Pennsylvania's Best Scenic Overlooks

Pennsylvania's overlooks are defined by the ridge-and-valley Appalachian landscape — long views along parallel ridgelines and down into river valleys.

Pine Creek Gorge Overlook (Leonard Harrison SP)
The definitive Pennsylvania Grand Canyon view — from the Leonard Harrison State Park overlook, 800 feet above the Pine Creek Gorge floor, the view extends south along the 50-mile gorge. The Turkey Path trail descends from here to Pine Creek. Best in October when the valley's mixed hardwoods turn brilliant red and gold.

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (Kempton)
On the crest of Kittatinny Ridge — the North Lookout (1,521 ft) and the South Lookout are the premier raptor observation points in the eastern US. From mid-August through December, 20,000+ raptors (including 20+ species) ride the thermal updrafts past the lookout. The Broad-winged Hawk count on a single September day can exceed 20,000 birds.

Delaware Water Gap (Mount Minsi)
From the Appalachian Trail on Mount Minsi (New Jersey side is Mount Tammany; both summits give equivalent views) — the view of the Delaware River cutting through the Kittatinny Ridge at the Water Gap is the finest mountain-river scene in the mid-Atlantic. A 4-mile round trip hike from the Water Gap parking area.

Overlook Terrace (Fallingwater)
Not a natural overlook but an architectural one — from the terraces of Fallingwater, the view of Bear Run falling beneath the house's cantilevered structure is arguably the greatest designed view in American architecture. The experience of standing on the terrace with the sound of the waterfall below and the forest around is unique.

Pocono View (I-80 Delaware Water Gap)
The first view of the Delaware Water Gap entering Pennsylvania from New Jersey on I-80 — the river corridor framed by Blue Mountain on both sides. A roadside overlook is accessible immediately west of the gap.