The 15 best day trips from Pittsburgh

An old joke goes that Pittsburgh is the “Galapagos of Pennsylvania.” The city doesn’t neighbor any other metro areas. Most travelers arrive by plane, or at the end of a very long drive. Even the Pittsburgh dialect is like no other language on Earth. (“Yinz,” anyone?)

When it comes to a long weekend in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, there’s actually a lot to see in Western Pennsylvania, from charming rural communities to expansive natural spaces. The counties that neighbor Pittsburgh are rich in rivers, forests and small towns, which are easy to miss while barreling down the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Hikers and anglers love to lose themselves in these valleys, and history buffs find plenty to love at local museums. The best time to visit Pittsburgh and neighboring communities is during the warmth of summer and during the dry fall months. There are many ways to get around Pittsburgh, but you’ll often need a car. These attractions are all located within a two-hour drive of Downtown Pittsburgh, and visiting can easily be a spur-of-the-moment decision or planned out days in advance.

1. Get soaked in Ohiopyle State Park

Travel time: 75 minutes each way

Situated around the frothing Youghiogheny River, Ohiopyle is the region’s go-to summer playground. It would be easy to spend a solid week camping, hiking and white-water rafting through this 20,500-acre expanse. If you’re visiting for just a day, numerous shorter paths run through Ohiopyle; you’ll also find the trailhead for the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. The park has several campgrounds with a variety of accommodations, from tent sites and pavilions to cottages and yurts. Visit the Pennsylvania State Parks website to reserve a spot.

For river-runners, “the Yough” has three sections, the Upper, Middle and Lower, which vary in difficulty from Class I to Class V rapids. If you’re a novice (or didn’t pack the kayak), you can book an excursion with any of several licensed operators, such as Laurel Highlands River Tours and White Water Adventurers.

How to get there from Pittsburgh: The drive takes about 75 minutes from Pittsburgh along I-76 East. Take Exit 91 for PA-381 S.

2. Explore the depths of the Laurel Caverns

Travel time: 90 minutes each way

The tunnels that make up the Laurel Caverns burrow underground for four miles, and these interconnected chambers have fascinated the public since the late 18th century. Unlike many subterranean sites, this cave system will appeal to many types of visitors, and families and amateur geologists will enjoy a guided tour on level floors through well-lit passages. If you’re not feeling social – or are short on time – take a self-guided tour over 100 steps and 800ft of tunnels. Feeling intrepid? The “Adventure Caving” option is a full-on spelunking session designed for all skill levels.

How to get there from Pittsburgh: The drive takes about 90 minutes. Take 51S about 53 miles to Uniontown, then Skyline Dr the remaining 6 miles.

3. Pedal down the Great Allegheny Passage

Travel time: varies depending on your starting point

For cyclists, the Great Allegheny Passage is the pinnacle of bike paths, running 150 miles from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland. The car-free route is composed mostly of crushed limestone and follows former (and some current!) railroad rights of way through scenic river valleys and old mill towns. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can continue on the C&O Canal Towpath, which takes cyclists from Cumberland all the way to Washington, DC.

There’s no need to traverse the entire GAP, though. Any given segment is worth a walk, jog or ski, with each mile bringing its share of gorgeous woodland – plus a good chance of crossing one of 19 historic bridges.

How to get there from Pittsburgh: This trail technically starts in Pittsburgh with the Southside Riverfront Park and Trail; the GAP then intersects with dozens of trailheads throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania.

4. Discover a lost community at Old Economy Village

Travel time: 30 minutes each way

Butler County, just 30 minutes north of Pittsburgh, offers distinctive German character and attractions. For about 100 years, the German-settled Harmony Society maintained a utopian community in rural Pennsylvania. Its legacy is Old Economy Village, a settlement of 17 brick buildings that still stand near the banks of the Ohio River. True to its industrious name, the village’s residents once produced textiles, lumber and spirits.

Visitors can see how this Christian sect lived from 1824 to 1906, thanks to immaculately preserved homes and workshops. Tour the Harmony Museum for more insight.

How to get there from Pittsburgh: The drive takes about 30 minutes. From downtown Pittsburgh, take Route 65 N (also known as Ohio River Blvd) 20 miles to the town of Ambridge.

