PENNSYLVANIA - With its diverse geography stretching from major metropolitan areas to vast forests and rolling farmlands, is traversed by an extensive network of highways. Among these, one route stands out for its sheer length within the Commonwealth: U.S. Route 6. This historic highway, also known as the Grand Army of the Republic Highway, carves a path across the northern tier of Pennsylvania, offering a scenic and historically rich journey.
U.S. Route 6: The Keystone State's Lengthiest Highway
While Pennsylvania has many significant roadways, including the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) and Interstate 80, U.S. Route 6 holds the distinction of being the longest numbered highway segment running through the state.
- Length in Pennsylvania: U.S. Route 6 stretches for approximately 400 to 405 miles across Pennsylvania, from the Ohio border in the west to the New York border in the east.
- National Significance: This Pennsylvania portion is part of a much larger transcontinental U.S. highway. Historically, U.S. Route 6 was one of the longest highways in the entire country, connecting coast to coast (though its western terminus has since been truncated).
A Scenic Drive Through Northern Pennsylvania
Unlike the high-speed interstates, much of U.S. Route 6 in Pennsylvania is a two-lane highway that winds its way through charming small towns, historic communities, and some of the state's most beautiful natural landscapes.
- Path: It enters Pennsylvania from Ohio near Pymatuning State Park in Crawford County. It then traverses the northern tier of the state, passing through regions like the Pennsylvania Wilds and the Allegheny National Forest. Notable towns along its path include Meadville, Warren, Kane, Wellsboro (near the Pine Creek Gorge, also known as the "Pennsylvania Grand Canyon"), Towanda, Scranton, Honesdale, and Milford before it exits into New York near Port Jervis.
- Character: The route offers a more leisurely driving experience, allowing travelers to connect with the local culture, history, and scenic beauty of rural Pennsylvania.
Historical Significance: The Grand Army of the Republic Highway
U.S. Route 6 carries a significant historical designation as the Grand Army of the Republic Highway. This name honors the Union Army veterans of the American Civil War, reflecting the highway's path through areas that were important during that period or settled by veterans afterward.
While other routes like the Pennsylvania Turnpike cover significant east-west distances, U.S. Route 6 holds the title as the longest single numbered highway traversing the width of Pennsylvania. Its approximately 400-mile journey across the northern tier offers travelers a unique opportunity to experience the state's scenic beauty, charming small towns, and rich history at a more relaxed pace. It remains a vital corridor for local communities and a beloved route for those seeking a classic American road trip through the Keystone State.
Sources:
- Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
- U.S. Route 6 Pennsylvania Tourist Association / PA Route 6 Alliance
- Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
- Historical societies of counties along U.S. Route 6 in Pennsylvania
- Maps and historical data on U.S. Numbered Highways
