Okay, now I can write about this.
I left Chambersburg at 8:15 AM and arrived at Lock Haven at 11, using the usual route; US 30 to PA 75, through Cowans Gap State Park, to US 522 to US 322. Diverged a bit to head up PA 144 to PA 26, PA 64 (clinch), and PA 150. Had brunch at a food truck in Mill Hall (near Lock Haven); water, ice cream sandwich, fries, sausage w/onions and peppers. Not half bad and filling for the price of $11. I began my clinch of PA 120 to Ridgway (made sure to hop on US 220 briefly for a full clinch).
I saw few cars throughout my clinch except through Emporium and west of St. Marys. In one instance, I did not pass a car once in 30 miles, between Sinnemahoning and Emporium. Notable about Cameron County is that I believe there are only two traffic lights in the county, both in Emporium: PA 120 at Broad Street and PA 120 at PA 46. Notable about Emporium are the century old houses (along PA 120 at least), and old pedestrian signals. Anyways, PA 120 was definitely worth the drive though I did skip out on Hyner View State Park.
PA 120 ended at US 219 and I traversed US 219 north to US 6. I took US 6 east to Kinzua Bridge State Park, arriving at 3 PM. Told my father and brother some history about the park and witnessed the beautiful wreckage known as the Kinzua Viaduct. The view atop the remaining viaduct was equally breathtaking, though looking down isn't exactly confidence inducing. After capturing some photos, I had a steep climb to the valley floor, grabbing some photos of the remains and even climbing on parts of it (I didn't dare walk out, at the risk of the wreckage collapsing or people seeing me). I crossed Kinzua Creek and the trail only got muddier and muddier, but nonetheless I managed to make it halfway up the other side before the trail devolved into loose rock. Convenient, because it started snowing (!) at that point which meant it was time to return.
After a bathroom break we left Kinzua Bridge at 5, making our to PA 59 east, which became US 6. There wasn't enough time to cover PA 44 from NY 417 -- I think PA 44 enters NY, according to
field signage -- to US 6. I settled for the section between Coudersport and Jersey Shore, embarking along the longest gas gap in PA: 71 miles. Still enough gas, after a refuel in Emporium. PA 44 reminded me of Skyline Drive in Virginia but woodier, though what made it special was Cherry Springs State Park. Unbeknownst to me, the park was for stargazing and I saw nary a cherry tree. In either case, I consider PA 44 a better drive than PA 120 (less traffic, more curves, arguably more scenic) although it loses out on small town charm.
Dinner was at a taqueria in Jersey Shore -- not the best tacos but we wanted anything at this point. Passing through some charming architecture, I continued my travels on PA 44 to US 15, taking us through Selinsgrove and the CSVT (looks about ready to open) to I-81 and home at 10:30.
An epic trip considering it was a single day, and I'll be back in northern PA next week.