Day Trips from Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh on the Western side of Pennsylvania is a picturesque paradise comprising beautiful hills and enormous mountains. The city is filled with many green spots and wild-lands making it one of the most naturally attractive cities in America. With a host of lakes, ponds, waterfalls, streams and scenic view points that can be reached through picturesque country roads meant for hiking and cycling, it is certainly one of the most attractive places in the country’s Mid-Atlantic area. There are so many exciting things that can be done on day trips from Pittsburgh. Here’s what we deem the best –

Falling water

At 43 miles on the southeast of Pittsburgh, is the astonishing sight of the falling waters. Designed in 1935 by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Falling waters are in Western Pennsylvania’s Bear Run Nature Reserve. It is recognized as one of the greatest masterpieces and a great example of 21st century architecture. The Falling waters were designed in order to complement the dramatic site above a natural waterfall. This artificial structure incorporates the falls in such a way that it is visually stunning with a sense of nature prevailing through the sounds of the falls. The most appealing part of the falls is the steps that lead you directly from the living room to the water below.

Laurel Highlands

Laurel Highlands are at a distance of two hours to the south of Pittsburgh. Mount Davis, which is the highest elevation in the state of Pennsylvania, is included in this mountainous region. There are eight state parks in the Laurel highlands, all of which are free for the public. The Ohiopyle State Park within the highlands protects the majestic Cucumber Falls, a 30-feet long waterfall. The caves and the geological park inside the caverns are so huge that they can house an entire 18-hole golf course within it. The Great Allegheny Passage runs through this terrain of lakes, rivers and forested mountains. This Passage consists of a 150-mile biking and hiking rail-trail, which also including some of the finest vistas in the region.

Fort Necessity National Battlefield

The Fort necessity National Battlefield in Fayette County is regarded in history as the field from where the French and Indian wars of 1754, were flagged off. Laden with historic significance, Fort necessity is a simple enclosed wooden fort, built by George Washington’s men. At the visitors centre here, you can listen to talks and take tours, see demonstrations of the historic weapons used in the war. The Mount Washington tavern on the site was once an inn along the National Road where you can see artefacts of the era.

Hartwood Acres

The Hartwood acres are a mansion built in the Tudor-style. Just ten miles away from Central Pittsburgh, Hartwood is the central point of in this 629-acre park. It was originally built as a private county estate in 1929.  The house, stables and extensive gardens are now open to the public. You can also take hike through the woods, or go horseback riding in the park.

Gravity Hills

A two hour, 98 miles drive from Pittsburgh gets you to Gravity Hill. Situated in the rural Bedford County, Gravity hill is an intriguing site which ‘defies physics’. Appropriately names, at the Gravity Hill road, vehicles are seen rolling uphill in neutral gear. It is a fun and mysterious place you have to see to believe and well worth the drive. Fun things to try at the park include rolling a ball that will go upward the hill on its own, or pouring some water on the road and watching it trickle upwards.

Erie

Erie is city at a distance of 127 miles, just 2 hours away from Pittsburgh. Erie is known for its blue waters and sandy beaches where you can spend hours just sun-bathing. It is perfect when you just want to spend a lazy day with picturesque views. Head to The Presque Isle State Park at Lake Erie, which is home to many beaches and volleyball courts. There is also the Splash Lagoon Indoor water-park that boasts of two hot-tubs, seven slides and a lazy river. It is the largest indoor wave pool on the East Coast.

Idlewild & SoakZone

If your children are accompanying you on your trip to Pittsburgh, make sure you take them to the Idlewild & SoakZone at Ligonier, Pennsylvania which is just at an hour’s distance. Idlewild & SoakZone is an award winning Kids Park which includes 7 different themed areas, two roller-coasters, splendid carousel, a whip ride and a Ferris wheel. The water park on the vicinity boasts of 11 attractions like the hydro racers, Wowabunga Family Wave Pool, the Pipeline Plunge and also the Float Away Bay which is a 200-yard tubing river.

Pittsburgh is just a few hours from the beach. It is a city of an architectural masterpiece and divine underwater caves. It’s mysterious roadway and host of outdoor activities makes it a fascinating destination. With so many historic sites that span centuries and masterpieces of modern architecture, Pittsburgh offers something to everyone. Are you planning a trip any-time soon?