5. Admire the scenery at Fallingwater

Travel time: 70 minutes each way

Of the 532 buildings Frank Lloyd Wright designed, Fallingwater might be the most celebrated. This Modernist masterpiece combines angular concrete walls, sandstone masonry and lush forest, as the eponymous waterfall cascades beneath its cantilevered terraces. The property hosts a range of guided tours, which relate the history and groundbreaking design of the house (built as a retreat for the Kaufmann family, well-known department-store magnates in Pittsburgh). This remote architectural marvel is well with the trip.

How to get there from Pittsburgh: A car is the best way to reach Fallingwater. From Pittsburgh, it’s a 70-minute drive east on the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76). Take Exit 91 for PA-381 S.

6. Hop a ride at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum

Travel time: 30 minutes each way

Pittsburgh was once famous for its trolley system, and the quaint old streetcars even inspired the “Trolley” character from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood (which was produced in Pittsburgh, Fred Rogers’ hometown). Port Authority buses have long replaced rails and cables, but you can get a taste of what once was at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, a sprawling interactive exhibit on the edge of Chartiers Township.

The museum was founded in 1954, and its collection of cars has since expanded from three to 52, encompassing trolley designs from around the world. Guided tours recount the history of mass transit; visitors can also explore on their own and step aboard the vintage cars. Many of the trolleys are still operational and take spins around the property.

While you’re out there, stop into Washington, a sizable college town with a vibrant dining scene.

How to get there from Pittsburgh: The drive along 79 S takes about 30 minutes until you reach Exit 40.

7. Conquer the slopes at Seven Springs Resort

Travel time: 1 hour each way

The highest elevation at Seven Springs might be a humble 2994ft. Yet the largest ski resort in Western Pennsylvania resort puts these slopes to good use, with skiers and snowboarders able to pick from 33 trails across 285 acres. No fewer than 10 lifts carry visitors to the summits, with a third of the runs designated black diamond.

Seven Springs has drawn skiers to the Laurel Highlands since it opened in 1937. And the on-site golf course, alpine slides and climbing walls have turned the complex into a four-season destination. Replenish calories at any of 14 restaurants, including the beloved Foggy Goggle pub.

If you’re looking for something slightly more intimate, check out Seven Springs’ sister resort Hidden Valley, located just 20 minutes away.

How to get there from Pittsburgh: The drive takes about 1 hour. Follow 1-76E to Donegal Township and take Exit 9. Take County Line Rd the remaining 10 miles.

8. Trailblaze through Western Pennsylvania’s state parks

Travel time: 45 to 55 minutes each way, depending on the park

For nature lovers looking for a scenic escape, Racoon Creek State Park, Moraine State Park and McConnells Mill State Park offer ample hiking and water sports like kayaking, each within a short drive from Pittsburgh. 

Raccoon Creek State Park spans 7,500 acres and has 44 miles of trails winding through rolling hills, woodlands and valleys. Its lake is ideal for visitors who love to kayak, swim and fish.

Just a short drive north, Moraine State Park has another 42 miles of scenic trails that take visitors through lush forests and along the shores of Lake Arthur. This 3225-acre lake is a hub for water activities, including sailing, paddleboarding and fishing.

For a more rugged adventure, nearby McConnells Mill State Park features deep gorges, dramatic landscapes and the scenic Slippery Rock Creek, which once powered the McConnells grist mill. Today, the mill offers demonstrations on how grain is ground using water-powered turbines.

Each park provides a balance of tranquility and recreation without venturing too far from the city.

How to get there from Pittsburgh: The drive to Racoon Creek State Park is 45 minutes west on US22 W, while Moraine State Park is 45 minutes north on I79. For McConnells Mill, it’ll take another 10 minutes via exit 99 for US422 W. Continue toward Butler/New Castle for approximately 7 miles to the park exit.

9. Brave the Kinzua Bridge Skywalk

Travel time: Two hours each way

For an unforgettable experience high above the trees, albeit one of the longer day trips, head to the Kinzua Bridge Skywalk in the vast Allegheny National Forest. 

Once the world’s longest and tallest railroad bridge, the Kinzua Bridge was partially destroyed by a tornado in 2003. Today, the remaining structure has been transformed into the Kinzua Bridge Skywalk, giving visitors a chance to walk 624 feet out over the forest. The skywalk features a glass observation deck at the end, providing breathtaking views of the Kinzua Gorge. 

In addition to the skywalk, Allegheny National Forest, which spans over half a million acres, has over 600 miles of hiking trails.

