7 Pittsburgh Day Trips Within an Hour Drive of Downtown

Published by Jeremy. Last Updated on November 22, 2023.

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Pittsburgh is truly fortunate to have a number of things to do in the city. But outside of the city there is a whole world of different opportunities ranging from discovering nature to learning about the region's rich history.

If you're looking to get out and explore on a longer day trip, check one of these attractions- all within an hour of the city limits!

On your way back, take the long way home to check out a few great spots in nearby towns.

Moraine State Park, Return via Butler

Moraine State Park

Located about an hour north of Pittsburgh, Moraine State Park is a 16,725-acre park in Butler County with a large lake and many hiking trails worth exploring. Visit the south shore in the morning for hikes on the Sunken Garden and Hilltop Trails- two of our favorites.

Fall Run Park

Afterwards, return through Butler to grab a beer at Butler Brew Works and visit the ~30-foot waterfall at Fall Run Park off of Route 8 in Glenshaw at the end of the day!

Looking to make it an overnight or weekend trip? Find an apartment rental near Moraine State Park here!

McConnells Mill, Return via Harmony

<cConnells Mill State Park

McConnells Mill State Park is known for having a historical mill, a beautiful covered bridge, and many waterfalls that can be seen from the many hiking trails (one of the easiest being the Hell's Hollow trail located about 15 minutes drive from the mill).

On your way back to Pittsburgh, swing by Harmony for lunch at The Harmony Inn. The restaurant is owned by North Country Brewing so you can also grab some delicious beer here.

Harmony Museum

If you need a bit more to do and can time your visit right, stop at The Harmony Museum for some history of the region as well or detour to Evans City to check out the cemetery where Night of the Living Dead was filmed!

Looking to make it an overnight or weekend trip? Find an apartment rental near McConnells Mill State Park here!

Raccoon Creek State Park, Return via Coraopolis

Raccoon Creek State Park

Located about 45 minutes west of Pittsburgh, Raccoon Creek State Park is 7,572 acres and features many hiking trails where you can truly be alone with nature. (Be sure to take a copy of the park map with you as the trails can be quite long.)

In late April and August the park is home to annual wildflower blooms that are sure to impress those who visit during peak season- especially during the spring bloom!

La Poblanita Tacos

On your way back to the city, circle through Coraopolis to grab street-side tacos at La Poblanita and a European ale from Cobblehaus Brewing!

Looking to make it an overnight or weekend trip? Find an apartment rental near Raccoon Creek State Park here!

Mingo Creek County Park, Return via Finleyville

Mingo Creek Covered Bridges

Mingo Creek County Park is located roughly 45 minutes south of Pittsburgh and is 2,600 acres. The main stretch of the park features a paved walking trail between two historical covered bridges and is the perfect morning out without hiking through the woods.

On your way home, take the long way back via Washington, PA and check out Liberty Pole Spirits for a delightful cocktail and a bottle of whiskey!

Todd Nature Reserve, Return via Springdale

Todd Nature Reserve

Todd Nature Reserve is located about 30 minutes northeast of Pittsburgh and is one of several reserves managed by the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania. This spot is known for its bird watching, and trained naturalists lead bird walks every Friday morning from April to September.

Glen's Custard

On your way back swing by Springdale for custard at Glen's Frozen Custard or a pint of an English style ale at The Leaning Cask Brewing Company.

Meadowcroft Rockshelter, Return via Cecil

Meadowcroft Rockshelter

Located an hour west of Pittsburgh is a unique archaeological site, the Meadowcroft Rockshelter. Human artifacts were found here in 1955 and many more were found in subsequent excavations- the oldest finds date back as far as 16,000 years!

Golden Pig Korean Restaurant

This seasonal spot is perfect for a day out of the city, and on your return trip be sure to stop at the Golden Pig in Cecil for Korean food that has a die-hard following!

Fort Ligonier, Return via Mt. Pleasant

Fort Ligonier

Fort Ligonier in the borough of the same name is a full reconstruction of the 18th-century fort and offers tours highlighting the region's early history.

Helltown Brewing

This seasonal attraction can be enjoyed in just a few hours, so afterward head a few miles down the road to the kid-oriented theme park Idlewild or, if you are returning without kids, make the detour via Mount Pleasant to the local favorite brewery, Helltown.

Looking to make it an overnight or weekend trip? Find an apartment rental near Ligonier here!

Looking for more day trip options a bit further out? Head down to the Laurel Highlands to hike or go white water rafting at Ohiopyle State Park or go skiing in the winter at Seven Springs– both just a bit more than an hour away from Pittsburgh!

Looking for more things to do in Pittsburgh? Check out the previous link for a number of our favorite options! Or if you are looking for Pittsburgh weekend trips, click for more ideas a bit further out!

4 thoughts on “7 Pittsburgh Day Trips Within an Hour Drive of Downtown”

  1. Great article on places to go ~1 hr from Pgh…will share on FB.
    ❤️ It! Will explore a few new places too

    Reply
  2. You should check out the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, PA. It may be a little over an hour from Pittsburgh but worth a visit.

    Reply
    • I think it’s a little overlooked which is so sad for this area cause it’s really a gem. It’s sad the way it came to be but I really think it’s worth the drive.

      Reply

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