Discovering the abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike in Breezewood

Discovering the abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike in Breezewood

Usa, north-america

Length

21 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

easy

Best Season

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

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
21 km
Difficulty
easy
Coordinates
39.5648, -94.6656

Related Roads in north-america

Driving the high-altitude road to Cumbres Pass in Coloradomoderate

Driving the high-altitude road to Cumbres Pass in Colorado

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, folks, buckle up for Cumbres Pass! This beauty sits way up high in southern Colorado, near the New Mexico line, clocking in at a cool 10,029 feet. You'll find it snuggled in the Rio Grande National Forest, south of La Manga Pass. "Cumbres" means "crest" in Spanish, which is fitting because you'll definitely feel on top of the world! The road, known as Colorado State Highway 17 (SH 17), stretches for about 47 miles between Antonito, Colorado, and Chama, New Mexico. The road first opened in 1879 as a toll road. It was improved and reopened in 1923. Get ready for some climbs, though! The steepest part hits almost 13%, and the approaches are around 6% on the north side and 4% on the south. Cumbres Pass is usually open year-round (yay!), but keep an eye on the weather in winter. It can get snowy up there, leading to temporary closures. Still, it's rare for it to be shut down for long.

15 Most Dangerous Cities for Driving in the USAhard

15 Most Dangerous Cities for Driving in the USA

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because I'm about to tell you about this seriously epic route. We're talking the Tail of the Dragon, also known as Deals Gap. It straddles the North Carolina/Tennessee border and clocks in at just 11 miles, but hold on tight! You'll be wrestling your steering wheel through a mind-blowing 318 curves. Yeah, you read that right. Elevation-wise, you'll climb a bit, nothing too crazy, but the real challenge is those relentless twists and turns. Watch out for motorcycles and sports cars – this place is a mecca for them. And keep your eyes peeled for the scenery when you can – think dense forests and stunning mountain views. Just remember: This road is all about the drive, so stay focused and enjoy the ride!

Forest Road 225hard

Forest Road 225

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna tackle one of Utah's highest and wildest roads? Forest Road 225 in Duchesne County is calling your name! Clocking in at just under 9 miles, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking gravel, serious inclines, and some seriously rugged terrain. You'll definitely want a 4x4 for this one. Mother Nature can be a bit of a diva up here, so expect sudden weather changes and potential closures. But oh, the views! Prepare for mile after mile of jaw-dropping scenery. Just be warned, this road gets super muddy and slick after it rains. And trust me, you do NOT want to be caught up here in the dark. Oh, and did I mention the elevation? You'll be cruising at over 11,400 feet, so maybe skip this one if you've got respiratory or heart issues. Bottom line: Forest Road 225 is a challenge, but with the right prep and a sense of adventure, it's an unforgettable experience. Just remember to check those road conditions before you head out!

Where is McKenzie Pass?hard

Where is McKenzie Pass?

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Cruising through central Oregon? You HAVE to check out McKenzie Pass! This epic road trip straddles the Linn and Deschutes county line in the Cascade Range, linking the high desert vibes of Central Oregon to the lush Willamette Valley. The McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway (aka Oregon Highway 242) is a fully paved dream that clocks in at around 36 miles, stretching from Belknap Springs all the way to Sisters. Traffic's usually chill, even during peak season, and the winding road keeps things nice and slow. You'll practically be retracing the steps of pioneers on an old 1860s wagon trail! Heads up though, this pass is a seasonal gem. It's usually snowed in from November to around mid-June. But here's a local tip: before it officially opens, cyclists sometimes sneak in for a ride before the cars arrive! Also, leave the big rigs at home! Vehicles over 35 feet are a no-go, and trailers aren't recommended due to those super tight curves and narrow lanes. So, is it worth it? Absolutely! At the summit, you HAVE to climb up the Dee Wright Observatory. This quirky lava rock building, built way back in 1935, offers mind-blowing views of six Cascade peaks on a clear day. Plus, you'll be smack-dab in the middle of a 65-square-mile lava flow! Don't forget to check out Clear Lake nearby, famous for its crystal-clear waters and diving scene.