PA Route 6 Alliance: Supporting a scenic heritage corridor

Warren, McKean, Potter & Tioga Counties | Pine Creek Valley & the PA Grand Canyon, Dark Skies, and the Allegheny National Forest & Surrounds

Route 6, The Grand Army Highway, so named to honor the Union forces during the Civil War, can be traced back to 1807. Even to this day, Route 6 is one of the longest highways in the nation.

The PA Route 6 Alliance champions the Pennsylvania section of this transcontinental highway, promoting the plethora of rich heritage and beauty still alive along the route. The Alliance has managed to unite 11 counties, 9 convention and visitor bureaus, 4 heritage areas, local development districts, local business owners, Chambers of Commerce, and other interested parties along this 400 mile corridor. The highway extends across the entire state, with a long stretch of it passing through three PA Wilds Landscapes, including: Pine Creek Valley & the PA Grand Canyon, Dark Skies, and the Allegheny National Forest & Surrounds.

The PA Route 6 Alliance, formed in 2003, is a non-profit organization that provides services to artisans and business owners, organizations, heritage promoters and communities along the northern part of Pennsylvania. It works to promote tourism and foster ways to build more sustainable local economies that, in turn, enhance the quality of life in every community along PA Route 6. To accomplish this, the Alliance creates partnerships with other groups and sponsors programs and services that fulfill their mission of protecting, preserving and promoting the scenic, cultural, historical and recreational resources along Route 6.

One of their standout programs is the Artisan Trail which promotes the vibrant culture of craftsmanship and creativity that exists along this route in PA. The Façade Program is another way that the group is able to help communities and members, enabling upgrades to buildings and storefronts, installation of signage, and preservation of historic beauty.

Road trips on Route 6 have something to offer all ages and walks of life. There are historic sites, national and state parks, artist studios, and quaint rural towns to visit and explore. If you incorporate Route 6 in your trip across the PA Wilds counties of McKean, Potter, Tioga and Warren, you won’t be disappointed. PA Route 6 is one of just two designated Heritage Areas in the PA Wilds region.

The PA Route 6 Alliance is a valuable asset within the PA Wilds and the entire northern tier corridor of Pennsylvania; and like the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, which manages the Wilds Cooperative of PA program, it is assisting communities and businesses to help maintain, preserve and strengthen them for generations to come.

PA Route 6 Alliance is a Resource Partner member of the Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania. Learn more about the PA Route 6 Alliance and leave them a review or recommendation on their WCO p rofile.

RECENT WCO MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS

Judy Schrader: Creating small, but very mighty art
Judy Schrader’s love for art began when she was just a child, and it soon grew into a lifetime of creation. Based in Warren County in the Allegheny National Forest and Surrounds landscape of the Pennsylvania Wilds, her art has ranged from boundless wilderness scenes to miniature details of the wonders of nature.
Centre Foundation: Bringing the community to the front and ‘Centre’
For over 40 years the Centre Foundation has been making a huge difference in the communities of Centre County, located in the I-80 Frontier landscape of the PA Wilds region. Roughly $49 million has been invested in their communities through grants, programs, and scholarship funds, and that number is still climbing. Their mission is simple: “Centre Foundation fosters a culture of giving, supports and empowers nonprofits, and sparks positive community change.”
Deane Center for the Performing Arts: A Generous Gift That Keeps On Giving
Wellsboro is known as being one of the most charming towns in Pennsylvania, and part of its charm lies in how businesses line that iconic gas-lit Main Street – including a top-notch performing arts center. Whether you want to watch an amazing show or concert or even perform in a show yourself, look no further than the Deane Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Wellsboro, nestled in the Pine Creek Valley and PA Grand Canyon landscape of the Pennsylvania Wilds.