The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in Pennsylvania, and, thanks to its topography, there are many great vistas along this 47-mile gorge.
Many of the best views require long and arduous hikes or, at the very least, a bit of a walk. However, Lebo Vista is a spot where you can get an incredible view of the canyon without leaving your car.
Lebo Vista is in Lycoming County in the southern reaches of the Grand Canyon. It’s located on the western side of the canyon in Tiadaghton State Forest and is one of the most impressive scenic overlooks in PA that I’ve visited.
This vista is located at the end of Lebo Road (also known as Lebo Vista Road). This road is a turn off of Route 44 a few miles north of the small community of Haneyville, PA.
The turn for Lebo Road can be found at the following coordinates: 41.357148, -77.520550.
If you are traveling north, this will be a right turn. If you are traveling south, it will be a left turn onto the road.
From Route 44, it’s simply a matter of following Lebo Road for about 4.5 miles to the vista.
In July 2020, I was able to drive the entire way in a standard car. However, keep in mind that these remote roads can sometimes get bad, so always exercise good judgment when driving along this road, especially if conditions are at all wet, muddy, or snowy. It’s not somewhere I’d want to get stuck.
The first 3.25 miles of this drive is relatively easy and the road is in great condition.
This portion of the road passes several natural gas wells that do take away from the beauty of the forest. However, it also means that this road is in very good shape. Make sure to keep an eye out for trucks while driving here.
Still, even with the wells, this is still some great natural beauty along this road.
After about 3.25 miles, Lebo Road continues straight while a gated road splits to the left. This last mile to the vista is the part of the road you’ll need to be a bit more careful of.
As I said above, I was able to do this road without much difficulty in the summer of 2020. However, there were a few ruts and potholes that I came across, so make sure to drive this road slowly, especially if you’re in a regular car.
Because of the road conditions here, a high-clearance vehicle is certainly recommended but not necessary at this time (though it may be in the future).
The biggest issue of the road is that it is quite narrow. In fact, for a large portion of it, passing another vehicle would be quite difficult.
As you are driving both into and from the vista, keep an eye out for places you could pull over and let another car pass should you need to reverse your car to allow an approaching car through.
As you approach the vista, there is a split in the road. Take the road to the right. When you leave, you’ll follow the road and come out on the road to the left.
For those that use them, Lebo Vista can be found at the following coordinates: 41.390460, -77.468532.
The vista itself is located at a 180-degree turn in the road perched 1,300 feet above Pine Creek Below. This is actually about 500 feet higher than the vistas at Leonard Harrison State Park and Barbour Rock in the northern part of the canyon.
There is a nearly 180-degree view here overlooking the PA Grand Canyon, though it is overgrown a bit in some places.
While you have to stand along the road to enjoy the view, the only traffic here would be other cars stopping to enjoy the view. Still, use caution when standing in the road.
My favorite viewpoint here is looking north and northeast over the many mountains and valleys that make up the area around the PA Grand Canyon. It seems like you can see to the end of the world with nothing blocking your view of this incredible landscape.
If you look directly east and down from the vista, you can make out the outskirts of the community of Cammal, PA. You can also see Pine Creek and the Pine Creek Rail Trail far below.
Once you’ve finished enjoying this great spot, follow the road around the loop, and then continue back the way you came to Route 44. Again, make sure to keep an eye out for any incoming vehicles on the narrow portion of the road.
Overall, Lebo Vista is an incredible scenic overlook. While it’s probably not worth going far out of your way to experience, if you find yourself heading along Route 44 towards destinations like Ole Bull State Park or Cherry Springs State Park, this is a great side trip that’s worth taking the time to see.
Looking for more places to visit nearby? Check out the Piper Aviation Museum, Upper Pine Bottom State Park, the campground in Ole Bull State Park, and Hyner View State Park.
[Click here for information on how to use coordinates to find your destination.]
Thanks very much for the information. I had been there many times and took pictures from the Vista, but didn’t know the name of the community just below and east from there. Now I know it is Cammal thanks to you.