COUDERSPORT, Pa., Oct. 30, 2025 — Pennsylvania has officially designated PA Route 6 as its newest state scenic byway, marking a major victory for the communities along the corridor and for scenic preservation advocates statewide. Scenic America President Mark Falzone joined regional leaders and more than 100 residents in Coudersport for a ribbon‑cutting ceremony hosted by the PA Route 6 Alliance.

The designation — Pennsylvania’s 24th scenic byway and its longest — culminates years of local collaboration led by the PA Route 6 Alliance, whose mission focuses on protecting the natural, cultural, and historic character of the corridor. The newly recognized byway spans 211 miles across Warren, McKean, Potter, and Tioga counties. All 34 municipalities along the route passed resolutions of support, underscoring the region’s shared commitment to preserving Route 6’s identity.

Falzone praised the community‑led effort, noting Route 6’s impressive showing in Scenic America’s recent “America’s Favorite Byway” contest. “This is a bottom‑up process,” he told attendees. “The people showed up.”

This section of the Route 6 Scenic Byway weaves through beautiful and densely forested rolling hills.

PA Route 6 is celebrated for its exceptional mix of scenic, historic, cultural, and recreational qualities. The corridor links some of Pennsylvania’s most iconic destinations, including the Allegheny National Forest, Kinzua Bridge Skywalk, the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, and 22 state parks. Its landscapes range from rolling forest views and plateaus to small towns rich in heritage, making it both a scenic drive and a living story of northern Pennsylvania.

Speakers also emphasized the byway’s economic value. Outdoor recreation generates $19 billion annually in Pennsylvania, and byway status strengthens tourism marketing and local business development. “I’m thrilled to have yet another tool in the toolbox to market this,” said Colleen Hanson of Visit Potter‑Tioga.

Scenic America has long championed the recognition and protection of the nation’s most beautiful roadways, helping secure federal support for the National Scenic Byways Program and assisting state and local partners with nominations. The addition of PA Route 6 reflects the continued importance of scenic byways in protecting distinctive landscapes and supporting local economies.

PennDOT Secretary Michael Carroll summarized the significance of the designation: “The byways program will be a boon to tourism in the region and help local communities preserve what makes the area so special.”

With its sweeping vistas, rich heritage, and strong community backing, PA Route 6 now holds a well‑deserved place among Pennsylvania’s officially designated scenic byways.

Photo at top: Scenic America President Mark Falzone (second from left in the group to the right of the BYWAYS sign) joined with Pennsylvania community leaders and residents at a ribbon‑cutting ceremony celebrating the designation of Route 6 as the state’s newest, and now longest, scenic byway.
Photo by Curt Weinhold.