Looking for the best road trips from Pittsburgh?
If you’re looking for a weekend getaway driving distance from Pittsburgh, I hear you! I love Pittsburgh but sometimes you just need to get out of town. A change of scenery is amazing for staying refreshed.
I’ve personally been on all of these road trips and can’t recommend them enough! There’s something for everyone in this list. Whether you want to visit as many state parks in one weekend as you can or visit a National Park – all of these things are withing driving distance of Pittsburgh!
As always, follow the principles of leave no trace when you're out on an adventure!
Road Trips From Pittsburgh: Pennsylvania
Cook Forest and the Pennsylvania Wilds
Driving Distance: 1.5-2 hours from downtown Pittsburgh
Description: This three day itinerary is great for the outdoorsy folks who are looking to check off many of Western PA’s best sites. In this itinerary, you can visit five waterfalls, hike through one of the oldest growth forests in PA, and check three state parks off of your list. Use the exact plan provided or pick and choose your favorite spots to check out in more detail! Click here for a three day itinerary in the Cook Forest region of the Pennsylvania Wilds.
Kinzua Bridge and the Pennsylvania Wilds
Driving Distance: approximately 3 hours
Trip Description: Looking to really get away from the an urban environment? A road trip to Allegheny National Forest will make you feel like you’ve escaped to a completely different world. This itinerary visits three State Parks, but the crown jewel of the trip is Kinzua Bridge. This state park is a one of a kind place to visit. The destroyed Kinzua Viaduct is a true testament to nature’s power.
This two day itinerary is close enough to allow a last minute weekend trip (we planned ours two days before) and helpful for busy travelers who don’t have time to take a longer trip. Click here for a two day itinerary to Kinzua Bridge and the Northern PA Wilds [COMING SOON].
State College State Park Extravaganza
Driving Distance: 2.5 hours
Trip Description: Looking to head to State College for something other than football? Check out this itinerary to visit six state parks in three days!
This trip is great for those who are fine with doing some extra driving once they arrive at their destination. You can mix and match this itinerary to visit as many or as few of the state parks as you like. I also highly recommend visiting Penn State’s Creamery for some of the best ice cream I’ve ever tasted! Click here for my itinerary for a State College State Park Extravaganza! [COMING SOON]
Want to make sure you're prepared for your road trip? Check out my guide on Top Ten Pieces of Road Trip Advice!
Road Trips from Pittsburgh: Ohio and West Virginia
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
Driving Distance: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours
Trip Description: Did you know that there’s a national park only two hours from Pittsburgh? Cuyahoga Valley National Park has a ton of trails and things to do for all levels of hiker. Check out popular sights like Brandywine or Blue Hen Falls or go off the beaten path to trails like Wetmore or Hunt Farm. Click here for my guide to Cuyahoga Valley National Park!
Coopers Rock State Forest, West Virginia
Driving Distance: 1 hour 30 minutes
Trip Description: Coopers Rock State Forest is an amazing place to experience nature! I had only ever driven through West Virginia before this trip and I can’t wait to explore more. We stayed in a Tentrr, which is a canvas tent on a platform. Coopers Rock also has more traditional campsites for tents or electrical sites with hookups. Click here for my review of a camping weekend in Coopers Rock!
Check back regularly to see what new weekend trips I’ve been on! Looking for more ideas for trips from Pittsburgh? Check out the PA DNCR website!
Post updated November 23, 2022