Discovering the abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike in Breezewood
Usa, north-america
21 km
N/A
easy
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Pennsylvania's forests and stumble upon a seriously cool piece of history. Just south-central of the state, near Breezewood, lies a 13-mile stretch of the original Pennsylvania Turnpike. We're talking about a relic from the 1940s, abandoned way back in 1968 when they needed to ease up tunnel traffic in the Appalachians.
This isn't your average hike. You'll be trekking through what was once a bustling part of America's interstate system! It even features three tunnels! The Nature Conservancy owns it now, and motorized vehicles are a no-go, but cyclists are welcome. Just be smart – helmets and lights are a must to stay safe in those dark tunnels.
What's super cool is that nature is taking over, making it a totally unique and scenic experience. Oh, and did I mention it was used for military exercises and turnpike worker training? Or that it was a filming location for "The Road" with Viggo Mortensen? Talk about a road with a story to tell!
Where is it?
Discovering the abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike in Breezewood is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.5648, -94.6656
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 21 km
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 39.5648, -94.6656
Related Roads in north-america
moderateDriving the scenic Howland Hill Road in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Del Norte County, California, on Howland Hill Road. This isn't just any drive; it's a total redwood immersion, plus it's famous for its role in "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi!" This 6.8-mile stretch connects Crescent City and Hiouchi, climbing to a modest 643 feet. Don't let that fool you, though! Winter storms can make parts impassable, and you might hit some resurfacing work in late spring/early summer. But the views? Totally worth it. You'll spend about 35-45 minutes winding through some of the most stunning scenery in Redwood National and State Parks. Stout Grove is an absolute must-see, with redwoods that'll leave you speechless. Built way back in 1887 as a stagecoach route, it's a pretty narrow road. Big rigs and RVs might want to sit this one out. And pro tip: pack your mosquito repellent for summer visits! The road's come a long way from its plank road days and is now suitable for regular cars. The surface is a mixed bag, with some smooth gravel and some sections with potholes, so be ready for a bit of an adventure!
moderateTake the Scenic Route and Discover Wheeler Peak in Nevada
🇺🇸 Usa
Ready for an epic Nevada road trip? Head to White Pine County and tackle Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive in Great Basin National Park! This isn't just any drive; it's one of Nevada's highest roads, topping out at 10,180 feet! Starting from Nevada Highway 488, this paved, but narrow and steep road winds for 12 thrilling miles to the Summit Trailhead. Named after George Wheeler, a 19th-century explorer, the road is a white-knuckle experience. Think tight turns, stands of trees, and the ever-present possibility of wildlife darting across your path. Speed limits are capped at 35 mph for a reason, and passing is a no-go. Heads up: if you're hauling anything over 24 feet, you'll have to stop before the Upper Lehman Creek Campground. This climb is no joke! You'll gain over 3,000 feet in elevation in just under eight miles, with some sections hitting a 7% gradient. Translation? Prepare for a steep ascent! Keep in mind that this high-altitude adventure is usually snowed in from November until late June or early July. The road isn't plowed above 7800 feet, so timing is everything. But the views? Totally worth it! Expect panoramic vistas of pine forests, mountains, lakes, and the sprawling desert. Plan on at least two hours to soak it all in, making sure to stop at the many pullouts along the way. You'll traverse multiple ecological zones, a trip equivalent to driving from Nevada to the Yukon! Watch for mule deer, marmots, coyotes, and jackrabbits along the way. This is a drive you won't forget!
hardWhere is California Route 36?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because Route 36 in California is a ride you won't soon forget! This epic stretch winds its way for 248 miles across Northern California, snaking through six different counties. Tracing its roots back to the Gold Rush era, this road is basically a history lesson with a serious side of hairpin turns. We're talking around 1,811 curves in just 140 miles! Seriously, this road is a twisty-turny paradise, a rollercoaster carved into the landscape that seems custom-made for motorcycles. Give yourself about six hours to soak it all in, because you'll be traversing a crazy diverse range of landscapes and climates. The road peaks at 5,764 feet above sea level, so expect some elevation changes. This isn't a Sunday drive; it demands your full attention. Watch out for logging trucks. While the pavement is generally smooth, it can get a bit rougher in the western sections, and the centerline occasionally vanishes. And heads up: there are plenty of spots with serious drop-offs and no guardrails, so keep your eyes peeled. Make sure you're gassed up and that someone knows your route, because cell service is spotty at best. And maybe skip this one at night or in iffy weather. But if you're looking for a scenic and challenging ride, Route 36 is a total legend. Get ready for some serious white-knuckle fun!
moderateLa Huasteca Canyon Road
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through northeastern Mexico, just outside of Santa Catarina, and you stumble upon La Huasteca canyon road. This beauty plunges straight into the Sierra de las Cumbres mountains, leading you to a seriously impressive canyon dam. Get ready for some views! We're talking towering canyon walls, massive mountains, and mind-blowing rock formations that will have you reaching for your camera every five seconds. Just a heads-up: this asphalt road can get a little dicey when the rainy season hits, with potential flooding in the canyons. And if you're an off-road enthusiast, you're in luck – this whole mountain range is riddled with exciting 4x4 trails. Plus, nearby you have the legendary Road Mexico 105 Peñas de Tlanchinol. Let the adventure begin!