ROAD TRIPS / Out of State

[stroker]

LONGHOUSE NATIONAL BYWAY (FR-262) which is a narrow winding road could arguably be one of the most scenic roads in Northwest PA. Its a 55 mile loop through the heart of the Allegheny National Forest with plenty of breathtaking overlooks. If you have ever been on the Zippo Dice Run you have probably road this.
Out of Warren, PA., via the famous US 6 east, just out of town, turn left on SR 59. Just as you make that turn on to SR 59 is a good place to take a break and have ice cream. SR 59 follows the Allegheny River to the Kinzua Dam. A must stop on this loop.
Construction of the Kinzua Dam forced the departure of Pennsylvania's last Native Americans the Seneca Indians who were forced to live near Salamanca, NY. The Allegheny Reservoir took up most of the land that was promised them in the 1794 Treaty. The American country singer Johnny Cash recorded the song "As Long as the Grass Shall Grow" about the Seneca's plight.

As you leave Kinzua Dam you will cross a long bridge and pass the boat marine, the next road at the top of the mountain on your left is SR 321 "Wildly Scenic". Follow this road to Kane, PA., where you pick up US 6 East again to Mt. Jewett. Turn left to the Kinzua Bridge State Park with some more breathtaking views. Resume your ride by heading north out of the park to SR 59 where you'll turn left and end your loop. If you still have daylight left you can make a right onto SR 321 heading noth to SR 346. Here you can turn right for Bradford, PA., or if you have a helmet on you can turn left on SR 346 this will turn into NY SR 280 and runs along the Allegheny Reservoir in the Allegheny Indian Reservation, turn right on Allegheny State Park Route 3 to Interstate Pkwy., this will take you back into Bradford. From Bradford you can take US 219 south to SR 59 west to US 6 west and head home.

KINZUA DAM


Stroker trying to plug a leak in the side of the Dam

The Allegehney River along the Longhouse Route

Kinzua Bridge before the July 21, 2003 Tornado hit.


Kinzua Bridge after the July 21, 2003 Tornado hit.

[stroker]

TIONESTA, PA. to Cook Forest PA. - The double loopThis was a ride we did from Ron's Cabin in Tionesta, PA. We started off heading north on SR 62 and making a right onto SR 666 The Devil's Hwy. This is a nice long run along a creek and nothing but wooded areas. Now when you come to Blue Jay Road, turn right and follow it until you get to SR 66 in Byromton, PA. Turn right again going south until you come to SR 36 and make a left turn, this will take you into Cook Forest, past some amusement rides and the Fire Tower and Scenic Overlook. Now you will want to turn left onto River Rd. just before you cross over the Clarion River on SR 36. This is the start of the small loop. Take River Rd. which follows the Clarion River to SR 899 and turn right, stay on SR 899 until you come back to SR 36, turn right. After you pass River Rd. this will complete the small loop, stay on SR 36, this will take you back into Tionesta, PA., this will finish the large loop.

Scenic Overlook of the Clarion River near the Fire Tower

Cook Forest Fire Tower, about a mile drive back on narrow small stone and dirt road, off SR 36


V-Twin Cruisers M/C heading north on SR 62 N.

Ron's Cabin in Tionesta, PA


V-Twin Cruisers M/C stopping for a bite to eat. "Live to ride, Ride to eat". This place is at SR 899 and SR 36

On SR 36 by the bridge that goes over the Clarion River is a small gas station and store. Just up from it is a tourist stop "Parker's Indian Trading Post". Another good place to eat is "Trails End Restaurant" on Forest Rd. just off SR 36 or SR 62.

[turc]

Great pics. It's amazing growing up in PA I have been through those areas and driven on the roads you mention, but never really "noticed" all the things you pointed out. Guess thats what happens when your ridin in a cage through there...

[stroker]

HISTORIC NATIONAL ROAD US Hwy 40 PENNSYLVANIA
Construction of this 700 mile interstate highway began back in 1811 when settlers had trouble traveling across the Alleghenies. It was the first interstate highway and only one built exclusively with federal funds. Beginning in Baltimore, Maryland the Historic National Road actually spans six states westward to the Mississippi River. The Pennsylvania portion which runs US 40 off and on takes you through National Road State Heritage Park. Along this 90-mile portion you will find white obelisk shaped mile markers, the Petersburg and Searight's Toll Houses and the stone "S" bridge. Communities along the way, such as Uniontown and Washington, have managed to keep the small town charm of yesteryear. Take the time to do some antique shopping if this is your thing, lots of it here. When you go through Brownsville, PA check out the Dunlop Creek Bridge on US 40 and be sure to stop at the Nemacolin Castle, which overlooks the Monogahela River in Brownsville.

[stroker]

CHESAPEAKE COUNTRY BYWAY.....MARYLAND
Apart from the lush countryside, historic towns and villages and views of the Chesapeake Bay, you'll be witness to a land that has changed very little in the last two centuries. Running along SR 213, the byway splits just outside of Chestertown and runs south on SR 20 and SR 445 to Eastern Neck or continues on SR 213 and SR 18 past the Horsehead Wetlands Center. Either way, you'll gain appreciation for the Eastern Shore lifestyle and the sparkling vistas that accompany it.