If you’re craving mountain views without the elbow-to-elbow energy of packed overlooks and busy trailheads, you’re in the right place. The Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania know how to show off without making a fuss. Big views. Quiet moments. And that satisfying feeling of discovering something special before everyone else does.

Around here, the best scenery doesn’t come with flashing signs or souvenir shops. The real magic lives off the main roads, along winding routes and peaceful stretches where the views tend to sneak up on you. Take the long way, roll the windows down, and enjoy the kind of drive that reminds you why road trips are still a thing. So if you like your views peaceful and your drives unhurried, these scenic routes are about to be your kind of thing.

The Long Way, Done Right

One of the best ways to experience the Laurel Highlands is by hopping on roads that feel like they’ve been here longer than the crowds. Routes that make up the Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway wind through forests, rolling hills, and charming small towns, offering a little bit of everything without feeling rushed.

You’ll pass through areas near Ligonier and Somerset, where farmland meets forest and every turn seems to bring a new view. It’s the kind of drive where you don’t mind taking the long way or pulling over just because the scenery tells you to.

Insider Tip:
Locals love PA Route 381 for exactly this reason. It’s part of the Scenic Byway and offers classic Laurel Highlands views with far less traffic than the main routes, especially during peak fall foliage season.

Waterfalls, Minus The Hike

If waterfalls are on your wish list but you’re not in the mood for a full hike (who can blame you?), scenic drives near Ohiopyle State Park are a smart move. While the park itself can draw a crowd, the surrounding roads offer peaceful glimpses of rivers, forested valleys, and smaller scenic spots that feel a little more under the radar.

Driving along stretches near the Youghiogheny River gives you beautiful water views without needing to lace up hiking boots. Early mornings and weekday afternoons tend to be especially quiet and easygoing.

Insider Tip:
Check out portions of US Route 40, also known as the historic National Road. It runs close to Ohiopyle and offers scenic river views and wooded stretches without funneling everyone into the same parking areas.

Mountain Roads Made for Meandering

Around Seven Springs and nearby Laurel Highlands communities, you’ll find mountain roads that twist and turn in the best way. These are the drives where the windows go down, the music stays low, and the conversation slows to match the scenery.

Fall is the obvious star, with hillsides painted in gold and crimson, but winter has its own quiet charm. Snow-dusted trees and peaceful roads create a calm, postcard-worthy scene, especially during non-holiday weeks.

Insider Tip:
PA Route 711 is a favorite near Seven Springs for winding mountain views without the resort traffic. It’s especially beautiful in the fall and a great alternative when event weekends bring heavier crowds.

A Little Know-How Never Hurt

Our favorite scenic drives are best enjoyed with a little flexibility. Check road conditions, especially in winter and early spring, and keep an eye on daylight hours. Mountain weather can change quickly, and planning ahead helps you enjoy the drive without surprises.

Pack a warm layer, even in summer, and give yourself extra time. These drives aren’t about getting somewhere fast. They’re about enjoying the stretch in between. And if you stumble upon a quiet overlook or a small-town café, consider it a happy bonus.

A SNOWBALLER’S Send-Off

The Laurel Highlands have a knack for rewarding travelers who wander just a little off the main path. These scenic drives offer a quieter way to experience the mountains, one curve at a time.

When you’re ready to explore them for yourself, staying in the right place makes all the difference. A SNOWBALL PROPERTY gives you a comfortable home base in the Seven Springs and Laurel Highlands area, so you can focus on the views, the drives, and the moments in between.

Before long, you’ll be calling yourself a SNOWBALLER, too. And honestly, it has a nice ring to it.

Come Have A Ball In The Laurel Highlands!

– Ginger & Hunter Harrelson