Pennsylvania's exciting roads and varied landscapes attract daring bikers. With its hills and historic cities, Pennsylvania has numerous experiences for motorcycle riders. This guide gives you useful tips about sightseeing places, places that welcome bikers, and even a suggestion on a comfortable place to stay overnight after a day full of thrills.
Are you craving an exhilarating motorbike adventure? Imagine the wind in your hair, the engine's roar between your legs, and endless stretches of open roads up ahead.
Pennsylvania has all kinds of landscapes, from hilly areas and green valleys to impressive mountain ranges and cute historical towns. It's a perfect state for motorcycle exploration, with varied routes that are guaranteed to check off all your boxes.
Charting Your Course
Make a plan if you're plotting a Pennsylvania motorcycle journey. Are you drawn to the peace of Amish country or the excitement of twisting through the Appalachian Mountains? Look into scenic routes, such as the Endless Mountains Byway or the Great Allegheny Passage, according to your preferred riding style. The Pocono Mountain region is popular among riders due to its thrilling rides enhanced by scenic beauty. Stroudsburg marks the starting point of this exciting journey heading north on Route 611.
Lancaster County offers an insight into Amish living and culture. Route 340 is known for its picturesque landscapes consisting of farmlands and horse-driven carriages. Intercourse is a town famous for Amish-made crafts and food items. While there, Kitchen Kettle Village presents some interesting local dishes like shoofly pie that you must try out!
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is an excellent spot for hiking and enjoying views of the Delaware River. At Jim Thorpe, also referred to as the "Switzerland of America", you can enjoy seeing various Victorian architecture, participate in outdoor activities, or even visit the Old Jail Museum. Make sure to have some small towns and historic spots like Gettysburg or Valley Forge ready for quick rest breaks.
Fueling Up for Adventure
Pittsburgh is a great place to start your ride due to its location at the base of the Allegheny Mountains. Travel east on Route 30, known for its history and scenic views.
The Flight 93 National Memorial in Shank is a significant stop on the journey. It marks the tragic event on September 11, 2001 where many lives were lost. Fuel up your bike in Bedford at Jean Bonnet Tavern, a stone inn established in 1762. Pennsylvania serves motorcycle fanatics well. There are plenty of biker-friendly businesses along the highways that provide ample food, cozy accommodations, and safe parking areas. Expect to see other riders exchanging tales over hot coffee, their well-worn leather jackets and tough jeans showing evidence of past excursions.
After a long exploration, reward yourself with some luxury. The Nemacolin resort in Farmington is a peaceful getaway. Relax your body with a spa afternoon. Enjoy a fancy dinner at the resort's restaurant. Watch live shows or catch some Z's in your posh lodging. This is the perfect way to get ready for another day of adventure. If you like online entertainment, Pennsylvania has legal online casinos and they wrote about the most trusted platforms. These online versions of Vegas let you play games from your hotel room after a tiring day of travel. Always remember to gamble safely and only with what you can afford.
For motorcycle trips, you should always pack light. Choose clothes that can be worn in different weather conditions and stacked layer upon layer. Always bring a raincoat, sturdy gloves, and a basic first aid kit. You must also remember to take important tools a kit for fixing tires and an extra pair of spark plugs. Having a dependable way to find your way is essential, be it GPS or an old-school paper map. In case you are somewhere with weak cell reception, download maps onto your device ahead of time. To stay hydrated while riding your motorcycle, always carry a hydration pack filled with water. A small toolkit can come in very handy when small repairs need to be made.
Hitting the Open Road
As you journey along the winding roads of Pennsylvania, you'll encounter a stunning array of landscapes. Dense forests open up into sunny farmlands. Small charming townships are sprinkled along the horizon. Waterfalls cascade down lichen-laden precipices. Riders visiting northcentral Pennsylvania are greeted with Pine Creek Gorge's grandeur which is also referred to as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. Route 6 leads you all the way there.
Don't forget to check out the amazing sights along the way. For a stunning view of the canyon, make sure to stop by Leonard Harrison State Park. Take a leisurely walk on the Turkey Path Trail to get up close to the breathtaking rock formations. In Wellsboro, you'll love the cozy feel of the gaslit streets while you grab a bite to eat and find a place to rest. Be ready for different weather conditions by packing an assortment of clothing – Pennsylvania's weather ranges from chilly mountain mornings to warm summer afternoons. Above all else, consider safety essential. Put on your best motorcycling gear, including your rugged jeans, and always be cautious while driving.
Your thrilling Pennsylvania motorcycle adventure is waiting for you. From mountain vistas to historic towns, the Keystone State offers so many different experiences for riders. Where exactly will your next journey take you?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nurlana Alasgarli
Content Specialist
Nurlana Alasgarli is a professional copywriter with more than 6 years of creative writing experience. Having lived and experienced all over the world, there are many writing genres that Nurlana follows, including adventure, outdoor and motorbiking. Nurlana brings life to content creation, captivating her readers.