Are you looking for a fun and exciting way to explore while getting outside of the Steel City? From state parks and forests to small towns and big cities, there are some amazing day trip options from Pittsburgh. Whether you’re in the mood for some outdoor adventure or a cultural experience, this guide will provide an overview of all the best places to visit that are less than 3 hours from the city.
We’ve lived in western Pennsylvania our whole lives, so we’ve visited many of these destinations countless times. We’ll share why these destinations make perfect day trips from Pittsburgh!
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Day Trips from Pittsburgh for Outdoor Adventurers
If you’re looking to get out of the city for a day and explore the great outdoors, Pittsburgh is surrounded by some stunning destinations. From the rolling hills of the Laurel Highlands to the vast lands of the Allegheny National Forest, there are plenty of day trip options for nature enthusiasts.
Whether you’re interested in hiking, fishing, or just taking in the scenery, you won’t be disappointed with the natural beauty that western Pennsylvania has to offer.
1. Moraine & McConnells Mill State Parks
Moraine and McConnells Mill State Parks are two of the most popular day trips from Pittsburgh. Located just 40 minutes north of the city, straight up I-79, these beautiful parks offer a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. They are only separated by a few minute’s drive, so while you could spend an entire day at each park, you can also easily get from one to the other in one day.
At Moraine State Park, take in the stunning views from atop the hills and listen to the birds sing in the woods. There are miles of hiking and biking trails that wind through lush green forests and around the center point of the park, Lake Arthur. Get out and enjoy fishing or boating on the lake.
At McConnells Mill State Park, you can explore its namesake mill or take a stroll along its nature trails. For more adventurous types, there’s rock climbing and rappelling available, as well as miles of trails winding through dense woodlands and over rocky terrain. Don’t leave without exploring the park’s beautiful waterfalls. Breakneck Falls is our favorite!
Neither of these parks has extensive camping or overnight accommodation options, so they’re perfect day trip destinations, and they’re open all year round. Just have your microspikes available if you plan on cold-weather hiking.
2. Ohiopyle State Park
Ohiopyle State Park is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking for an adventure. Located just 1 hour and 15 minutes southeast of Pittsburgh, this park offers miles of trails, cascading rivers and waterfalls, and breathtaking mountain views. Whether you’re looking to spend your day whitewater rafting or hiking to waterfalls, Ohiopyle is the place to go.
For adventurous types, the Youghiogheny River offers some of the best whitewater rafting in Pennsylvania. The rapids are thrilling and the scenery along the way is stunning. There are multiple trips with different intensity ratings and even milder trips that some children can enjoy.
If you’d rather stay on land, you can explore the miles of hiking trails. The Ferncliff Peninsula is a popular, easy hike, but we also love hiking along both Meadow Run and Jonathan Run exploring the waterfalls.
You can also take your bike on a section of the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail through Ohiopyle. You might remember seeing this trail back in the city. The western terminus of this trail is right in front of the fountain in Point State Park. You could ride all the way from Point State Park to Ohiopyle if you wanted, but it’s about 73 miles on the trail. That’s certainly more than a day trip!
3. Allegheny National Forest
The Allegheny National Forest is an expanse of pristine wilderness tucked away in northwestern Pennsylvania. You can reach the southernmost parts around Marienville in about 2 hours, but there is plenty more to explore to the north, all the way to the New York state border.
With over 500,000 acres of land and a variety of outdoor activities available, it’s no surprise that this national forest is a loved outdoor destination for those who’ve discovered it. For others, this expanse is still unknown, tucked away in the northern corner of the state.
Hiking enthusiasts will find plenty of trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging multi-day treks. Nature lovers can explore the miles of wetlands and streams teeming with wildlife like deer, birds, and even black bears. Take your ATV and explore even further on the trails.
Those who love fishing will want to visit in the spring when trout season opens. There are even a few great waterfalls in the Allegheny National Forest to explore, too, even if they aren’t quite as easy to reach as those at Ohiopyle or McConnells Mill.
Small Town Day Trips from Pittsburgh
Beyond the natural beauty that surrounds Pittsburgh, there are also plenty of charming small towns to explore on a day trip. Whether you’re interested in history, arts and culture, or just good food and drink, you don’t have to be in the city to find these things.
