CLEARFIELD – PennDOT has announced the designation of the state’s nineteenth scenic byway, the West Branch Susquehanna River Byway in Clearfield County. The new scenic byway runs along the West Branch of the Susquehanna River from the McGees Mills Covered Bridge to the Clearfield County line in Karthaus. The 72-mile byway traverses a large section of Clearfield County, passing through eleven townships and five boroughs.
“This long route features scenic views enjoyed by many travelers,” said PennDOT District 2 Executive Kevin Kline, P.E. “The natural, recreational and cultural attractions of Clearfield County are wonderful destinations for tourists and the byways designation offers potential for more visitors to come to the area and enjoy them all.”
The byway includes U.S. Route 219, U.S. Route 322 and nine other routes. Curwensville Lake recreational area, the 139-year-old McGees Mills covered bridge, and the Bilger’s Rocks nature area are all along the byway route.
The scenic byway designation restricts outdoor advertising in the corridor to preserve esthetic qualities of the region and the designation ensures that road maps and other publications will describe the byway to attract tourists and economically benefit the area.
The Pennsylvania General Assembly establishes scenic byways across the commonwealth because of the outstanding scenic, historic, natural, recreational and archeological characteristics of a region. The byway designation means local sponsors can apply for federal grants to help enhance and preserve the attractions along the route and promote the region through its marketing efforts.
To learn more about Pennsylvania’s other byways, go tohttp://www.visitpa.com/scenic-byways.
