If you’re looking for the best scenic overlooks in PA, you’re in the right place!
I’ve created this interactive map below to provide you with accurate directions to over 160 of Pennsylvania’s finest scenic overlooks, making it easy for anyone to discover new adventures and breathtaking views in the Keystone State.
How to Use This Map
One of the most powerful tools available to you on the interactive map is the ability to open a pop-out list of all the overlooks featured on the map, so that you can search by name.
Three additional features available to you when you click on a specific map destination include the ability to see a full-size image of the overlook, the ability to read an in-depth article about the overlook, and the ability to navigate to the overlook.
This dynamic map is an evolving guide, regularly updated with new overlooks, ensuring it will remain a comprehensive and up-to-date resource for years to come.
So before you fire off an email telling me “you missed this or forgot that”, please realize that this map and article is an ongoing project!
I’ve listed some sample categories and individual articles below to get you started; use the interactive map above to see articles on all of the overlooks I’ve written about to date.
Best Urban Scenic 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.
Jim Thorpe Overlook
From the Jim Thorpe Overlook in Carbon County, it’s easy to see why mountain town was often referred to in the 1800s as “the Switzerland of America”.
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 Scenic 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.
Lyman Lake Vista
Lyman Lake Vista is a gorgeous roadside overlook in Potter County.
Best River View Scenic 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.
Rimrock Overlook
Rimrock Overlook in Warren County offers visitors outstanding views of Kinzua Bay and the Allegheny National Forest which surrounds it.
Barbour Rock Overlook
Barbour Rock Overlook in Tioga County offers visitors an exceptional view of the natural wonder which is the Pine Creek Gorge, AKA the PA Grand Canyon!
Lebo Vista
Lebo Vista is a fantastic roadside scenic view overlooking Pine Creek at the southern end of the PA Grand Canyon.
Jakes Rocks Overlook
Jakes Rocks Overlook is really a series of overlooks located in the Warren County portion of the Allegheny National Forest.
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.
Tank Hollow Overlook
Tank Hollow Overlook in Carbon County offers visitors a stunning view of a bend in the Lehigh River in the western Poconos.
Lehigh Gorge Overlook
The Lehigh Gorge Overlook along the Mount Pisgah Trail is an excellent vantage point to take in both the Lehigh River and Lehigh Gorge State Park in Carbon County.
Fireline Trail Vista
Fireline Trail Vista at Hickory Run State Park offers a commanding view of the Lehigh River, remnants of an old railroad bridge, and Lehigh Gorge State Park on the opposite side of the river.
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.
Brady’s Bend Overlook
Brady’s Bend Overlook in Clarion County is a fabulous roadside vista from which to view a horseshoe bend in the Allegheny River.
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.
Moyer’s Rock Overlook
Moyer’s Rock Overlook is located directly above Turn Hole Tunnel at Lehigh Gorge State Park.
Band Rock Vista in the McIntyre Wild Area offers a stunning 180-degree view of the Lycoming Creek Valley and the town of Ralston more than 900 feet below.
Best Mountain View Scenic 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.
Boggs Run Vista
Boggs Run Vista is an off-trail scenic overlook in the Sproul State Forest, and has been called one of the finest vistas in the PA Wilds.
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.
Pavia Overlook
Pavia Overlook at Blue Knob State Park is located atop the second-highest mountain in Pennsylvania!
Best Valley View Scenic 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.
Cleland Rock Scenic Vista
Cleland Rock Scenic Vista looks out over the Slippery Rock Gorge, which forms the heart of McConnells Mill State Park in Lawrence County.
Red Run Gorge Vista
Red Run Gorge Vista in Elk County is one of the best off-trail scenic overlooks in the Quehanna Wild Area.
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.
Beartown Rocks
Beartown Rocks in the Clear Creek State Forest features an exceptional scenic overlook perched high atop a “rock city” dating back to the last Ice Age!
Boone Run Vista
Boone Run Vista in Potter County is a roadside scenic overlook near the world-famous Cherry Springs State Park.
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.
Sausser’s Stone Pile
Sausser’s Stone Pile is a massive rock formation in the Rothrock State Forest that also happens to be one of the finest scenic overlooks in Huntingdon County!
Stone Mountain Hawk Watch
Located in the Rothrock State Forest, the Stone Mountain Hawk Watch is a scenic overlook with a purpose high above the Big Valley in Mifflin County.
Sinnemahoning Canyon Vista
Sinnemahoning Canyon Vista is a gorgeous off-trail scenic overlook in the Bucktail State Park Natural Area in Cameron County.
Upper Jerry Run Vista
Upper Jerry Run Vista in Cameron County looks out across Route 120 far below and southwest into the Upper Jerry Run Valley.
Lower Jerry Run VIsta
Lower Jerry Run Vista is located in the Cameron County portion of the Elk State Forest, and offers views into the Middle and Lower Jerry Run valleys on the opposite side of Sinnemahoning Creek.
Ralph’s Majestic Vista
Ralph’s Majestic Vista in Centre County is one of the best scenic overlooks along the Allegheny Front Trail in the Moshannon State Forest!
Ralph’s Pretty Good View
Ralph’s Pretty Good View along the Allegheny Front Trail in Centre County offers a panoramic view in the general direction of Julian and State College beyond that.
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.
Prayer Rock
Prayer Rock Scenic Overlook is a fantastic roadside vista along Wills Road in Mifflin County, approximately 4 miles southwest of Belleville.
Bear Gap Vista
Bear Gap Vista offers you a roadside view of the Rothrock State Forest in Huntingdon 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.
Norcross Vista
Norcross Vista along Ridge Road in the Elk State Forest is an amazing October destination in Cameron County.
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.
Related Attractions
The 38 Best Roadside Scenic Overlooks in PA is your guide to some of the most beautiful vistas in Pennsylvania that require no hiking whatsoever to enjoy!
21 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.
25 Must-See PA State Parks is my hand-curated list highlighting what I consider to be 25 of the most breathtaking of PA’s 124 state parks.
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