7 Quick Road Trips From Pittsburgh You Can Take This Weekend
By Beth Price-Williams|Published January 31, 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.
Any day’s a good day to plan a road trip, right? Doesn’t matter if it’s Monday, Wednesday, or late Friday afternoon. The whole point is to get away for a few days of rest and relaxation over the weekend. Fortunately, we live within reasonable driving distance of some pretty awesome places. Here are seven quick road trips from Pittsburgh you can take this weekend or any weekend.
Punxsutawney's an awesome place to visit on Groundhog Day, of course, especially with the anticipation of Phil emerging to give his weather prediction. But, the charming town promises plenty to do the rest of the year, too. Visit Phil and his beloved, Phyllis, in his burrow at 300 East Mahoning Street. Additional Phil-related activities include the Groundhog Club Headquarters and Gobbler's Knob and & Trail, an informational experience. Other popular destinations in Punxsutawney include The Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center and the Shadow Vineyard & Winery.
Travel distance from downtown Pittsburgh to Punxsutawney: 72 miles.
Conneaut Lake offers plenty to do all year around. During those scorching summer months, sunbathe on the beach and go boating in the lake. Or, spend leisurely days at Conneaut Lake Park. Other popular tourist attractions in the area include Whispering Pines and AvalancheXpress Snow Tubing Park and Conneaut Cellar WIneries. Be sure to visit Linesway Spillway, just six miles from Conneaut Lake, where you can watch the ducks walk on fish.
Travel time from downtown Pittsburgh to Conneaut Lake: 91 miles.
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3. Cherry Springs State Park – 4639 Cherry Springs Road, Coudersport, PA 16915
Drink in unobstructed views of the nighttime sky at Cherry Springs State Park. Offering the clearest views of the nighttime sky on the Eastern Seaboard, the park offers something for everyone - the novices and the pros. Spend a few unforgettable hours stargazing at the Nighttime Viewing Area. Serious astronomers can stay out overnight at the Astronomy Observation Field. Other popular activities at Cherry Springs State Park include hiking, picnicking, and camping.
Distance from downtown Pittsburgh to Cherry Springs State Park: 182 miles.
Escape to the forest - Cook Forest State Park - any time of the year for a relaxing weekend getaway. The picturesque state forest spans 8,500 acres with more than 3,000 acres lying near the Clarion River. For a picture perfect winter weekend, go cross country skiing, sledding, ice skating, or hiking. Other popular activities, especially during the warmer months include horseback riding, biking, kayaking, fishing, and camping.
Travel distance from downtown Pittsburgh to Cook Forest State Park: 91 miles.
Explore one of Pennsylvania's most unforgettable natural wonders. Admire spectacular views of Pine Creek Gorge, the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, from Leonard Harrison State Park or Colton Point State Park. Hike along one of the trails or simply drink in the natural beauty from one of the scenic overlooks. Just an hour from Pine Creek Gorge is the charming town of Wellsboro, another perfect weekend destination that features shops, restaurants, and scenic tours.
Travel distance from downtown Pittsburgh to Pine Creek Gorge: 189 miles.
6. Penn’s Cave – 222 Penns Cave Road, Spring Mills, PA 16828
Discover America's only all-water cave right here in Pennsylvania. Penn's Cave welcomes visitors to tour the natural wonder on a guided boat tour. Afterward, explore the rest of the grounds. Go gem mining. Embark on a wildlife tour. Or, climb aboard a Jeep on the Cave Rock Mountain Tour that will take you on a two hour off-road adventure.
Travel distance from downtown Pittsburgh to Penn's Cave: 154 miles.
7. Presque Isle State Park – Peninsula Drive & Fisher Drive, Erie, PA 16505
Pennsylvania's brimming with gorgeous natural scenery, which means we are fortunate enough to have plenty of weekend getaway destinations. Like Presque Isle State Park in Erie. The day park is an ideal summer destination with its sandy beaches. But, there's also plenty to do all through the year. Enjoy an afternoon of ice skating on a cold winter afternoon. Or, hike along one of the 11 miles of trails that crisscross the park, where you're sure to get a peek at some of the local wildlife.
Travel distance from downtown Pittsburgh to Presque Isle State Park: 128 miles.
What are some of your favorite quick road trips from Pittsburgh? Let us know below! Ready to get out of town but would really prefer someone else do the driving? Click here to read about five incredible train trips you can take from the Burgh.
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