We’ve all heard the old sayings asserting that the journey to one’s destination – whether on a trip or in one’s life, in general – is as important as the destination itself. Discover the beauty of the journey any time of the year when you hit the backroads to see the beauty around Pittsburgh on a leisurely drive. Let’s take a look at our picks for the best scenic drives near Pittsburgh.

1. Route 30 Ligonier to Latrobe
U.S. 30, US-30, Irwin, PA, USA
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Hop behind the wheel for a truly beautiful drive along Route 30 from Ligonier to Latrobe. Admire the view as you pass sprawling farmland, endless hills, and canopies of lush trees.
2. Route 18 to Raccoon Creek State Park
Raccoon Creek State Park, 3000 PA-18, Hookstown, PA 15050, USA
Flickr/lh
Pack up the car ​​with snacks - and maybe even a picnic - as you head out on Route 18 to Raccoon Creek State Park. Drink in the spectacular natural beauty as you make your way to the popular state park that promises the perfect backdrop for a picnic.

Get an aerial view of the gorgeous scenery at Raccoon Creek State Park:

3. Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway
Laurel Highlands, PA, USA
Jon Dawson/Flickr
Roll down the window and turn up the music as you travel along the Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway. This picturesque road stretches 68 miles. Drive part of it or explore the entire route, which passes such breathtaking sites as Fallingwater, Ohiopyle State Park, and majestic waterfalls.

Check out how much there is to see and do in the Laurel Highlands:

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4. National Road
Highway 40 West, US-40, Washington, PA, USA
Wikipedia/Acroterion
Explore Southwestern Pennsylvania along National Road (Route 40) as you travel through Somerset, Fayette, and Washington Counties. Stop at popular attractions, such as Bowman's Castle (pictured above), along the way.
5. Lincoln Highway
Lincoln Highway, Lincoln Hwy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson DVM
Discover the secrets of the Pennsylvania countryside along Lincoln Highway, which stretches from New York to California. Stop to admire the rows and rows of cornfields on local farms. Snap pictures in front of the Coffee Pot in Bedford. And, visit the Lincoln Highway Experience in the Laurel Highlands.

Take a look at the intriguing attractions along the Lincoln Highway:

6. Lake Wilhelm Scenic Byway
Flickr/Melissa
Travel to Mercer County and merge onto the Lake Wilhem Scenic Byway. The beautiful 6.4 mile stretch of road passes by picture perfect farms, pristine hills, and a charming bridge, culminating at the stunningly blue Lake Wilhem.

Enjoy a leisurely drive just about any time of the year on these scenic drives near Pittsburgh. Do you have any favorite Pittsburgh drives? Let us know about them in the comments.  You might also want to hit the road to check out the seven best bike trails in the city, too.

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More to Explore

Road Trip Attractions in Pennsylvania

William Suphan | August 21, 2023

What are some bucket list attractions in Pennsylvania?

Bucket list attractions in Pennsylvania include:

  • Ricketts Glen State Park. This park has 21 waterfalls, a sandy beach, and it’s teeming with wildlife.
  • Penn’s Cave. This is the only all-water cave in the nation with guided boat tours all through the subterranean waterways.
  • Rider Park. You’ll find 867 acres of absolutely lush green nature full of stunning hiking trails with astounding scenery.
  • Pine Creek Gorge. This is often called the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, however, rather than red rocks, it’s full of verdant forests.

Discover more about bucket list attractions in Pennsylvania. 

What are the best farmers markets in Pennsylvania?

The best farmers markets in Pennsylvania include:

  • Flinchbaugh’s Orchard and Farm Market in Hellam Township. This indoor farmers market is open year-round with seasonal produce and more.
  • The Markets at Shrewsbury in Glen Rock. People flock here to get locally-grown produce, fresh meat and baked goods, crafts, and much more.
  • Central Market in York. This huge market with over 50 vendors has been in operation for more than 125 years and is iconic.
  • Co-Op Farmers Market in Scranton. This outdoor market has been running since 1939 and is a community favorite.

Discover more about the best farmers markets in Pennsylvania. 

What are the best little-known natural wonders in Pennsylvania?

The best little-known natural wonders in Pennsylvania include:

  • Seven Tubs Nature Area. This is a natural series of tubs with little waterfalls and gorgeous scenery, however, swimming is not permitted. 
  • White Cliffs of Conoy in Marietta. These cliffs of limestone and dolomite loom 60 feet above the lovely Susquehanna River.
  • Hammersley Wild Area in Austin. This is the most remote place in the state and has 30,000 acres of pristine wilderness.
  • Laurel Caverns in Farmington. This is the deepest cave in the state reaching 464 feet deep. Guided tours go about 150 feet in.

Find out more about the best little-known natural wonders in Pennsylvania. 

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