WEST PENNSYLVANIA FALL ADVENTURE OCTOBER 19-21, 2024
Western Pennsylvania offers some very scenic and enjoyable Miata routes. From the winding
roads of Routes 28, 666 (called the Devil’s Highway) and 964, to name just a few, to the picturesque landscapes within the Allegheny State Park, Routes 62 and 6 to name just a few of many, there’s something for every driving preference. The rolling hills and charming small towns provide a relaxing backdrop for an enjoyable drive.
Exploring the countryside of Western Pennsylvania has plenty of great roads to discover, some of the best roads in the USA.
Over the three-day adventure tour, you’ll be covering approximately 900 kilometers, with a total driving time of around 12.5 hours. Each day will have sightseeing stops, ensuring you make the most of your journey through Western Pennsylvania’s picturesque landscapes and charming attractions. I’m hoping to be in peak Western Pennsylvania Fall Colours season.
Besides some wonderful Miata roads, we will visit the following attractions:
Day One – Saturday
• Salamanca Rail Museum in Salamanca New York showcases the region’s railroad history, featuring exhibits, artifacts, and information about the railway’s impact on the community. It’s a great place for railroad enthusiasts and those interested in local history. Free admission, but donations are appreciated.
• The roads in Allegheny State Park are characterized by scenic routes that wind through the park’s picturesque landscapes. These roads offer a mix of forested areas, serene lakes, and mountainous terrain, providing a diverse and visually appealing driving experience. Travelers often encounter a blend of twists and turns, enhancing the overall adventure through this beautiful natural setting. Admission is $6.00 US per vehicle.
• Kinzua State Park in Pennsylvania is known for the Kinzua Viaduct, a historic railroad bridge turned skywalk. It offers breathtaking views of the Kinzua Gorge at 225 feet above the valley floor. Free admission.
Evening at Best Western Dubois Hotel; will supply booking link after registering for tour.
$99.00 US + tax and includes full breakfast.
Day Two – Sunday
• Phil’s Burrow: Home of Punxsutawney Phil. America’s foremost weather forecasting groundhog, a superstar in meteorological circles, officially works one day a year: February 2nd. The other 364 days he spends in Phil’s Burrow, a warm terrarium built into the Punxsutawney library. The wall that faces the outside is made of glass, so visitors can pay their respects at any time. No fees.
• Smicksburg, Pennsylvania, is known for its Amish community and quaint stores. Explore the area for unique Amish stores, including those selling quilts, woodwork, and delicious homemade treats. Keep in mind that the community adheres to traditional practices, and many shops may not accept credit cards.
• Brady’s Bend is home to quite a few scenic and awesome things to check out at this point.
The Allegheny River twists and turns through some rugged mountains northeast of Pittsburgh. Brady’s Bend is one of the more scenic areas of the Allegheny River’s path through New York and Western Pennsylvania. Free admission.
• The Kennerdell Overlook is home to a spectacular view over the Allegheny River as it bends through the mountainous terrain of Western Pennsylvania. Free admission.
Evening at Quality Inn – Titusville, PA; will supply booking link after registering for tour.
$100.00 US + tax and includes Continental breakfast.
Day Three – Monday
• Dubbed “The Neatest Little Store in the Woods,” Tall Oaks is just that, a handsomely unique gift shop featuring decorator items, candles, plaques, prints, collectibles and much more.
Shoppers from across the eastern U.S. and Canada make the annual pilgrimage to Tall Oaks. Opens at 10am.
• The Kinzua Point lookout should provide outstanding fall colours views. Free admission. Nearby Kinzua Dam is one of the largest dams east of the Mississippi River. It provides flood control and hydro electric power.
• Griffis Sculpture Park. Since the early 60’s, the steel sculptures of Larry Griffis, Jr. and other
international artists have been residing in the woods, fields, and even ponds of Griffis Sculpture Park. The 450 acre Ashford Hollow park, in the Enchanted Mountains of Western New York State, is not only a tremendous regional attraction, but holds the distinction of being one of America’s largest and oldest sculpture parks. Suggested donation is $5 pp.
• Duty Free Americas in Niagara Falls, NY which offers an extensive selection of world known brands including perfumes, cosmetics, wines, spirits, tobacco, edibles, luxury leather goods, watches, jewelry, sunglasses, and travel exclusive merchandise.
Daytime temperatures are typically in the 20s for this time of year, but evenings after dark do get quite cool.
There are a few kilometers of toll roads, pay bridges, some low entrance fees (donations) and Smicksburg shopping so suggest bringing some US cash.
Bring your passport or Nexus Card!
Developed in Scenic Motorcycle Navigation, a GPX file will be provided.
We start on Saturday morning in Fort Erie with a Drivers meeting 9:30am at Tim Hortons, 1167 Garrison Road.
Tour ends at Tim’s in Niagara Falls near the QEW on Monday early evening.
Contact Rick Vender after signing up on the website for more details. Hotels need to booked ASAP and I will provide you the link and code to get these rates.
I’m not planning on testing this route but relied on my research and others for guidance.
I would like to thank Linda Zimliki of the Western Penn Miata Club and Jim West of the Presque
Isle Miata Club and for their assistance in helping to plan the route. ChatGPT was also very
helpful.
Contact Rick Vender for more information, rjvender@gmail.com or (647) 893-3822.
Drivers meeting 9:30 am
Tim Hortons
1167 Garrison Road
Fort Erie, Ontario
L2A 1N8
LINK TO ALLEGANY STATE PARK
LINK TO SALAMANCA RAIL MUSEUM
LINK TO KINZUA SKY WALK
LINK TO KINZUA BRIDGE STATE PARK
LINK TO PHIL’S BURROW
LINK TO SMICKSBURG PENNSYLVANIA
LINK TO BRADY’S BEND
LINK TO KENNERDELL OVERLOOK
LINK TO TALL OAKS STORE
LINK TO KINSUA POINT
LINK TO GRIFFIS SCULPTURE PARK
GPX, Scenic file and Turn By Turn directions to follow at a later date
YOU MUST RIGHT CLICK YOUR MOUSE AND SAVE ALL GPX FILES TO DOWNLOAD FROM THE TRILLIUM WEBSITE
BOOK ONE TICKET PER CAR
CB radios are STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.
GPX, Scenic & Turn By Turn Files Will
Be Added Approx. 2 Weeks Before The Event
The Trillium Miata/MX5 Club highly recommend register members on tours to have a Garmin GPS or Scenic App and CB radio although it is not mandatory.
LINK ON HOW TO DEREGISTER FROM AN EVENT OR TOUR
LINK TO GUEST WAIVER FORM
Event Attendees
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Joel Daiter1 tickets
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Rick Vender1 tickets
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Henry Kay1 tickets
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Richard Sorrentino1 tickets
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Gary K1 tickets
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Solomon Lee1 tickets
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John Allman1 tickets
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Mark Upton1 tickets