The Ultimate Road Trip: Cecil Township, PA to New York City, NY

The road trip from Cecil Township, Pennsylvania to New York City, New York is no small feat. But with the right navigational guidance and a good selection of snacks, this drive can be one of the most picturesque journeys you'll ever undertake.

Route One: The Turnpike

If you want to take the most direct route, then the Pennsylvania Turnpike is your friend. Leaving Cecil Township and following the I-76 East for 295 miles, you'll arrive at the entrance to the Holland Tunnel, which emerges on Canal Street in lower Manhattan. The drive has an estimated time of 4 hours and 45 minutes, depending on traffic, although with the Turnpike being a major thoroughfare, traffic is rarely an issue.

Route Two: The Mountains

Taking a more scenic route, you could travel for 330 miles, covering the Pocono Mountains of northeast Pennsylvania, passing through the Delaware Water Gap and crossing the Hudson River by way of the Tappan Zee Bridge. This trip may take slightly longer than the Turnpike journey, however, the views of the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania and the stunning Catskill Mountains are certainly worth it. Expect to take approximately 6 hours, including stops, to complete this route.

Route Three: Historic Pennsylvania

To experience the history and charm of Pennsylvania, drive 340 miles on Route 30, starting in Cecil Township and heading east toward the state capital of Harrisburg, before hitting Lancaster County, where you’ll see some gorgeous Amish farmhouses. After Lancaster, continue on Route 30 East until you reach the Lincoln Highway and finally, the New Jersey Turnpike. Once in New Jersey, take the Holland Tunnel to get to Manhattan. Expect to add a few hours onto the drive, making it about 6-7 hours with stops. But the opportunity to see historic Pennsylvania and some of the most picturesque roadside views of the Northeast really make it worth it.

Scenic Rest Stops

No matter what route you take, there are several rest stops along the way where you can stretch your legs, grab a coffee or snack and take in some incredible views. The Sideling Hill Rest Area on the Pennsylvania Turnpike is considered one of the most beautiful rest stops in the country and has a stunning view of the surrounding mountains. Likewise, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a beautiful destination for a picnic or hike. As you get to the Tappan Zee Bridge on Route Two, check out Nyack Beach State Park for its stunning view of the bridge itself.

Quick Tips

Plan your route before leaving to avoid unplanned detours that could take you off course. Ensure that each person in the vehicle has plenty of snacks and water. Most importantly, don’t forget your navigation, and your sense of adventure! With a little planning, driving from Cecil Township, Pennsylvania to New York City, New York can be an unbelievable road trip.