Sometimes the road just beckons, whispering that now is the perfect time to just drive, destination unknown. But, of course every road passes through somewhere and passes something and, in some cases, through and past unspeakable beauty. The High Plateau Scenic Byway, which stretches from Renovo to Snow Shoe, will show you Pennsylvania’s amazing natural beauty and wildlife. Drive straight through or stop as you go along. Whatever you decide, this road to nowhere in Pennsylvania will help you truly get away from it all.
Fill up your gas tank because the stretch between Renovo and Snow Shoe promises desolation including a lack of gas stations, stores, and homes.
Google Maps
Drive alongside Sproul State Forest, Pennsylvania’s largest state forest, as you wind your way from Renovo to Snow Shoe on Route 144.
Flickr/Nicholas Tonnelli
Roll down the windows or get out of the car for spectacular views of waterfalls and native wildlife and birds. Follow the orange blazes to stay on the rather isolated trail.
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonnelli
Burns Run Wild Area, accessed via the Chuck Keiper Trail, promises an unaltered view of nature and wildlife the way it was meant to be: without interference from man.
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonnelli
Stop by the Fish Run Dam Scenic Vista, right off of Route 144, for unspoiled views of The Russell Letterman Wild Area.
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonnelli
Pass fairy tale views at Cranberry Swamp Natural Area, off of Route 144, a 144 acre wetland and mountain bog.
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonnelli
Two Run Rock Vista promises sweeping views of the forest surrounding you.
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonnelli
Pass St. Severin’s Old Log Church, which dates back to 1851. Built by German settlers, the old log church earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
Whether you remain in your car the entire time you travel this road to nowhere in Pennsylvania or you break along the way to explore Sproul State Forest, you’re pretty much guaranteed one thing. You will see some of the most intense natural beauty that Pennsylvania has to offer. If you’re looking for an alternative to the High Plateau Scenic Byway, get away from it all with a visit to Erie Bluffs State Park.
Google Maps
Flickr/Nicholas Tonnelli
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonnelli
Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
