![Big-Mountain-Vista-Buchanan-State-Forest An autumn afternoon at Big Mountain Overlook in the Buchanan State Forest](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Big-Mountain-Vista-Buchanan-State-Forest--696x465.jpg)
If you’re looking for directions to Big Mountain Overlook in Fulton County, you’re in the right place!
![Springtime view to the northeast from Big Mountain Overlook in Fulton County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Big-Mountain-Overlook-Springtime-Views-Fulton-County-PA.jpg)
Big Mountain Overlook is an expansive vista along Tower Road in the Buchanan State Forest.
![Tower Road in the Buchanan State Forest leading to Big Mountain Overlook.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Big-Mountain-Overlook-Tower-Road-Fulton-County-PA.jpg)
Getting there is simple, and it makes for a excellent quick pit-stop when travelling along Route 30 (AKA the Old Lincoln Highway) in this part of southcentral PA.
![Hikers taking in the view at Big Mountain Overlook near McConnellsburg PA](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Big-Mountain-Overlook-October-2020.jpg)
Big Mountain Overlook FAQs
Big Mountain Overlook is located 2.6 miles north of Route 30, at a dead-end on Tower Road (a gravel state forest road).
Yes – use GPS coordinates 39.95004, -77.93711.
Yes – the 250 mile-long Tuscarora Trail passes right by it.
Approximately 75 yards along a flat, dirt trail.
Tuscarora Summit Hang Glider Launch is located less than 3 miles away, on the opposite side of Route 30.
Cowans Gap State Park is less than 4 miles north of Big Mountain Overlook, along Aughwick Road.
Visiting Big Mountain Overlook
While the Buchanan State Forest is home to many outstanding scenic overlooks, Big Mountain Overlook is certainly one of the most picturesque.
![Springtime view to the north from Big Mountain Overlook in Fulton County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Big-Mountain-Overlook-Springtime-Views-Buchanan-State-Forest-PA.jpg)
It’s a breathtaking place to enjoy fall foliage, and the fact that it is so close to the road mean virtually anyone can enjoy Big Mountain Overlook in Fulton County!
![Big Mountain Overlook near McConnellsburg Pennsylvaia.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Big-Mountain-Overlook-Buchanan-State-Forest-October-2020.jpg)
Winter is equally beautiful at Big Mountain Overlook.
![Winter afternoon at Big Mountain Overlook in Fulton County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Big-Mountain-Overlook-Buchanan-State-Forest-December-2020-web.jpg)
The springtime views are spectacular as well, with the emergent greens taking on an almost-neon hue.
![Springtime view to the southeast from Big Mountain Overlook in Fulton County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Big-Mountain-Overlook-Springtime-Views-Buchanan-State-Forest-Fulton-County-PA.jpg)
Big Mountain Overlook is one of the best roadside vistas in all of PA, well worth a visit any time of year!
![Big Mountain Overlook on a December afternoon.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Big-Mountain-Overlook-December-2020.jpg)
Nearby Attractions
The Sideling Hill Trailhead for the Abandoned PA Turnpike bike trail is located approximately 12 miles east of Big Mountain Overlook.
![Sideling Hill Tunnel on the Abandoned PA Turnpike in September 2020.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Sideling-Hill-Tunnel-Abandoned-Pennsylvania-Turnpike-September-2020-.jpg)
Cowans Gap State Park is located less than 4 miles north of the overlook.
![Cowans Gap Overlook in Fulton County PA](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Cowans-Gap-Overlook-Fulton-County-PA.jpg)
The Tuscaroroa Hang Glider Launch is located approximately 3 miles south of the overlook.
![A paraglider sails over Tuscarora Summit near the Buchanan State Forest in Fulton County PA](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Tuscarora-Hang-Glider-Launch-Fall-Foliage-October-2020-.jpg)
Black-Coffey Caverns in Franklin County is the only cavern system in Pennsylvania accessed through the basement of a private home!
![Exploring Black-Coffey Caverns in Franklin County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Exploring-Black-Coffey-Caverns-in-Franklin-County-PA.jpg)
Buchanan’s Birthplace State Park is home to a large pyramid that marks the birthplace of the James Buchanan, 15th President of the United States.
![The pyramid at Buchanan's Birthplace State Park was completed in November 1907.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Buchanans-Birthplace-State-Park-Pyramid-Monument-Side-view.jpg)
The abandoned South Penn Railroad Aqueduct in Fulton County is a 140 year-old, perfectly-preserved remnant of a railroad that never was.
![The intricately-crafted South Pennsylvania Railroad Aqueduct in the Buchanan State Forest.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Abandoned-South-Penn-Railroad-Arch-Buchanan-State-Forest-Fulton-County-PA.jpg)
The abandoned Sideling Hill POW Camp in Fulton County was used to house German prisoners of war after the Nazis surrendered in May, 1945.
![Inside the General's quarters at the abandoned Sideling Hill POW Camp.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Abandoned-Sideling-Hill-German-POW-Camp-Ruins-Buchanan-State-Forest-Fulton-County-Pennsylvania.jpg)
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