If you’re looking for the best things to see and do in the Buchanan State Forest, you’re in the right place!
Buchanan State Forest spans 71,683 acres across Bedford, Fulton, and Franklin Counties in Pennsylvania’s Ridge-and-Valley region, offering a rugged expanse of mountains and valleys to explore.
The forest is named in honor of James Buchanan, who was born in Franklin County and served as the 15th president of the United States, from 1857 to 1861.
From dramatic ridgelines and stunning overlooks to an abandoned superhighway., here are 9 of the best things to see and do in the Buchanan State Forest.
Simply click on the blue text links on the map above or in the descriptions below (listed alphabetically) to read more in-depth information about each destination.
1. The Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike
The Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike—officially known as “The Old PA Pike Trail”—offers an unforgettable, post-apocalyptic hiking and biking experience along 8.5 miles of deserted roadway in Bedford and Fulton counties.
Once part of the nation’s first superhighway, the route now features two eerily dark tunnels—including one over a mile long—preserved much as they were when the road closed in 1968.
Much of the Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike is flanked by the rugged woodlands of Buchanan State Forest, adding to its secluded, otherworldly atmosphere.
2. Bark Road Vista
Located just off Route 30 (the Lincoln Highway), Bark Road Vista offers impressive views to the east, in the direction of McConnellsburg.
Use GPS coordinates 40.00217, -78.13062 to navigate to Bark Road Vista, located near the Sideling Hill Picnic Area along Route 30.
3. Big Mountain Overlook
Big Mountain Overlook is one of the most impressive and most popular scenic overlooks in the Buchanan State Forest.
You can find Big Mountain Overlook at GPS coordinates 39.95004, -77.93711.
4. Fisher Road Vista
Fisher Road Vista sits in eastern Bedford County near the Fulton County line, offering sweeping views to the south toward Breezewood at GPS coordinates 40.08917, -78.21628.
Although some sources describe it as a hang glider launch, I’ve personally never seen any gliders or paragliders take off from this spot.
5. Rainsburg Vista
Rainsburg Vista, located along Blankley Road in the Buchanan State Forest, rewards visitors with expansive views stretching to the north and west.
Plug GPS coordinates 39.86386, -78.52488 into your maps app to reach this overlook and soak in the sweeping farmland scenery of Bedford County below.
6. Sideling Hill POW Camp
The abandoned Sideling Hill POW Camp in Fulton County was originally built as a Civilian Conservation Corps camp in the 1930s before later housing workers constructing the nearby Pennsylvania Turnpike and then American conscientious objectors during World War II.
After the Nazi surrender in May 1945, it was used to hold German prisoners of war.
Today, visitors can explore the numbered foundations along Oregon Road in the Buchanan State Forest, where an informational kiosk helps interpret the camp’s remaining ruins.
7. South Penn Railroad Aqueduct
The abandoned South Penn Railroad aqueduct in Fulton County is a remarkably preserved relic of a railroad that was never completed, built nearly 140 years ago by skilled Sicilian stone masons using no mortar.
Intended to carry a new rail line—backed by William Vanderbilt and Andrew Carnegie—over a tributary of Oregon Creek near the future Sideling Hill Tunnel, it was one of many bridges, tunnels, and aqueducts planned for a route meant to rival the Pennsylvania Railroad.
Today, you can hike a short but scenic trail in the Buchanan State Forest to reach the aqueduct’s ruins, which stand as a testament to this ambitious but unfinished venture.
8. Summit Road Vista
Summit Road Vista just might be the crown jewel of fall foliage views in the entire Buchanan State Forest!
You’ll find this unforgettable overlook at GPS coordinates 40.09721, -78.09091.
Warrior Ridge Vista
Warrior Ridge Vista sits along Blankley Road in the Buchanan State Forest, just off Route 326 near Rainsburg and about 11 miles south of Bedford, offering a quiet escape with big scenery.
Enter GPS coordinates 39.87001, -78.51487 to reach this superb overlook and take in its sweeping southeastern view across Bedford County.
Related Attractions
19 Must-See Attractions in the Rothrock State Forest introduces you to the top spots in a forest that spans 96,956 acres across Huntingdon, Mifflin, and Centre counties, set amid the rugged terrain of Pennsylvania’s Ridge and Valley province.
16 Must-See Attractions in the Sproul State Forest highlights the best things to see and do in PA’s largest state forest, most of it located within western Clinton and northern Centre counties.
9 Must-See Attractions in the Forbes State Forest highlights the best things to see and do in a forest which encompasses more than 50,000 acres in western Pennsylvania, spanning Westmoreland, Somerset, and Fayette counties.
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