Shop Small & Support the Arts on the PA Route 6 Artisan Trail
A ride along PA Route 6 offers a scenic journey through Pennsylvania’s rich heritage. Route 6 stretches about 400 miles across the northern edge of the state. From Lake Erie to the Delaware River on the edge of the Pocono Mountains, the winding road rolls through small towns, rustic farmland, and historic landmarks. Route 6 has also become one of Pennsylvania’s most popular attractions, known for its locally-owned shops and handmade goods reflecting the area’s abundant culture of artists, makers and craftspeople.
This spirit is showcased on the PA Route 6 Artisan Trail, a self-guided tour created by the PA Route 6 Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and promoting the region. The 2022 edition of the Artisan Trail, the largest yet, includes galleries, museums, theaters, and more—many located in NEPA—and is available as a free digital map for travelers eager to explore and support local arts.
Explore the PA Route 6 Artisan Trail in Northeastern PA:
Shopping, Dining & Sightseeing
The Artisan Trail, launched in 2004 by the PA Route 6 Alliance, has grown from a small group of regional artists into a statewide network featuring over 70 businesses and organizations. Showcasing everything from fine arts to craft beer and wine, the trail not only spans cities like Erie and Scranton but also highlights hidden gems in Pennsylvania’s rural communities.
Discover Local Creativity on the PA Route 6 Artisan Trail
Stretching through the picturesque landscapes of Northeastern Pennsylvania, the PA Route 6 Artisan Trail celebrates the region’s rich artistic heritage and creative spirit. Along this scenic highway, visitors will find a diverse collection of artisans—woodworkers, potters, glassblowers, painters, fiber artists and more—each offering a glimpse into their craft through welcoming studios, galleries and workshops.
From small mountain towns to charming downtowns, the trail is a vibrant showcase of handmade treasures and locally inspired artistry. It’s more than just a road trip—it’s a journey into the heart of NEPA’s creative communities.
Arts and Artisans Along PA Route 6
Shop, Dine and Explore Sights Along the PA Route 6 Artisan Trail
Plan a road trip and start exploring the Artisan Trail right here in Northeastern Pennsylvania
Route 6 enters NEPA in the scenic Endless Mountains. In towns like Tunkhannock, stunning architecture blends with the natural beauty of the Susquehanna River. The route continues through Scranton, Clarks Summit and Carbondale, rich with industrial era history, vibrant downtowns, shopping, dining and entertainment. It then heads into the northern Poconos through Wayne and Pike counties. Along the way, you’ll pass charming destinations like Honesdale, Hawley, and Lake Wallenpaupack, eventually reaching the artsy town of Milford.
Whether you’re hitting the road for a day or making a weekend of it, Route 6 offers a creative and inspiring close-to-home getaway. And there’s no shortage of great places to stop, rest and relax. From local wineries and craft breweries to cool sites, shops and restaurants, it’s all here on PA Route 6.
Clarks Summit, PA
Enjoy a local, sustainable twist on fine dining at Alter House in Clarks Summit. The popular restaurant specializes in seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine using only locally-sourced ingredients. It also helps that they make some uniquely, innovative cocktails as well.
Tunkhannock, PA
Explore the colorful, inspiring fields of flowers at Brown Hill Farms in Tunkhannock. Immerse yourself in picturesque, rolling fields of tulips and sunflowers. The farm features seasonal festivals and U-pick events from spring through fall.
Milford, PA
Stroll the fascinating grounds, elaborate gardens and opulent mansion at Grey Towers National Historic Site in Milford. The one-of-a-kind site dates back to the late 19th century and was the home of Gifford Pinchot, first Chief of the U.S. Forest Service and PA Governor.
Scranton, PA
Experience NEPA’s rich coal mining history and heritage at the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour at McDade Park in Scranton. The famous tour features a 300-foot plunge underground into a real anthracite coal mine. You can also stop at the PA Anthracite Heritage Museum next door.
Honesdale, PA
Pop into the quaint town of Honesdale for a gourmet, small-plate-style dining experience worthy of any big city restaurant at Native. Plan for exquisite, fresh seasonal specials and masterfully-crafted cocktails from the bar.
Hawley, PA
Hit the rails with one of NEPA’s newest outdoor adventure crazes. Pennsylvania Rail Bike in Hawley allows you to enjoy the great outdoors on a custom-built electric rail bike. Venture out from historic Hawley and along the Lackawaxen River on a 10 or 20-mile ride.
Scranton, PA
Fuel up on classic pasta dishes from old world Italy at Picciocchi’s Restaurant & Pasta in Scranton. The downtown eatery has made a name for itself in the fine Italian dining scene with robust flavors, perfect pasta and a family-friendly ambiance.
Honesdale, PA
Book a seat. Bring your camera and climb aboard The Stourbridge Line in Honesdale. Get up close and personal to the scenic Pocono Mountains with an unforgettable ride on a vintage locomotive as it follows the picturesque Lackawaxen River.
Tunkhannock, PA
Seek out one of the most-photographed landmarks in NEPA’s Endless Mountains. The Tunkhannock Viaduct in Tunkhannock is an enduring monument to innovative, 20th-century engineering, architecture and our proud railroad history.
Hawley, PA
Take a well-deserved break from shopping and sightseeing and grab a pint and a bite to eat at Wallenpaupack Brewing Company in Hawley. The popular Pocono Mountain’s brewpub is located just a few minutes from Lake Wallenpaupack.
Hiking and Biking Along PA Route 6
Connect to nature while touring the Artisan Trail
Sometimes, the great outdoors call and the only answer is to lace up the hiking boots or dust off the bike and hit the trail. All along PA Route 6 in NEPA, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to experience nature. From our stunning state parks to cascading waterfalls and hundreds of miles of trails, you can make your trip on the Artisan Trail about so much more than sightseeing and shopping.
Explore Nature Along PA Route 6
Places to stay Along PA Route 6
Stay a while
A full day or a whole weekend of traveling the PA Route 6 Artisan Trail includes shopping, dining, checking out art and historic sites, impromptu hikes, snappin’ pics and so much more. That’s enough to wear down even the most energetic travelers. And, sometimes, getting the full experience is just a matter of spending a little extra time. No worries. Here in NEPA, we specialize in providing some of the coolest places to stay. From lakeside cabins and award-winning getaways like Woodloch Resort to historic stops like the Tom Quick Inn and even camping under the stars, if you’re planning on spending the night, we’ve got you covered.
Find a Place to Stay Along the PA Route 6 Artisan Trail
Hit the Road
Discover a world of art and culture along the PA Route 6 Artisan Trail
Before you head out, make sure to download a free digital copy of the Artisan Trail map. Follow the PA Route 6 Alliance for exciting announcements and updates on the trail. Later this summer, the organization plans on launching a mural and public art trail with even more adventures on Route 6.
The PA Route 6 Artisan Trail welcomes new members. If you’re an artist, business or organization on the Route 6 Corridor, you can apply to be part of the trail. Contact the PA Route 6 Alliance at artisan@paroute6.com or visit their website for more information.
Article updated from its original version published on 6/13/22.