These small towns offer a glimpse into a more rural way of life and a chance to experience the unique character of western Pennsylvania. From the antique shops and history to quaint cafés and boutiques, there’s no shortage of delightful small towns just a short drive from Pittsburgh.
4. New Wilmington, PA
New Wilmington, PA is the ideal day trip destination for anyone looking to get out and do some shopping. Located just an hour north of Pittsburgh, this small town offers a peaceful escape and plenty of things to do nearby.
Start your day by exploring the historic downtown area, taking in the quaint shops and restaurants. If you seek places to visit where movies and TV shows were filmed, then you might recognize some of the locations in both New Wilmington and McConnell’s Mill State Park from “The Pale Blue Eye”, the Netflix historical thriller starring Christian Bale.
You should also stop by the shops at Volant, where you might find an antique treasure or at the very least, be treated to some unique window shopping and maybe even a fresh-baked Amish doughnut.
5. Oil City, PA
Oil City, located about an hour and a half north of Pittsburgh, is a charming small town that is worth a visit for a day trip. The town’s history is rooted in the oil industry, as it is home to the first commercial oil well and was once one of the largest oil-producing regions in the world.
Visitors can learn about this history at the Venango Museum of Art, Science and Industry, which features exhibits on the oil industry and the town’s past. The Drake Well Museum in nearby Titusville, PA is dedicated to that first oil well and the region’s rich oil history, too.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy exploring nearby Oil Creek State Park, which offers hiking and biking trails, fishing opportunities, and scenic views of the area’s oil heritage.
The historic Oil City downtown area features a variety of antique and specialty shops. Overall, Oil City offers a fun and unique day trip opportunity, especially for those looking to explore the history of western Pennsylvania.
6. Johnstown, PA
Johnstown, located about an hour and fifteen minutes east of Pittsburgh, is a small town with a rich history. One of the highlights of the town is the Johnstown Flood National Memorial, which commemorates the tragic flood of 1889 in which over 2,000 people’s lives were lost. Visitors can tour the site, which features a visitor center, museum exhibits, and a film about the disaster.
Another must-see attraction in Johnstown is the Inclined Plane, a unique railway that takes visitors up and down a steep hillside to provide stunning views of the town and the surrounding landscape. This may look similar to the familiar Duquesne and Monongahela Inclines taking you up to Mount Washington in Pittsburgh, but the Johnstown Inclined Plane is the steepest in the world.
In addition to these historic and scenic attractions, Johnstown also features a variety of local shops and restaurants. Visitors can sample delicious food and drinks at local favorites like Balance Restaurant or Harrigan’s Cafe & Wine Deck, or take a stroll through the downtown area to explore unique shops. Overall, Johnstown offers a fun and educational day trip from Pittsburgh for those looking to learn about the region’s history and culture.
Cities to Explore on a Day Trip from Pittsburgh
There are several great cities near Pittsburgh that offer plenty of options for day trips. Erie, located along the shores of Lake Erie, is a great destination for beach-goers, with miles of sandy shores on the Presque Isle peninsula and plenty of water activities.
State College, renowned for being home to Penn State University, is a perfect place to explore with a vibrant downtown that’s surrounded by beautiful outdoor spaces.
Cleveland and Akron in Ohio are both located two hours or less from Pittsburgh and are great destinations for sports fans, history buffs, music lovers, and foodies. All these cities offer unique experiences for a full-day getaway from Pittsburgh.
7. Erie, PA
Located in the northwest corner of Pennsylvania, Erie is a city full of history, culture, and natural beauty. Sitting on the shores of Lake Erie, it’s known for its sandy beaches, history, and hidden-gem restaurants. From exploring Presque Isle State Park to taking a stroll along the historic Bayfront Promenade, there’s something here for everyone.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to Erie without visiting some of its well-known attractions. The Erie Maritime Museum is filled with fascinating artifacts and interactive exhibits about the city’s maritime heritage.
Erie also has an eclectic food scene featuring restaurants with cuisine from around the world. Grab some delicious barbecue at Federal Hill Smokehouse or Mediterranian cuisine at Habibi. During the summer months, you can catch live music or enjoy outdoor festivals such as the CelebrateErie or Blues & Jazz Festival. With so much to do and see in Erie, it’s the perfect spot for a day trip just two hours from Pittsburgh.
