Motorcycling Guide to Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is famous for its steel and natural beauty. It’s only appropriate, then, that you take your steel machine and motor over to experience the Keystone State on two wheels.

Riding in Pennsylvania immerses you in the majesty of starkly rising and falling elevations, with densely forested ridges and high plateaus alternating with deep valleys and gorges. Between them, you’ll find some of the most important locations in American history, along with pleasant small towns with curious sights to see. 

But where do you start your adventure? In this article, we’ll tell you everything there is to know about motorcycling in Pennsylvania. 

Geography of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has a complex geography that has been molded by the ancient ice sheet that covered the state and the massive rivers its melting created. Consequently, the Keystone State has the highest density of rivers and streams in the country.

More than 86,000 miles of waterways run through Pennsylvania. If you enjoy riverside riding, this is the place to be.

Rivers aside, Pennsylvania can be geographically divided into six regions: the Atlantic Coastal Plain, Piedmont, New England Province, Ridge and Valley Province, Appalachian Plateau, and Central Lowlands. Out of this bunch, the Piedmont, Ridge and Valley, and Appalachian Plateau make up 98% of the state.

Despite being the only one of the 13 original colonies without Atlantic coastline, Pennsylvania’s Atlantic Coastal Plain is located in the southeastern part of the state at the Delaware River estuary. It’s a roughly 45-mile-long and 5-mile-wide area that’s mostly covered by Philadelphia’s urban sprawl, with some scattered wetlands.

Moving west, you’ll arrive in the Piedmont. This region is much like its namesakes in the states stretching down to Georgia. With rolling hills and vast farmland, it’s an ideal setting for a relaxed ride on gently curving country roads.

The New England Province is a tiny, fragmented area in eastern Pennsylvania. It consists of more rugged and rocky hills, reminiscent of (surprise, surprise) New England. Its wooded ridges, cool streams, and scattered glacial boulders make for great ADV riding.

Historically, the Ridge and Valley Province in central Pennsylvania posed a near-insurmountable obstacle for America’s westward expansion. Its high, forest-covered ridges, running diagonally across the state, can still be difficult to traverse even on modern motorcycles. Together with large river valleys hosting small towns, this region is arguably Pennsylvania’s most visually distinct.

Next on our westward journey comes the Appalachian Plateau (also called the Allegheny Plateau), which covers western and northern Pennsylvania. It’s the state’s largest geographic region, with high and flat plateaus separated by deep gorges, such as Pine Creek Gorge (otherwise known as the “Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania”). Expect dense forest cover, very rugged hills, and gorgeous waterfalls as you navigate the curvy roads.

Last but not least are the Central Lowlands (which aren’t anywhere near central Pennsylvania). Part of the Erie Plain, this tiny sliver of land is tucked away in the state’s northwestern corner, covering 51 miles of Lake Erie shoreline. With the Atlantic Plain, it bookends Pennsylvania’s higher regions with low-lying shores.

Top Motorcycle Routes and Destinations in Pennsylvania

From the Delaware River to Lake Erie, Pennsylvania has more wonderful roads and places for you to explore than you have time for. If you can stomach the city traffic, you can start by motoring around Philadelphia to admire the city’s famous murals—nearly 1,000 of them.

To escape the hustle and bustle, you can head north from Philadelphia to the areas surrounding Allentown. The ride there goes through the Piedmont, while the city itself is located in the New England Province. Our Allentown City Escape route takes you through the rocky hills and into the valleys and ridges.

The Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor preserves a section of the old Lincoln Highway. It runs from Amish country in Lancaster County to the Appalachian Plateau, featuring beautiful nature and many historical curiosities along the way.

For an out-of-this-world ride, take the Highway to the Stars (SR 44) north from Bloomsburg. It offers moderately twisty riding through stunning wooded surroundings. Make sure you get to Cherry Springs State Park by sunset, because it is one of the country’s best destinations for stargazing.

In northern Pennsylvania, you’ll find a far-reaching area covered by myriad woods, such as Elk and Susquehannock state forests and the Allegheny National Forest. This region also has great roads that allow you to immerse yourself in the green surroundings. We have planned many routes that make it easy to hop on the bike and lose yourself in the trees. Check out our SR 120, SR 144, and DuBois City Escape articles to learn more.

