Take A Drive Down One Of Pennsylvania’s Oldest Roads For A Picture Perfect Day
By Beth Price-Williams|Published October 05, 2018
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Remember the days when people used to go for Sunday drives? Maybe they headed for a local farm, to stock up on fresh fruits and veggies. Or, they drove off to visit family and friends. Then, again, sometimes those Sunday drives just meant going for a leisurely drive, with no particular destination in mind. In the mood for a leisurely drive? Pennsylvania’s oldest road – spanning just over 90 miles – promises plenty of pretty scenery. And, if you feel like stopping, visit some of the many attractions along the way.
Historic National Road stretches more than 620 miles from Cumberland, Maryland, to Vandalia, Illinois. Construction on the road began in 1818.
And, just over 90 of those miles travel through Pennsylvania - from Addison to West Alexander. Plan to be on the road for nearly two hours if you want to drive the entire length of National Road in PA.
So, where will you start your leisurely drive along Pennsylvania's oldest road? The map listed above will take you from Addison - at the historic Petersburg Toll House - to West Alexander.
Of course, you may want to simply enjoy the drive. Or, you might want to stop at such attractions as Fort Necessity Battlefield (pictured below). The 900-acre National Park features an education center and the battlefield.
Perhaps Frank Lloyd Wright's most famous design, Fallingwater also sits along National Road. Advanced reservations are suggested if you plan to tour the house. Or, you can hike along the grounds.
Then, go deep below ground at Laurel Caverns, the deepest cave in Pennsylvania. Other attractions along this stretch of Historic National Road include Braddock's Grave, Nemacolin Resort, and the Historic Summit Inn.
Your journey will also take you over historic Dunlap Creek Bridge. Built in 1839, the historic bridge is the United State's first cast iron and metal arch bridge.
One of the last attractions along National Road, before arriving in West Alexander, is the David Bradford House (pictured below). The historic house, built in 1788, housed the Whiskey Rebellion's leader.
What’s your favorite attraction along Pennsylvania’s oldest road? Let us know in the comments. Or, if you prefer a quieter drive, set your GPS to take you along the loneliest road in Pennsylvania. Click here to read more.
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