Best Road Trips From Pittsburgh

🚗 240 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 50 minutes

Explore the stunning beauty of Niagara Falls on a quick drive from Pittsburgh. One of the most well-known waterfalls in the entire world and the oldest state park in New York, Niagara Falls is a bucket-list destination that lives up to the hype.

Make sure to visit Prospect Point Observation Tower, which offers a great lookout over all three major falls.

🚗 60 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 10 minutes

Enjoy a quick getaway from Pittsburgh to Seven Springs Mountain Resort, perfect for skiing, hiking, and enjoying the great outdoors. A favorite location for family vacations.

Stop by The Laurel Hill State Park, the result of a huge continuing conservation effort, and fantastic for birdwatching, fishing, boating, and swimming.

🚗 300 miles ⏱️ 5 hours, 50 minutes

Drive from Pittsburgh to the scenic Finger Lakes and Ithaca, an area known for its wineries and stunning natural landscapes. The streams that flow north here create spectacular waterfalls and various Underground Railroad escape routes are compelling.

Make sure to check out Cherry Springs State Park as you make your way to the Finger Lakes.

🚗 490 miles ⏱️ 7 hours, 40 minutes

Embark on a journey from Pittsburgh to Knoxville and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. People are drawn to Knoxville for its liveliness and beauty, along with its football culture and savory Southern food.

Fall and spring seasons are when the colors of surrounding Great Smoky Mountains National Park really come to life.

🚗 410 miles ⏱️ 6 hours, 50 minutes

Travel from Pittsburgh to New York City via Philadelphia, and you are in for a treat, with the journey packed with vibrancy, historical sites, and excitement across two of America's most iconic cities.

Along the way also make interesting stops at Donegal, Tuscarora State Forest, and Harrisburg, the state capital of Pennsylvania.

🚗 140 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 30 minutes

Journey from Pittsburgh to Happy Valley and explore the natural beauty of Rothrock State Forest, a haven for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing.

Driving South you'll pass Monroeville and Allegheny Township, before first arriving at Rothrock State Forest, ahead of Happy Valley.

🚗 250 miles ⏱️ 4 hours, 50 minutes

Travel from Pittsburgh to Baltimore and discover the rich history and vibrant harbor life of this bustling city. The Inner Harbor of Baltimore houses attractions for all ages, including museums, restaurants, and most notably, moored historic ships.

Highlights on this trip include stops at Michaux State Forest and Gettysburg.

🚗 310 miles ⏱️ 5 hours, 10 minutes

Drive from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia and it is a trip bursting with rich American history and culture of the City of Brotherly Love.. With landmarks including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell you won't be short on things to see and do.

Make sure to stop at Harrisburg. The Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex is among the nation's most impressive state capitols.

🚗 250 miles ⏱️ 4 hours, 30 minutes

Explore the stunning landscapes of Shenandoah National Park. The thundering waterfalls and granite mountains have long of this forest have long been a retreat for Presidents and people of power because of their closeness to Washington DC.

Here you can hike the famously scenic Appalachian Trail using Luray as your base.

🚗 250 miles ⏱️ 4 hours, 20 minutes

Take a trip from Pittsburgh to Washington, DC, and visit the nation's capital to explore its monuments, museums, and the political heart of the United States.

Stop off in Historic Downtown Frederick, a well-preserved section of the city that has more than 200 museums, art galleries, specialty shops and restaurants.

🚗 160 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 30 minutes

Head from Pittsburgh to Chautauqua Lake and Jamestown for a refreshing lakeside retreat, with the lake deservingly famous for its sailing and fishing offerings.

You can choose to detours past Allegheny National Forest to enjoy the splendor of Pennsylvania's only natural forest.

🚗 130 miles ⏱️ 2 hours

Visit Erie from Pittsburgh and enjoy the beautiful shores of Lake Erie, Pennsylvania's only Great Lake port, offering beaches, parks, and maritime attractions.

Presque Isle close by becomes extra lively during the winter because of the great skiing routes, so be prepared for a busier atmosphere.

🚗 80 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 20 minutes

Head from Pittsburgh to Morgantown, a must-visit for fans of quaint small towns. You can dabble in water sports, hiking, and get out into the breathtaking nature nearby

Visit nearby Coopers Rock State Forest for a day of hiking, breath taking overlooks, and enjoy West Virginia's natural beauty.

🚗 40 miles ⏱️ 50 minutes

A short drive from Pittsburgh, Arthur is one of the nearest notable trips from Pittsburgh and is a favorite for both long-distance tourists as well as locals.

Lake Arthur is only one small part of the much bigger Moraine State Park, which is Pennsylvania's fourth biggest State Park.

🚗 180 miles ⏱️ 3 hours

A visit to Columbus, Ohio's capital and the biggest city, has plenty to discover and is a great place to re-energise after a drive. The city's innovative, hip, and young vibe is what draws the crowds to its happening arts and tech scene.

Along the way check out Egypt Valley Wildlife Area and Salt Fork State Park, before you reach the bustling city sites of Columbus.

🚗 25 miles ⏱️ 40 minutes

A quick trip from Pittsburgh leads you to Mars, a charming small town with unique attractions and a quaint downtown area.

Why not check out Evans City en route. This small borough has nearby attractions such as Evans City Cemetery, featured in the film 'Night of the Living Dead.'

🚗 590 miles ⏱️ 8 hours, 50 minutes

Drive from Pittsburgh to Nashville to immerse yourself in the heart of country music. In addition to being a music capital, Nashville is brimming with historical sites, outdoor activities, professional sports and delicious food.

Before you reach Nashville make sure to enjoy interesting stops at Cincinnati and Louisville.

🚗 16 miles ⏱️ 25 minutes

A short drive from Pittsburgh, visit Sewickley for a taste of local culture, boutique shopping, and charming cafes in a picturesque village setting.

This quick trip also passes Robinson Township, a suburban area west of Pittsburgh, home to shopping centers and restaurants.

🚗 190 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 30 minutes

Escape to Hocking Hills State Park from Pittsburgh. A natural reserve that is filled with splendid caves, waterfalls, and quaint gorges in the shade of hemlocks. It's where Ohio's history is written in the rocks.

There is also the option to detour to Ohiopyle State Park, a little extra travel time but the chance a route that offers stunning scenery.

🚗 130 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 10 minutes

Travel from Pittsburgh towards Cleveland and you can expect a buzzing metropolis with lots of action. Akron afterwards then offers a more relaxing pace as a former farming community turned industrial city.

Make sure to visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park as you pass between Cleveland and Akron.