Pittsburgh is the other big city in Pennsylvania. Its surroundings are full of interesting things to see and do, and you can also easily roll into West Virginia as well. Our Washington Shamrock Tour® article suggests multiple daily routes from near Pittsburgh that take you to unforgettable adventures.

The Great Lakes Seaway Trail in Pennsylvania follows the Lake Erie shoreline. It’s a wonderful way to take in the jaw-dropping views over the water and explore the lakeside communities. The full trail is 500 miles long, terminating at Niagara Falls, so you can simply keep riding once you reach the state border.

Centralia, in central Pennsylvania, was abandoned after an immense coal mine fire broke out underneath it. The buckling roads and grumbling buildings give an eerie glimpse into a future where humanity is no more. You can’t find a better location for a Halloween ride. Read more in our Centralia Destination article.

Before you leave the Keystone State, you should go ride the oddity that is SR 299. At only 260 feet, it’s one of the shortest roads in America. It sure won’t take long to motor through it!

ADV Motorcycle Routes in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania really caters to dual sport and ADV riders. This is where you’ll find Mines and Meadows off-road resort, which caters specifically to off-road riders. It has 84 miles of trails on which to put your skills to the test.

You also shouldn’t miss experiencing the Cross Pennsylvania Adventure Trail. This 620-mile route squiggles its way across the state along its northern border, connecting incredible trails for a long, dusty adventure.

You can also ride into virtually any Pennsylvania state forest and you’re bound to find good dirt trails. A couple of highlights worth mentioning include Bald Eagle State Forest, which has trails dedicated solely to motorcycles. There’s also the Lost Trails area, whose 2,000 acres make for a prime opportunity to explore the New England Province hills.

Tips for Motorcycling in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s climate makes the state a three-season riding destination. The weather supports motorcycling from late spring to early fall, roughly from May to October. Fall is typically the most popular time to explore Pennsylvania on two wheels, as autumn foliage creates stunning vistas over the ridges and valleys.

As you may have divined from the geography section, Pennsylvania has stark elevation changes, climbing from slightly below sea level at the Delaware River to 3,200 feet at the state’s highest point at Mount Davis. In the Ridge and Valley Province in particular, the roads may occasionally resemble roller coasters. Ride carefully, as the undulating terrain may block sightlines and curves may take you by surprise.

In terms of local motorcycling laws, Pennsylvania’s helmet law is… Unique, shall we say. If you’re under 21, you must wear a helmet. The same goes if you’re over 21 with less than two years of riding experience and haven’t completed a PennDOT riding safety course.

However, if you have more than two years of riding under your belt or have completed the course, you’re not required to wear a helmet by law. Does the experience or safety certification make your skull harder? No—wear a helmet.

At the same time, although the law may not obligate you to protect your brain, it does mandate you protect your eyes. Eye protection, meaning at least goggles, is required when riding a motorcycle in Pennsylvania.

Lane splitting in Pennsylvania is explicitly illegal. Motorcycles have the right to use the full lane, and up to two bikes may ride abreast.

Some major annual motorcycling events in Pennsylvania include:

• Steel City Mods vs. Rockers (spring)
• Women’s Carnival Ride (spring)
• Gettysburg Bike Week (summer)

Off-Bike Activities in Pennsylvania

Off the saddle, Pennsylvania is chock-full of American history, hosting a great number of locations that played a significant role in the American Revolution and the Civil War. You’ll also find magnificent areas for hiking and outdoor activities. Among the most popular tourism destinations in Pennsylvania are:

• Liberty Bell
• Independence Hall
• Gettysburg Battlefield
• Valley Forge National Historical Park
• Rocky Steps and Statue
• Andy Warhol Museum
• Fallingwater
• Eastern State Penitentiary
• Amish Country (Lancaster County)
• Lancaster First Friday festivals
• Pocono Mountains
• Allegheny National Forest
• Cherry Springs State Park
• Presque Isle State Park
• Ricketts Glen State Park
• Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania
• Oakmont Country Club (for golfers)
• Hersheypark