Post updated December 9, 2025
Looking for the best road trips from Pittsburgh? Check out my list of awesome road trips that are easily drivable from Pittsburgh!
Table of Contents
- Why Take a Road Trip from Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania Road Trips
- Cook Forest & the Pennsylvania Wilds
- Ohiopyle State Park
- Kinzua Bridge & the Pennsylvania Wilds
- Kane PA & Allegheny National Forest
- State College State Park Extravaganza
- Harrisburg Hiking Weekend
- Raystown Lake Region
Greater Midwest Road Trips
- Kelley's Island, Ohio
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
- Coopers Rock, West Virginia
- Ann Arbor, Michigan
Love Pennsylvania and can't get enough? Order my book, Scenic Natural Wonders of Pennsylvania, for detailed information about 84 amazing waterfalls, scenic overlooks, caves, and natural areas.
Why Take a Road Trip from Pittsburgh
If you’re looking for a weekend getaway driving distance from Pittsburgh, I hear you! I love Pittsburgh so much. Sometimes you just need to get out of town. A change of scenery is amazing for staying refreshed. I find that a weekend somewhere new rewires my brain in a way that helps me be more creative and happier!
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 within driving distance of Pittsburgh!
Read on for more of the best road trips from Pittsburgh!
As always, follow the principles of leave no trace when you're out exploring! Pack out all trash, leave wildlife alone, and generally leave it better than you found it - for more information visit the Leave No Trace Center.
Pennsylvania Road Trips from Pittsburgh
Cook Forest and the Pennsylvania Wilds Road Trip
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 Pennsylvania’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!
Trip Highlights: While I loved Cook Forest, my unexpected side trip to Freedom Falls and Rockland Tunnel were my favorite parts of this itinerary.
Click here for a three day itinerary in the Cook Forest region of the Pennsylvania Wilds.
Ohiopyle State Park Road Trip
Driving Distance: 1-1.5 hours from Pittsburgh
Description: Ohiopyle State Park is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Hiking, fishing, rafting, biking. climbing – this park has it all. This itinerary packs the best of Ohiopyle into one weekend!
Trip Highlights: White water rafting the Yough was the best part of my trip! I was a bit scared at first, but our guide did a great job making us feel safe and it was one of the highlights of my summer in 2023.
Click here for the Best Weekend Itinerary for Ohiopyle!
Kinzua Bridge and the PA Wilds Road Trip
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 for 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.
Trip Highlights: Kinzua Bridge is a one of a kind State Park. Nothing shows you how small you are than looking at what nature can do to human creation. I also loved staying at Kane Manor Inn, a former mansion converted into a bed and breakfast.
Looking for a real escape from the city? Check out the Best Places to Backpack in Western Pennsylvania!
24 Hours in Kane PA and Allegheny National Forest
Driving Distance: 2.5 hours
Trip Description: This adorable small town is the perfect jumping off point for visiting Allegheny National Forest. In this itinerary, you’ll visit some amazing natural places like Hector Falls and Rimrock Overlook. However, Kane itself is a great stop – full of history and small town charm. Check out the McCleery Wolf Center at Kane Depot for information about wolf conservation in Pennsylvania. Then play on the Enchanted Playground at Evergreen Park.
Trip Highlight: I loved eating at Table 105. This restaurant is truly a hidden gem and is better than many Pittsburgh restaurants I’ve eaten at.
Check out my itinerary for 24 Hours in Kane!
State College Outdoor Adventure
Driving Distance: 2.5 hours
Trip Description: Looking to head to State College for something other than football? Check out this itinerary for the best outdoorsy weekend in Centre County! This trip is great for those who are fine with doing some extra driving once they arrive at their destination.
Trip Highlight: One of my favorite memories from summer 2022 is watching sunrise from a state park all by myself. I also highly recommend visiting Penn State’s Creamery for some of the best ice cream I’ve ever tasted!
Check out the Best State College Adventure Itinerary!
Harrisburg Hiking Weekend
Driving Distance: 3 hours
Trip Description: Pennsylvania’s state capital is a surprisingly great place for an outdoor themed weekend with enough city elements to feel like you’re still connected to civilization. I did not expect to love the Harrisburg area as much as I thought I would but there are so many beautiful trails and parks here.
Trip Highlights: Hawk Rock is a short but HARD section of the Appalachian that is absolutely worth it for the breathtaking views of the Susquehanna River. Reward yourself with a post hike beverage and meal at Zero Day Brewing, a brewery named after the thru-hiker concept of a zero-mile or rest day.
Check out my guide for the perfect hiking weekend in Harrisburg!
Want to make sure you're prepared for your road trip? Check out my guide on Top Ten Pieces of Road Trip Advice!
Raystown Lake Region
Driving Distance: 2.5 hours from downtown Pittsburgh
Description: This amazing region in Central Pennsylvania includes the largest lake entirely within Pennsylvania and has a ton of amazing adventures and activities for visitors. The Thousand Steps Hike is one of my favorite hikes in the entire state with amazing views of the surrounding area. Trough Creek State Park contains some of the best natural wonders in all of Pennsylvania, including Rainbow Falls and Balanced Rock.
Trip Highlights: I loved all of the scenic overlooks over the lake with the fall foliage, including Hawns Overlook and the Raystown Dam Pavilion.
Click here for my guide on the best things to do in the Raystown Lake Region!
Greater Midwest Road Trips from Pittsburgh
Kelleys Island, Ohio
Driving Distance: 3 hours from downtown Pittsburgh to the ferry then ~30 min ferry ride
Description: This Lake Erie island evokes island life without the hassle of taking a plane! Kelleys Island is a great place for a relaxing getaway. It’s small and easy to get around on, but punches above its weight in delicious food and things to do. This is a perfect family getaway for kids of all ages!
Trip Highlights: I loved renting a bike to explore the island. Nothing says beach vacation like riding around on a beach cruiser!
Check out my perfect weekend itinerary for Kelleys Island!
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.
Trip Highlights: Brandywine Falls is one of my all time favorite waterfalls, but if you’re visiting in the winter, Ledges Trail is like being transported to another world.
Check out 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.
Trip Highlight: Fall foliage in this state park was out of this world. I highly recommend visiting during peak foliage.
Click here for my review of a camping weekend in Coopers Rock!
Adorable Ann Arbor, Michigan
Driving Distance: a little over 4 hours from downtown Pittsburgh
Description: Did you know that this Michigan city is closer to Pittsburgh than Philadelphia? Ann Arbor, home of UMichigan, is one of the best weekend trips from Pittsburgh and it’s got something for every type of traveler. The sense of community is unmatched – everyone I interacted with was so welcoming and friendly. The food is incredible and punches WAY above its weight for a city of this size. Ann Arbor is a great jumping off point for outdoor adventures, like hiking, paddling, and biking.
Trip Highlights: I loved how walkable Ann Arbor was. I rarely used my car all weekend to get around. I also went to four bookstores in 24 hours, which was a highlight for me (but not my wallet).
Check out my three day weekend itinerary for the best long weekend in Ann Arbor!
Check back regularly to see what new weekend trips I’ve been on!