![Exploring-Best-Scenic-Overlooks-Buchanan-State-Forest Exploring the best scenic overlooks in the Buchanan State Forest in Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Exploring-Best-Scenic-Overlooks-Buchanan-State-Forest-696x584.jpg)
If you’re looking for the best scenic overlooks in the Buchanan State Forest, you’re in the right place!
![Looking out over farms and fields from Summit Road Vista at the height of fall foliage season in the Buchanan State Forest.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Summit-Road-Vista-October-2020.jpg)
The Buchanan State Forest covers 71,683 acres in Franklin, Fulton, and Bedford counties.
![Buchanan State Forest sign along Summit Road in Fulton County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Buchannan-State-Forest-Sign-Fulton-County-Pennsylvania.jpg)
Buchanan State Forest is named in honor of James Buchanan, fifteenth President of the United States, born in Franklin County.
![Buchanan’s Birthplace State Park in Franklin County preserves the birthplace of the James Buchanan, 15th President of the United States.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Buchanans-Birthplace-State-Park-Sign-Franklin-County-PA-May-2023.jpg)
What follows is a guide to seven of the best scenic overlooks in this expansive forest along Pennsylvania’s southern border.
![A scene from Tuscarora Summit in Fulton County PA](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Tuscarora-Hang-Glider-Launch-McConnellsburg-Fall-Foliage-2020-.jpg)
And the best part – many of these scenic overlooks are also ROADSIDE, meaning just about anyone can enjoy these views!
![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)
So follow along as I show you 7 of the best scenic overlooks in the Buchanan State Forest, along with a few others vistas that border the forest on public lands.
![Fall foliage at Bark Road Vista in Fulton County PA](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Bark-Road-Vista-Buchanan-State-Forest-Fulton-County--683x1024.jpg)
I’ll provide you with a map and GPS coordinates for each scenic overlook, so that you can plug them into your favorite hiking app or navigational device if you choose.
Starting in the Bedford County portion of the forest, I’ll describe each overlook moving from west to east.
![Summit Road disappearing into the fall foliage in the Buchanan State Forest.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Summit-Road-Fulton-County-October-2020.jpg)
1. Warrior Ridge Vista
For stunning fall foliage views, it’s hard to bear Warrior Ridge Vista in Bedford County.
![Warrior Ridge Vista in the Buchanan State Forest.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Warrior-Ridge-Vista-Buchanan-State-Forest-Bedford-County-PA-.jpg)
Warrior Ridge Vista is located along Blankley Road in the Buchanan State Forest, approximately 11 miles south of Bedford and just off of Route 326 near the village of Rainsburg.
![A map to Rainsburg Vista and Warrior Ridge Vista in Bedford County PA](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Map-to-Warrior-Ridge-Vista-and-Rainsburg-Vista-Bedford-County-PA.jpg)
Use GPS coordinates 39.87001, -78.51487 to navigate to this superb southeastern view of Bedford County.
![Warrior Ridge Vista in Bedford County Pennsylvania](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Warrior-Ridge-Vista-Buchanan-State-Forest-.jpg)
And don’t be surprise if you find yourself stopping to take photos of Blankley Road itself on your way to the next vista I’ll talk about!
![Blankley Road in the Buchanan State Forest.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Blankley-Road-Buchanan-State-Forest-October-2020-.jpg)
2. Rainsburg Vista
Located 3/4 of a mile further along Blankley Road you’ll encounter Rainsburg Vista, with wide-open views to the north and west.
![Rainsburg Vista in Bedford County Pennsylvania](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Rainsburg-Vista-Buchanan-State-Forest-.jpg)
Use GPS coordinates 39.86386, -78.52488 to navigate to Rainsburg View, and savor the sights of the fertile Bedford County farmland below.
![Rainsburg Vista in the Buchanan State Forest](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Rainsburg-Vista-Buchanan-State-Forest-Bedford-County-PA-.jpg)
3. Fisher Road Vista
Fisher Road Vista is located in eastern Bedford County, near the Fulton County line.
![Fisher Road Vista in the Buchanan State Forest on a summer afternoon.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Fisher-Road-Hang-Glider-Launch-Buchanan-State-Forest-.jpg)
Use GPS coordinates 40.08917, -78.21628 to navigate to this sumptuous spot with views to the south in the direction of Breezewood.
![A map to Bark Road Vista Fisher Road Vista and Summit Road Vista near Breezewood PA](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Map-to-Bark-Road-Vista-Summit-Road-Vista-Fisher-Road-Vista-Buchanan-State-Forest.jpg)
Fisher Road Vista is also referred to in some literature as a hang glider launch, although I personally have never witnessed any hang gliders or paragliders launching from there.
![Fisher Road Vista in the Buchanan State Forest](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Fisher-Road-Hang-Glider-Launch-Fulton-County.jpg)
Fisher Road Vista offers October visitors some spectacular fall foliage views as well.
