Pennsylvania is home to thousands of incredible scenic overlooks!
From man-made urban vistas to remote wilderness perches, here are some of my favorite elevated views in all of Pennsylvania.
This is not meant to be a comprehensive list, but rather a starting point to inspire you to get out and find your own favorites!
For each overlook mentioned, simply click on the blue text link for more information about that particular destination.
Best Urban Overlooks in PA
From little towns to our largest cities, Pennsylvania is home to some fantastic urban overlooks, and here are a few of my favorites.
Mount Washington
The view from the Duquesne Incline on top of Mount Washington into downtown Pittsburgh has been called one of the best urban vistas in the world, and one look will tell you why!
Johnstown Inclined Plane
Speaking of inclined planes, the view into downtown Johnstown from the top of the world’s steepest inclined plane is spectacular!
Shikellamy Overlook
Shikellamy Overlook in Union County offers panoramic views of Sunbury, Northumberland, and the Susquehanna River.
Mount Nittany
Hiking to the top of Mount Nittany is a rite of passage for Penn Staters and visitors to State College.
Chimney Rocks Overlook
Chimney Rocks Park near Hollidaysburg in Blair County is home to 3 impressive scenic overlooks in a beautiful borough park setting.
Mapleton Overlook
Mapleton Overlook along the Standing Stone Trail (near the top of the famed 1000 Steps) in Huntingdon County offers a birds-eye view in to the little town of Mapleton, along the Juniata River.
Tharpe Knob Overlook
Tharp Knob Overlook in Fayette County offers a wonderful view of the town of Ohiopyle, along the banks of the Youghiogheny River.
Lion’s Valley Vista
Lion’s Valley Vista offers views into State College and the Penn State campus from an elevated position in the Rothrock State Forest.
Best Lake View Overlooks in PA
Pennsylvania is home to plenty of elevated lake views, and here are some of the best.
Hawn’s Overlook
Overlooking Pennsylvania’s largest self-contained lake, Hawn’s Overlook in Huntingdon County is a must-see when passing through the Raystown Lake region.
Kettle Creek Vista
Kettle Creek Vista in the Sproul State Forest offers a commanding view of Kettle Creek Lake in Clinton County.
Cowans Gap Overlook
Cowans Gap Overlook along the Standing Stone Trail in Fulton County is a marvelous vantage point to observe Cowans Gap Lake, and is accessible by foot or by horse!
Stevenson Dam Overlook
Stevenson Dam Overlook in Cameron County offers visitors the chance to observe bald eagles and wild elk, in addition to the fantastic view of Stevenson Reservoir at Sinnemahoning State Park.
Camp Buckey Overlook
Camp Buckey Overlook in Somerset County provides a gorgeous vantage point to take in Deer Valley Lake and the surrounding countryside.
High Point Lake Overlook
Located near the highest point in Pennsylvania, High Point Lake Overlook is a terrific roadside vista in Somerset County.
Best River View Overlooks in PA
Here are some of the most remarkable river overlooks in all of Pennsylvania!
Hyner View
With an astounding view of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, it’s no wonder that Hyner View in Clinton County consistently ranks as one of the top scenic overlooks in all of Pennsylvania.
Youghiogheny River Overlook
The Youghiogheny River Overlook along the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail offers a breathtaking view of the Youghiogheny River as it passes through Ohiopyle State Park.
Sinnemahoning Vista
Sinnemahoning Vista offers a superb view of the Sinnemahoning Creek valley from a roadside vantage point located along Keating Mountain Road in Clinton County.
Fields Ridge Road Overlook
Fields Ridge Road Overlook is an impressive roadside vista offering a commanding view of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River as it passes through the Sproul State Forest in northern Centre County.
Colton Point State Park
Colton Point State Park along the west rim of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon is home several roadside or almost-roadside views of the Pine Creek Gorge.
Loyalsock Canyon Vista
Loyalsock Canyon Vista (sometimes simply called Canyon Vista) is the most famous overlook at Worlds End State Park in Sullivan County, in large part because you can drive right up to this wondrous view of Loyalsock Creek.
Turkey Path Overlook
The Turkey Path is a popular mile-long hiking trail at Leonard Harrison State Park that combines stunning views of Pine Creek and the PA Grand Canyon with several outstanding waterfalls.
Keating Mountain Road Vista
Keating Mountain Road Vista offers a picturesque view of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River from a roadside pull-off in the Sproul State Forest.
High Rock Vista
High Rock Vista at Worlds End State Park provides an exquisite view of Loyalsock Creek from the High Rock Trail.
Penns View
Penns View is located along Poe Paddy Drive in the Bald Eagle State Forest, and offers a marvelous view of the bend in Penns Creek far below.
Best Mountain View Overlooks in PA
Here are some of the best overlooks in Pennsylvania to gaze upon one mountain from another.
Bucktail Overlook
Bucktail Overlook, also locally known as Mason Hill or The Top of the World, sits high above Driftwood, Cameron County, in the Elk State Forest.