How to get there from Pittsburgh: The drive along I79 N to US6 W takes about 2 hours, but bus tours take guests on roundtrip drives from Pittsburgh to the Allegheny National Forest.

10. Roam the riverside retreat of Wheeling 

Travel time: One hour each way

Located an hour southwest of Pittsburgh, Wheeling, West Virginia, is a charming town on the banks of the Ohio River. 

Wheeling’s historic downtown is home to the Wheeling Suspension Bridge, a National Historic Landmark that was the longest suspension bridge in the world when constructed in 1849, at 1010 feet. For history buffs, the West Virginia Independence Hall provides a look at how the state was formed during the Civil War. At the nearby 1700-acre Oglebay Resort, visitors can stroll the resort’s manicured gardens and hiking trails.

How to get there from Pittsburgh: The drive along I79 S to 170 W takes about an hour.

11. Soak up the sun at Lake Erie’s beaches

Travel time: Two hours each way

One of the best things to do with kids is to travel to the Lake Erie region, which offers sandy shores and charming lakeside towns. While Presque Isle State Park in Pennsylvania is the most famous beach destination for Pittsburghers, there are several other spots along Lake Erie worth exploring.

Head across the border to Ohio and visit Conneaut Township Park, renowned for its quiet beaches, scenic boardwalk and orange-hued sunsets. Or, venture to Geneva-on-the-Lake to enjoy a classic resort town with a mix of beach activities, arcades and wineries. In Ashtabula, Walnut Beach Park is a great spot for families with a spacious beach, playgrounds and a fishing pier. After a swim, explore the historic Ashtabula Harbor, known for its lighthouses and charming cafes.

How to get there from Pittsburgh: The drive to the shores of Lake Erie and each beach takes about two hours along I79 N. Train travel is available, but it can double the travel time.

12. Go for a touchdown at the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Travel time: 1 hour and 30 minutes each way

Sports fans have plenty to enjoy in Pittsburgh, but when looking for a day trip, head to Canton, Ohio, home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Just 90 minutes from Pittsburgh, this institution celebrates the achievements of the National Football League and honors the legends who shaped the sport. The Hall of Fame features immersive exhibits, including the Hall of Fame Gallery, where busts of the greatest players, coaches and contributors are enshrined. Visitors can explore interactive displays, watch historic game footage and admire memorabilia such as Super Bowl rings and iconic jerseys.

How to get there from Pittsburgh: This 90-minute drive follows I76 W toward Ohio. Greyhound, located in downtown, can also get you there in about 2 hours.

13. See remnants of American history at Fort McIntosh

Travel time: 40 minutes each way

Built in 1778 during the American Revolutionary War, Fort McIntosh in Beaver County was the first fort constructed by the Continental Army in the northwest territory. Once serving as the headquarters for the First American Regiment, the earliest version of the US Army, the fort’s remains sit along the banks of the Ohio River and feature informative historical markers detailing the fort’s significance. While much of the original fort has been lost to time, the site is an ideal day trip for anyone interested in early American history.

How to get there from Pittsburgh: Drive about 40 minutes on PA65 N to the town of Beaver and the fort. Buses are available from Liberty Street and will take 2 hours.

14. Admire Kentuck Knob’s architecture

Travel time: 1 hour and 10 minutes each way

You’ll find more architectural marvels at Kentuck Knob, another stunning home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Located in the Laurel Highlands and showcasing the architect’s organic signature style, Kentuck Knob blends seamlessly into the natural landscape with its sandstone walls, copper roof and cantilevered design that appears to float above the ground. Visitors can take a guided tour of the home, built in 1956, as well as its sculpture garden.

How to get there from Pittsburgh: Drive for about 70 minutes on PA381 S.

15. Search for black gold in Oil Creek State Park

Travel time: 1 hour and 45 minutes each way

As the site of the world’s first commercial oil well in the mid-1800s, visitors at Oil Creek State Park can learn about Pennsylvania’s rich oil heritage through interpretive signs and exhibits. The park features miles of hiking trails winding through forests and along Oil Creek, with waterfalls, wildlife and a 36-mile bike trail.

How to get there from Pittsburgh: Drive north on I79 for about 80 minutes and take exit 147B to merge onto US-322 W toward Meadville. You’ll then follow PA-27 E for about 20 to 25 minutes to reach the park. Buses can get you there too, in about three hours.