![Fisher Road Vista in the Bedford County portion of the Buchanan State Forest.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Fisher-Road-Vista-Bedford-County-PA-Fall-Foliage-Views.jpg)
4. 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.
![Bark Road Vista in Fulton County on a summer afternoon.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Bark-Road-Vista-Buchanan-State-Forest.jpg)
Use GPS coordinates 40.00217, -78.13062 to navigate to Bark Road Vista, located near the Sideling Hill Picnic Area along Route 30.
![Bark Road Vista in the Buchanan State Forest](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Bark-Road-Vista-Fall-Foliage-Buchanan-State-Forest-Fulton-County-.jpg)
The two long barns located in the center of the photo below are a familiar sight to anyone who has even been to Bark Road Vista.
![Bark Road Vista in Fulton County on an October afternoon.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Bark-Road-Vista-Buchanan-State-Forest-2.jpg)
5. Summit Road Vista
Summit Road Vista is located at GPS coordinates 40.09721, -78.09091 in the Buchanan State Forest.
![Summit Road Vista near Sideling Hill in Fulton County PA](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Summit-Road-Vista-Buchanan-State-Forest.jpg)
This roadside spot in Fulton County is a favorite of amateur radio enthusiasts as well, so don’t be shocked if you see a scene similar to the one below when visiting Summit Road Vista.
![Amateur radio operators at Summit Road Vista in the Buchanan State Forest](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Summit-Road-Vista-Radio-Operators-Buchanan-State-Forest-Fulton-County.jpg)
Summit Road Vista may be my favorite fall foliage overlook in the entire Buchanan State Forest!
![Spectacular fall foliage views in the Buchanan State Forest from Summit Road Vista in Fulton County.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Summit-Road-Vista-Fulton-County-PA-Fall-Foliage-Views.jpg)
Even the drive to/from the overlook is outstanding when the fall foliage is at its peak.
![Summit Road in the Buchanan State Forest on an October day in Fulton County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Summit-Ridge-Road-Fulton-County.jpg)
6. Big Mountain Overlook
Big Mountain Overlook is one of the most impressive and most popular scenic overlooks in the Buchanan State Forest.
![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)
To the north you have ridge views of Broad Mountain, Kittatinny Mountain, and Tuscarora Mountain.
![Big Mountain Overlook along Tower Road in Fulton County PA](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Big-Mountain-Vista-Buchanan-State-Forest-Fulton-County-PA-.jpg)
To the south, views in the direction of Fort Loudon and Maryland.
![Big Mountain Overlook in the Buchanan State Forest.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Big-Mountain-Vista-Tower-Road-Buchanan-State-Forest-Fulton-County-PA.jpg)
Big Mountain Overlook is sometimes referred to as Tower Road Vista, owing to the fact that it’s located at the end of that road, next to a giant radio tower.
![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)
You can find Big Mountain Overlook at GPS coordinates 39.95004, -77.93711.
![A map to Big Mountain Overlook and the Tuscarora Summit Hang Glider Launch near McConnellsburg PA](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Map-to-Tuscarora-Summit-and-Big-Mountain-Overlook.jpg)
Prepare to be awe-struck if you visit Big Mountain Overlook in mid-October!
![A hiker takes in the view from Big Mountain Overlook in Fulton County PA](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Big-Mountain-Vista-Tower-Road-McConnellsburg.jpg)
Although it’s no less impressive in the winter.
![Big Mountain Overlook on a December afternoon.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Big-Mountain-Overlook-December-2020.jpg)
7. Knobsville Vista
Located along the fringe of Cowans Gap State Park, Knobsville Vista is a marvelous scenic overlook along the the 84 mile-long Standing Stone Trail.
![Knobsville Vista along the Standing Stone Trail near Cowans Gap State Park](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Knobsville-Vista-Standing-Stone-Trail-Cowans-Gap.jpg)
Use GPS coordinates 40.00052, -77.93462 to navigate to this northwestern view of Lick Run and Knobsville beyond that.
![A map to Cowans Gap Overlook and Knobsville Vista in Fulton County PA](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Map-to-Cowans-Gap-Overlook-and-Knobsville-Vista-Fulton-County-PA.jpg)
This is yet another must-see spot for fall foliage lovers in Fulton County.
![Knobsville Vista along the Standing Stone Trail in the Buchanan State Forest](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Knobsville-Vista-Statnding-Stone-Trail-Fulton-County-PA-.jpg)
Bonus View #1 – Cowans Gap Overlook
Cowans Gap Overlook is located along the Standing Stone Trail / Knobsville Road Trail inside the boundaries of Cowans Gap State Park.
![Horse and rider at Cowans Gap Overlook in Fulton County PA](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Horse-Cowans-Gap-Overlook-October-2020-.jpg)
A steady uphill hike (or ride – this is an approved bridle trail) of approximately 1.5 miles brings you out to this scenic overlook high above Cowans Gap Lake and the park below.
![An autumn day at Cowans Gap Overlook in Fulton County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Cowans-Gap-Overlook-Fulton-County-October-2020.jpg)
The hike itself, while strenuous, is equally brilliant in the fall!
