Introduction
U.S. Route 6 passes through towns and villages whose boarded-up and rough exteriors might deceive those relying on hasty first impressions. A short visit—sipping coffee in a diner, walking through the town square, and chatting with passersby—reveals proud, hardworking communities that once fueled America's industrialization. These are towns built by European immigrants, as seen in the long lists of names on monuments in town squares, honoring those who sacrificed for their new country since the Civil War.
Traveling across Pennsylvania's portion of the Grand Army of the Republic Highway is not just a scenic ride with long sweeps and turns but also a historical journey. Enjoy meals in 1930s diners, walk on the famous Kinzua Trestle bridge, ride a steam train, descend into a coal mine, and meet locals with rich stories to tell—all on Pennsylvania's Grand Army of the Republic Highway.
A Journey Through History and Scenery on Pennsylvania’s Grand Army of the Republic Highway
Milford to Scranton: The Scenic Route Begins
Starting in Milford, Pennsylvania, U.S. Route 6 climbs out of the Delaware River Valley, offering a series of scenic sweeps and winds through hardwood forests and glacially carved landscapes. Heading west, the highway traverses the rolling Pocono Mountains, making it a delightful ride for motorcyclists.
In Carbondale, you can choose between the new Route 6 expressway or the original highway into the valley. The expressway offers panoramic views, while the valley route takes you through charming small towns. After bypassing Scranton, Route 6 follows the Susquehanna River for 40 miles, rising and falling with the terrain.
Wellsboro and Beyond: Into the Heart of Nature
Passing through Wellsboro on Pennsylvania’s Grand Army of the Republic Highway, you enter the dense woodlands of the Allegheny National Forest. Eventually, you reach Sheffield and continue through valleys along the Allegheny River. Near Union City, the highway joins Route 19, then becomes a commuter road near Conneaut Lake, before winding back to a two-lane road around the Pymatuning Reservoir, leading to Pennline, the last Pennsylvania town on Route 6.
Must-See Stops Along the Route
Honesdale and Carbondale: Explore old coal mining towns and take a detour to Scranton.
Steamtown National Historic Site: In Scranton, this site houses steam locomotives and an operating roundhouse.
Lackawanna Coal Mine: Descend 300 feet into an anthracite mine to experience miners' tough conditions.
Wellsboro: Visit the picturesque Main Street and the famous Wellsboro Diner, a well-preserved 1930s diner.
Pine Creek Gorge: Known as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, this gorge offers stunning views just 11 miles from Wellsboro.
Pennsylvania Lumber Museum: Near Galeton, this museum features restored buildings replicating an 1800s lumber camp.
Smethport: Home of the Hubberburger, stop for lunch at the old Smethport Diner.
Kinzua Bridge: A short detour from Route 6 leads to this historic railroad viaduct, once the highest and longest in the world.
Local Accommodations
The Hotel Manor: Located in Slate Run, offering beautiful views and comfortable accommodations. Visit Website
Stony Fork Creek Campground: Near Wellsboro, perfect for camping with excellent facilities. Visit Website
Practical Information
Kinzua Dam: Visitor-submitted photo from May 2009.
Sweden Valley Inn: Visitor-submitted photo from May 2009.
Contact Information: For more details on these attractions, including visiting hours and additional stops along the route, please check local tourism websites or contact the respective visitor centers.
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