8. State College, PA
State College, Pennsylvania is an amazing place to explore! Nestled in the heart of Happy Valley, this small city offers a variety of activities for visitors and locals alike. Whether you’re looking to take a stroll through one of the many parks or explore some of downtown’s unique shops, there’s something for everyone here.
The outdoor enthusiast will find plenty to do in State College – take a hike on Mount Nittany or go kayaking on Spring Creek. Explore Penn State University while you visit – take a campus tour to see some of the iconic landmarks like Old Main or the Lion Shrine.
No matter what you choose to do at State College, you’ll be sure to have a great time! With its beautiful scenery and vibrant culture, it’s no wonder why people love visiting this charming city in central Pennsylvania.
9. Cleveland, OH
Cleveland, OH is a dynamic city with plenty of exciting attractions to explore, even though some die-hard Pittsburghers may be resistant to visiting.
This vibrant destination is on the shores of Lake Erie and offers unique experiences from the world-famous Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum to the unique Cleveland Botanical Garden. Take a stroll through University Circle, home to several museums including the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Cleveland History Center.
For entertainment, check out one of many theaters downtown like Playhouse Square or The Hanna Theatre. Relax by taking a cruise along Lake Erie or spend an afternoon shopping at Tower City Center.
Enjoy a meal with some delicious food while you’re visiting Cleveland for the day – the Ohio City and Tremont neighborhoods have some especially great “holes in the wall.”
Day Trips from Pittsburgh on the Lake
Pittsburgh is surrounded by some beautiful lakes, making it easy to find a day trip to spend some time on the water. Some of the best lakes in the area include Chautauqua, Geneva-on-the-Lake, and Deep Creek Lake.
These lake destinations are all just over 2 hours from Pittsburgh, offering plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and enjoying lakefront life. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day on the water or an adrenaline rush, these lakes are the perfect destination to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some time near the water.
10. Deep Creek Lake, MD
With crystal clear waters, Deep Creek Lake in western Maryland is the perfect spot to take a dip or go out on a boat. Plus, you can explore miles of walking trails, go horseback riding on scenic trails, or just relax and enjoy the views from the shoreline.
When it comes to things to do in Deep Creek Lake, you can enjoy swimming and fishing in the summer or skiing and snowboarding in the winter at the nearby Wisp Resort.
If you’re looking for something more low-key, check out one of the area’s many restaurants and cute shops in McHenry on the northern shores of the lake.
No matter what kind of adventure you’re looking for, Deep Creek Lake is a great spot to visit just over two hours from Pittsburgh.
11. ChautauquaLake, NY
Located in the beautiful and historic Chautauqua County of New York, Chautauqua Lake is sizeable and lined with charming small towns full of plenty of things to do and see.
Discover the area’s rich history at The Chautauqua Institution and its Hall of Philosophy, or take a stroll through the towns of Bemus Point and Chautauqua for quaint shops and restaurants.
For those looking to relax and unwind, visit one of several nearby wineries easily accessible less than 30 minutes from the northern part of the lake.
12. Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH
Located in the northeast corner of Ohio, right on the shores of Lake Erie, this town is a great destination for those looking for some fun and relaxation.
With its beautiful shoreline, Geneva-on-the-Lake offers visitors a variety of outdoor activities including fishing, boating, and swimming at the state park.
Then, when you’re done spending your time on the beach, you can head over to “the Strip” where you can experience a carnival atmosphere every day during the summer. Stalls line the street where you can play games, enjoy snacks, and purchase souvenirs.
If you’re looking for something less adrenaline-inducing, check out the local wineries and breweries. There are more wineries than you can visit in a day, so you’ll have plenty to choose from.
Final Thoughts on Day Trips from Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh offers plenty of opportunities for day trips, whether visitors are interested in exploring the great outdoors, charming small towns, or just different cities. With its beautiful lakes, scenic parks, and historic landmarks, western Pennsylvania and its surrounding areas are full of opportunity.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat or an action-packed day filled with adventure, there is no shortage of amazing destinations within a couple of hours’ drive for day trips from Pittsburgh.
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