![Knobsville Road Trail leading to Cowans Gap Overlook in Fulton County.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Cowans-Gap-State-Park-October-2020-.jpg)
Use GPS coordinates 39.99924, -77.93520 to locate Cowans Gap Overlook, although you probably wont need them as the trail and overlook are well-marked and easy to follow.
![Cowans Gap Overlook in Fulton County PA](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Cowans-Gap-Overlook-Fulton-County-PA.jpg)
Bonus View #2 – Tuscarora Summit Hang Glider Launch
Located just off Route 30, the Tuscarora Summit Hang Glider Launch is an exceptional spot to watch adrenaline-junkies engage in the gravity-defying pastimes of hang gliding and parasailing.
![A paraglider launches from Tuscarora Summit along Route 30 in Fulton County PA](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Tuscarora-Hang-Glider-Launch-October-2020.jpg)
Located on a parcel of land owned by the Capitol Hang Glider Association, Inc., this scenic overlook offers an admirable view of McConnellsburg to the west, even on a day without hang gliders / parasailers.
![A map to Big Mountain Overlook and the Tuscarora Summit Hang Glider Launch near McConnellsburg PA](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Map-to-Tuscarora-Summit-and-Big-Mountain-Overlook.jpg)
But when the conditions are right and the thrill-seekers are in their element, the scene becomes even more magical!
![View from the Tuscarora Summit Hang Glider Launch near McConnellsburg PA](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Tuscarora-Summit-Hang-Glider-Launch-Fulton-County-PA-.jpg)
The brightly colored parasails complemented the fall foliage nicely during this October visit.
![A scene from Tuscarora Summit in Fulton County PA](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Tuscarora-Hang-Glider-Launch-McConnellsburg-Fall-Foliage-2020-.jpg)
Use GPS coordinates 39.91434, -77.95832 to navigate to the Tuscarora Summit Hang Glider Launch, at the very peak of Tuscarora Summit along Route 30.
![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)
And be sure to look straight up – you might see parasailers riding the thermals like a flock of buzzards!
![Paragliders circling Tuscarora Summit near McConnellsburg PA](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Paragliders-Tuscarora-Ridge-Fulton-County-.jpg)
So there you have it – 7 of the best scenic overlooks in the Buchanan State Forest!
![Bark Road Vista in Fulton County PA](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Bark-Road-Vista-Fulton-County-PA.jpg)
Plus 2 bonus views, for a total of 9 extraordinary scenic overlooks
in Bedford and Fulton counties!
![Tuscarora Hang Glider Launch in October 2020](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Tuscarora-Hang-Glider-Launch-McConnellsburg-Fall-Foliage-.jpg)
Related Articles
If scenic overlooks are your cup of tea, be sure to check out my Scenic Overlooks page with directions to more than 100 great scenic overlooks in Pennsylvania!
![A comprehensive guide to the best scenic overlooks in Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/PA-Bucket-List-Scenic-Overlooks-Page-Cover-Photo.jpg)
The 35 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!
![Norcross Vista is one of the 30 best roadside scenic overlooks in Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Best-Roadside-Scenic-Overlooks-in-Pennsylvania.jpg)
Nearby Attractions
Exploring Cowans Gap State Park in Fulton County is your guide to the best things to see and do at this fantastic 1,085 acre park situated in Allens Valley.
![A fisherman at Cowans Gap State Park.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Fishing-Pier-Cowans-Gap-State-Park-October-2020-.jpg)
Shawnee State Park in Bedford County opened to the public in 1951, and has been a magnet for tourists ever since!
![Fishing pier at Shawnee State Park.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Shawnee-State-Park-Fall-Foliage-October-2020-.jpg)
The Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike, quite possibly the most unique bike trail in all of Pennsylvania, spans portions of Bedford and Fulton counties in the valleys below several of the scenic overlooks mentioned in this article.
![Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike Rail Trail at Rays Hill Tunnel.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Abandone-PA-Turnpike-Rays-Hill-Tunnel-Breezewood-.jpg)
The highlights of this 13-mile long bike trail are 2 abandoned turnpike tunnels at Rays Hill and Sideling Hill.
![Bicycling the Sideling Hill Tunnel in September 2020.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Sideling-Hill-Tunnel-Abandoned-PA-Turnpike-September-2020-.jpg)
You can find maps and directions to the parking areas at either ends of the bike trail in my write-up “Exploring the Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike”.
![Aerial view of the eastern portal of the Sideling Hill Tunnel along the Abandoned PA Turnpike.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Sideling-Hill-Tunnel-eastern-portal-Abandoned-PA-Turnpike-September-2020-.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)
The Bedford Coffee Pot is a unique “roadside giant” left over from the glory days of the Lincoln Highway as it passed through Bedford County.
![Fall foliage at the Bedford Coffee Pot.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Bedford-Coffee-Pot-Fall-Foliage-Bedford-Pennsylvania.jpg)
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