Philadelphia, PA - If you're looking for a scenic overlook with a great view, consider High Knob in Sullivan County, Pennsylvania. Located just above Loyalsock State Forest, this overlook is accessible from Route 87 or Worlds End Road in the east. The best time to visit High Knob is in the fall, especially at sunset. You'll enjoy views of Tioga-Hammond Lake, a natural hotspot that is wheelchair accessible. But Pennsylvania has many more spots; here are five of our staff's favorite PA Overlooks.
1. Ridenour Overlook
If you're visiting Pennsylvania, it's time to take in the breathtaking views of the Allegheny Mountains from the Ridenour Overlook. Located adjacent to the parking area for Hawn's Overlook and Ridenour Dam, this overlook is fully wheelchair accessible. You can also glimpse the nearby Raystown Lake Dam, which sits 400 feet below. Afterward, head to the nearby pagoda for even more views of the Allegheny Mountains.
Rt. 22 eastbound into Huntingdon, then turn right onto Henderson Hollow Road. Look for a sign for "Ridenour Overlook" and park. The Ridenour Overlook is located at an elevation of 840 feet, making it one of the highest overlooks in the region. Once you arrive, you will find benches and signage describing the panoramic view of the Juniata River Valley.
2. Hawn's Overlook
If you're looking for a great scenic viewpoint in Pennsylvania, try Hawn's Overlook, a moderately complex trail located in Huntingdon. You'll enjoy the 180-degree views of Hawn's Peninsula and Raystown Lake from the overlook. This trail is ideal for all levels of hikers, from beginner to avid, and will reward you with breathtaking views of Pennsylvania.
Located near Ridenour Overlook, Hawn's Overlook is just a few hundred feet from the Ridenour Overlook. Unlike Ridenour, Hawn's Overlook faces westward and provides a panoramic view of Raystown Lake and Juniata Valley. Sunset views are especially impressive from this overlook. It feels like a secluded spot yet is near a popular tourist destination.
Another great view is the sunrise; you can watch the sun rise and set from the overlook. You'll see beautiful fall colors if you come in the fall or evening. If you're visiting Hawn's Overlook in Pennsylvania during the fall, you can take advantage of the parking lot at the park, which is wheelchair accessible. If you're looking for a scenic overlook in Pennsylvania, it's worth a trip. It's a beautiful and unique place to spend a day.
3. Marie Antoinette Overlook
A scenic view of the Susquehanna River valley awaits at the Marie Antoinette Overlook in Pennsylvania. This WPA-built lookout was built during the Great Depression and is an incredible sight. Nearby is the Marie Antoinette Inn. You can stay in one of its historic guest houses to complete the trip. You'll have an unforgettable experience, no matter what you decide to do on your visit to this historical landmark.
This picturesque overlook was built in the 1920s as Route 6 was routed through the area. Later, the Civilian Conservation Corps improved the lookout, offering sweeping views of the valley, Bradford County, and French Azilum. The overlook has free audio tours and is an excellent place to learn about the Wyalusing Valley and its history. The French Azilum Historic Site also offers historic buildings and events tours.
In the 1930s, the Marie Antoinette Overlook was created as a roadside amenity, with stone commemorative markers and coin-operated panoramic binoculars. Later, the WPA added a quaint Chateauesque structure to the overlook that had conical roofs. The Overlook was a popular spot for prom pictures and wedding party pictures. Thousands of cell phone selfies have also been snapped at the view from the overlook.
4. Brady's Bend Overlook
When you travel to western Pennsylvania, you'll likely want to visit Brady's Bend Overlook. This scenic overlook overlooks the Allegheny River, a section once the territory of the Native Americans. This location was named after frontier scout Captain Samuel Brady, who rescued two children from a tribe of Seneca. The area is located on the western edge of Pennsylvania, near the Ohio River.
To get the most spectacular views, drive about five miles east of East Brady to Brady's Bend Overlook, a 1,500-foot overlook of a river bend. The Allegheny River loop, eight miles long, is gorgeous in the fall. You'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Allegheny River. While you're there, take the time to explore the area.
Stop at Rapp Run Falls, a scenic waterfall outside Clarion, or Freedom Falls, a waterfall in neighboring Venango County. You can also tour an iron furnace at the Rockland Furnace, a historic iron furnace. There's a good chance that you'll see the Allegheny River in its natural state. And if you have time, stop by the Rapp Run Overlook, an impressive waterfall near Freedom Falls.
On the other side of the Allegheny River is Seybertown. Seyberttown was founded in 1849 by a man named Henry Seybert. He moved to this area from Lehigh, Pennsylvania, and bought 97 acres of land in the town. He then built a distillery and expanded the distillery into a hotel. When Seybert passed away, he left his land to the community. This small town has become a destination for tourists and locals alike.
5. Three Square Hollow Overlook
A scenic overlook in the Tuscarora State Forest offers spectacular views of Newburg, rolling farmland, and South Mountain. Located about two miles north of the city on a 2.5-mile dirt road, Three Square Hollow Overlook can be easily reached from Newburg by car or by hiking. The overlook is accessible by vehicle; however, the road is not maintained during winter and is on private property. There is a small parking area at the overlook. The overlook has a picnic table.
In addition to the Three Square Hollow Overlook, you can also visit the Hawn's Overlook in Huntingdon County. This overlook sits 500 feet above the Allegheny River and offers stunning views of the Allegheny River. This overlook is one of the best in Pennsylvania, and you can see eight miles of river and mountains from here. You may even see hang gliders taking off from the overlook.
