The Best Day Trips From Pittsburgh PA (Our Local Guide)
Living near the city is wonderful, but sometimes you just need to escape into the woods. If you are looking for the best day trips from Pittsburgh PA, you are in the right place.
At Hemlock Haven Retreats, we know a thing or two about finding peace in the great outdoors. We are Michael and Amanda. We grew up in this area, and now we raise our two kids here alongside our dogs, cats, ducks, and chickens. After eight years of hosting guests, we still love helping people discover the beauty of Western Pennsylvania.
Whether you want to chase waterfalls, hike deep into a forest, or explore a giant cave, this region has it all. We put together a list of our favorite nearby adventures to help you plan your next perfect day out.
Cook Forest and the PA Wildlands
If you ask us, Cook Forest is the ultimate nature escape. It is located about an hour and a half northeast of Pittsburgh. This is our backyard, and we think it is the most magical place in the state. You will find towering old growth trees and the sparkling Clarion River. It is a fantastic spot for romantic getaways in PA or a fun family weekend.
Cook Forest Fire Tower
The Cook Forest Fire Tower is a classic local landmark. We highly recommend climbing to the top for an amazing panoramic view of the Clarion River Valley.
Our guests always tell us that the view is worth the climb. The hike up to the tower is a bit steep, but the forest around it is beautiful. It is one of the top local attractions in Cook Forest.
- Rating: 4.8/5
- Location: Leeper, PA
- Insight: The tower has been here for decades and offers the absolute best views during the fall color season.
Learn more about Cook Forest Fire Tower
Farmer’s Inn Restaurant
When you get hungry after a morning hike, this is the place to go. Farmer’s Inn is a staple in the area. It is a very family friendly spot with great homestyle food.
We love taking our kids here because it has a fun petting zoo and mini golf. Our guests rave about the fresh buffet and the homemade baked goods. If you are looking for where to eat in Cook Forest PA, this should be on your list.
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Price Level: Budget friendly
- Location: 759 Shaffer Rd, Sigel, PA 15860
- Contact: +1 814-752-2942
Learn more about Farmer’s Inn Restaurant
💡 Local tip: If you want to turn your day trip into an overnight adventure, check out our Enchanted Luxury Treehouse. It is tucked right into the forest and features a gorgeous fireplace!
Waterfalls and Wild Rivers
If you head south from Pittsburgh, you will hit the beautiful Laurel Highlands. This area is famous for rushing rivers and unique history. It is a fantastic region for an active day outdoors.
Ohiopyle State Park
Ohiopyle is an outdoor playground located about 75 minutes from the city. It sits right on the Youghiogheny River and is famous for its thrilling whitewater rafting.
Even if you do not want to raft, the park has stunning waterfalls and flat biking trails. Visitors always talk about how peaceful it is to watch the water cascade over the rocks. It is truly heaven on earth in the fall.
- Rating: 4.8/5
- Location: 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470
- Contact: +1 724-329-8591
- Hours: Open 24 hours
Learn more about Ohiopyle State Park
Fallingwater
Just a few minutes from Ohiopyle is Fallingwater. This famous house was designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It is built directly over a natural waterfall.
People from all over the world travel to see how the house blends into the forest. Tour guides here are excellent and share fascinating history about the building. You must book your tickets well in advance because they sell out fast.
- Rating: 4.8/5
- Location: 1491 Mill Run Rd, Mill Run, PA 15464
- Contact: +1 724-329-8501
- Insight: Photography is not allowed inside the house, so take plenty of pictures of the amazing outside views!
Learn more about Fallingwater
Scenic Gorges and Lakes
A short drive north of the city will bring you to rocky gorges and huge lakes. These spots are very easy to reach and provide hours of outdoor fun.
McConnells Mill State Park
Located just 40 minutes north of Pittsburgh, this park feels like a step back in time. The park features a deep gorge with a rushing creek at the bottom.