Square Timber Vista
Square Timber Vista is one of six breathtaking vistas along a 3.5 mile stretch of Ridge Road in Cameron County.
Upper Alpine Vista
Upper Alpine Vista is located along the Loyalsock Trail near Worlds End State Park.
Wolf Rocks Overlook
Wolf Rocks Overlook is located approximately 9 miles northwest of Somerset in the Forbes State Forest.
Ledges Trail Overlook
Ledges Trail Overlook is one of the best overlooks at Trough Creek State Park in Huntingdon County.
Best Valley View Overlooks in PA
The fertile valleys of Pennsylvania are best appreciated from high above, and here are some of the most magnificent overlooks in PA to do just that.
David’s Vista
David’s Vista is accessed via the Jackson Trail in the Rothrock State Forest.
Big Mountain Overlook
Big Mountain Overlook offers one of the most expansive valley views in all of Fulton County.
Baughman Rock Overlook
Baughman Rock Overlook at Ohiopyle State Park is a phenomenal place to watch the sunrise over the Youghiogheny River valley.
Flat Rock Vista
Flat Rock Vista gives the intrepid hiker a stunning view of the Cumberland Valley from a mountaintop perch in the Tuscarora State Forest.
Bear Meadows Overlook
Bear Meadows Overlook is actually a series of overlooks along the Mid State Trail in the Rothrock State Forest.
Indian Lookout
Indian Lookout in Huntingdon County sits high above the Spruce Creek Valley in the Rothrock State Forest.
Best Roadside Overlooks in PA
Some of Pennsylvania’s best scenic vistas require no hiking whatsoever – drive right up and enjoy the view from these roadside overlooks!
Bell’s Majestic View
Bells Majestic View is located roadside along the Siglerville-Millheim Pike in Centre County.
Logue Run Vista
Logue Run Vista is located along Ridge Road in Cameron County.
High Knob Vista
High Knob Overlook in Sullivan County is one of the most spectacular roadside scenic vistas in all of Pennsylvania.
Chocolate Drop Vista
Chocolate Drop Vista is located along Pine Swamp Road in Centre County.
Bark Road Vista
Bark Road Vista is located near the Sideling Hill Picnic Area along Route 30, in Fulton County.
Big Valley Vista
Big Valley Vista is located along the Millheim Pike in Mifflin County.
Best Fall Foliage Overlooks in PA
Pennsylvania is famous for its fall foliage, and here are some of the best scenic overlooks in PA to view the spectacular autumn scenery from.
Warrior Ridge Overlook
Warrior Ridge Vista is located along Blankley Road in the Buchanan State Forest, Bedford County.
Indian Wells
Indian Wells Overlook is located along the Mid State Trail in southern Centre County.
Laurel Run Overlook
Laurel Run Overlook is one of several exceptional scenic vistas along the Fayette County portion of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail.
New Lancaster Valley Vista
New Lancaster Valley Vista is located along Locust Ridge Road in Snyder County, roadside in the Bald Eagle State Forest.
Beam Rocks Overlook
Beam Rocks Overlook is located in the Forbes State Forest near the Westmoreland / Somerset County line.
Most Unique Scenic Overlooks in PA
Each of these scenic overlooks has some unique quality about them that can be duplicated no where else in Pennsylvania!
Mount Davis Overlook
There can be only one highest point in Pennsylvania, and at 3,213 feet above sea level, the Mount Davis Overlook in Somerset County is it!
Blue Knob Overlook
At 3,146 feet above sea level, Blue Knob Overlook in Bedford County is the second highest overlook in Pennsylvania, and home to a ski lodge as well.
Big Savage Overlook
You wouldn’t normally expect a scenic overlook to be associated with a tunnel, but the Big Savage Overlook in Somerset County is just that!
Kinzua Skywalk
The Kinzua Skywalk in McKean County is made up of a portion of the Kinzua Viaduct, which was at one time the longest and tallest railroad bridge in the entire world!
Tuscarora Summit Hang Glider Launch
Located just off Route 30 in Fulton County, the Tuscarora Summit Hang Glider Launch is an exceptional scenic overlook to watch adrenaline-junkies engage in the gravity-defying pastimes of hang gliding and parasailing.
So there you have it – 50 of the best scenic overlooks in Pennsylvania!
If you’re favorite overlook ISN’T on this list, feel free to drop it’s name below in the comments, for possible inclusion in updates to this article.
Related Attractions
Looking for EVEN MORE scenic overlooks?!
Then be sure to check out my PA Scenic Overlooks page, with directions to TONS of additional vistas!
15 Must-See Pennsylvania Rock Formations is your guide to some of the Keystone State’s finest geological formations.
20 Must-See Pennsylvania Waterfalls is your guide to PA’s most exceptional waterfalls.
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I very much appreciate the time and energy to share this information. Thank you.
I am looking forward to PA exploring more than every before. It was always on my list, but this sure makes it easier.
You’re quite welcome – happy to help!