → Allentown
Erie, PA → Haverford, PA
Through: Patp → Allentown
Horsham, PA → Erie, PA
Through: Mount Pocono
Erie, PA → Newtown, PA
Through: Patp → Allentown → Quakertown
Erie, PA → Village Shires, PA
Through: Patp → Allentown → Quakertown
Erie, PA → Bryn Mawr, PA
Through: Patp → Allentown
Edinboro, PA → Bristol, PA
Through: Patp → Allentown
Erie, PA → Wyndmoor, PA
Through: Patp → Allentown
Erie, PA → Fort Washington, PA
Through: Patp → Allentown
Croydon, PA → Edinboro, PA
Through: Allentown → Mount Pocono
Cambridge Springs, PA → Bristol, PA
Through: Patp → Allentown