You can walk across a beautiful old covered bridge and tour a historic gristmill. The hiking trails here are very rocky and fun to navigate. Visitors highly recommend wearing sturdy boots for the trails along the water.
- Rating: 4.8/5
- Location: 1761 McConnells Mill Rd, Portersville, PA 16051
- Contact: +1 724-368-8091
- Hours: 8 AM to 8 PM daily
Learn more about McConnells Mill State Park
Moraine State Park
Right next to McConnells Mill is Moraine State Park. This park is centered around the massive Lake Arthur.
It is the perfect spot for a lazy summer day. You can rent a boat, go fishing, or swim at the beach. We think it is a great place to pack a lunch and have a family picnic by the water.
- Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: 225 Pleasant Valley Rd, Portersville, PA 16051
- Contact: +1 724-368-8811
- Insight: The park has wide paved trails that are perfect for biking with young children.
Learn more about Moraine State Park
Underground Adventures
If you want to try something totally different, head underground. Pennsylvania is home to some amazing cave systems that are cool in the summer and fascinating to explore.
Laurel Caverns
This is the largest cave system in Pennsylvania. It is located about an hour south of the city.
The guided tours take you deep into the earth to see amazing rock formations. Visitors love the friendly tour guides and the constant cool temperature inside the cave. It is a fantastic option on a hot summer day.
- Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: 1065 Skyline Dr, Farmington, PA 15437
- Contact: +1 724-438-3003
- Insight: The cave stays at a brisk 52 degrees all year long, so bring a light jacket.
Learn more about Laurel Caverns
Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park
If you do not mind a slightly longer drive, Penn’s Cave is amazing. It takes about three hours to get here from Pittsburgh.
What makes it special is that you tour the entire cave by boat! Gliding over the underground water is an unforgettable experience. Afterward, you can take a bus tour to see bison, elk, and bears.
- Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: 222 Penns Cave Rd, Centre Hall, PA 16828
- Contact: +1 814-364-1664
Learn more about Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park
Beach Days on the Lake
You do not have to drive all the way to the ocean to enjoy a sandy beach. A trip up north will give you a perfect beach day.
Presque Isle State Park
Located about two hours north in Erie, this park is a sandy peninsula that stretches into Lake Erie.
You will find miles of beautiful beaches where you can swim, build sandcastles, or collect beach glass. Many people say the sunsets here look just like the ocean. It is a stunning, free state park that is great for all ages.
- Rating: 4.8/5
- Location: 301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505
- Contact: +1 814-833-7424
- Hours: 6 AM to 9 PM daily
Learn more about Presque Isle State Park
Plan Your Next Escape With Us
Western Pennsylvania is full of amazing places to explore. Whether you choose to ride the rapids at Ohiopyle or hunt for beach glass at Presque Isle, getting out of the city is always a good idea.
Of course, our personal favorite will always be Cook Forest. At Hemlock Haven Retreats, we truly believe that spending your days surrounded by the nature is no longer a fantasy. If you want to turn your quick day trip into a magical weekend, we would love to host you. Take a look at our Properties and come see the beauty of the woods for yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best day trips from Pittsburgh?
Some of the top day trips include visiting Cook Forest, Ohiopyle State Park, McConnells Mill State Park, and Presque Isle State Park. Each location offers great hiking, beautiful scenery, and easy access from the city.
What is 2 hours away from Pittsburgh?
A drive of about two hours will take you to Presque Isle State Park in Erie, the edge of the Allegheny National Forest, or deep into the Laurel Highlands. These spots are perfect for escaping the city for the day.
What is the number one tourist attraction in Pennsylvania?
While opinions vary, historical sites like the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia are heavily visited. On the western side of the state, Fallingwater and the major state parks are considered top tourist attractions.
What is 3 hours away from Pittsburgh?
Within three hours, you can reach places like Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park, the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon (Pine Creek Gorge), or even cross the border into Ohio to visit the Hocking Hills region.
