TRAVEL: Five Scenic Driving Tours are a Must Before the Fall ends

Five Scenic Driving Tours are a Must before the Fall Ends 

By JorgeJefferds October 20, 2014

 The Northeast reflects a portrait we always see in the cartoon movies. Disney, particularly, brought us the fantasy and magnificence of the typical nature found in the surroundings of the Appalachian Mountains and the Alleghany Plateau.

The wild lands east of the Mississippi don’t only attract our attention in warm days. Winter and the fall pride themselves of displaying the most romantic moments a human being deserve to contemplate. A mix of colorful leaves precedes the everlasting wintery white tones and textures of Christmas scenery.

Here are five scenic driving routes that showcase the woods and wildlife of Northwestern Pennsylvania.

Cook Forest River Loop.

Within its 7,000 acres of woodlands, Cook Forest has one of the finest stands of primeval white pines and hemlocks in the eastern U.S. In fact, these huge, ancient trees are as much as 350 years old. Cook Forest is designated as a National Natural landmark and is rated one of America’s top 50 state parks by National Geographic Traveler magazine.

Bucktail Highway, Route 120

This route travels 75 miles from St. Marys to Lock Haven winding through a magnificent river valley. It’s designated as a state park scenic drive.

The High Plateau, Route 144

A 27-mile road in Clinton County-and the Longhouse National Scenic Byway-a 27-mile loop around the Allegheny Reservoir deep within the forests of McKean and Warren counties, provide stunning views of the region’s wildlife and foliage. In addition to the scenery, travelers along the Kinzua Bridge Scenic Byway can stop to enjoy one of the engineering marvels of the 19^th century-the Kinzua Viaduct, which once stood as the worlds’ longest and highest railroad bridge.

Devil’s Highway, Route 666

From Tionesta take Rt. 62 north to East Hickory. Along the way, you will have great views of the Allegheny River, which runs parallel to the road. At East Hickory, turn east into Rt. 666-the Devil’s Highway. The drive will take you past a mix of woodlands, farms and eventually deep forest. This is an exceptional stretch of road for fall foliage. It curves uphill and down with some hairpin turns for about 30 miles.

Brady’s Bend and Foxburg

The drive winds through Rimersburg and Sligo, East Brady, Parker and Foxburg. Sligo was named after the seacoast town in Ireland and has streets named Shamrock Drive and Colerain that have an Irish flair. At the southern point along the route, you will find Brady’s Bend. This area has magnificent panoramic views of the Allegheny River and is a popular spot for eagle and hawk watching. Traveling north you will arrive at Parker, where you can cross the river on one of the few remaining metal truss bridges (circa 1934) of any kind on this area. Go a little farther and discover the charming resort town of Foxburg, home of the American Golf Hall of Fame and the Foxburg Winery.

All you have to do is simple: pick up your car, and drive those unforgettable miles across these natural wonders.