Best Scenic Drives Near Pittsburgh
Traveling along I-79 will be a direct route to Presque Isle State Park and the cities of Erie and Corry, but the drive along the way has many scenic venues. The abundant colors of the fall season can be seen on both sides of the highway along with farmlands, mountain ranges, Lake Arthur and an occasional Amish buggy ride. Moraine Sate Park is about halfway from Erie, and the ride takes you to a fascinating vista of farms. Lake Arthur has lots of scenery, sailboat watching, trails to walk and bike and places to observe the watercraft navigate the lake. The peninsula of Presque Isle State Park extends out to Lake Erie and the seashore's coastline is a great place for birdwatching and a host of recreational activities. A bike ride along the park's loop has a view of the lake as the trail meanders through a stunning array of the changing colors of the season. The park is a National Landmark and, after viewing the flowing masts of the Flagship Niagara and the historic Erie Maritime Museum, it's apparent that Erie has a rich history to share with visitors. An excursion to the wine country along East Lake Road is a picturesque drive, and after watching the rows and rows of grapes in the vineyards, make for a stop to enjoy the natural environment of the Erie region.
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The majestic views from atop Mt. Washington are one of the best viewing spots in the United States and after one peek, it is a memory that lasts long after your visit. Travel there is from I-279 to Fort Pitt Boulevard to the Smithfield Bridge, and then a short jaunt to Station Square for a ride on the Mon Incline or the Duquesne Incline for a view of a lifetime, as the slow-moving process of the inclines give enough time stay in the moment of awe of what is below. The skyline comes into view and the famous Three Rivers sparkle with water activity, and not far away is PNC Park and Heinz Field. The overlook decks at Mt. Washington offer a panoramic extravaganza of the city, buildings, bridges and the fountain at Point State Park. On a crisp and clear fall day at night, the city comes alive with a vast array of lights that seem like thousands of cameras are taking the same photo. For an extra treat, try walking Grandview Avenue and check out the homes, restaurants and more grandiose views of Pittsburgh. There are enough overlooks on Mt. Washington to take in one of the most livable cities in the United States.
Traveling the Lincoln Highway on Route 30 may seem to be like an amusement ride, but the view is magnificent and the swerves, curves and loops in the road are well worth it. At each bend are majestic forests, mountains, quaint farm lands, streams and historic buildings that are a reminder of the historical Heritage Corridor, a 200-mile journey. To get the best scenic view, start in Beaver County and continue into Westmoreland County and within each mile are mountains that seem to go on forever. The fall season is ablaze with myriad of colors, and as the leaves trickle down with help from the wind, giving the sky a color wheel of extraordinary beauty. Be on the lookout for wildlife and even a glimpse of an eagle soaring along the mountain ridges. Time seems to stop briefly as the road continues through Bedford, and check out Bedford Village for a historical re-enactment. Then its onward past the Tuscarora Mountains near McConnelsburg. A stop in Gettysburg is a memory of the past and educational lessons are learned from the hallowed battleground that overlooks historic structures, vast farmlands littered with fences, artillery and monuments.
The Laurel Highlands is an impressive area for recreational, historical and scenic attractions, and take Route 381/711 to travel through the National Scenic Byway. A relaxing drive on U.S. 40 and U.S. 30 will take you to Ohiopyle State Park and a view of the whitewater, waterfalls and the awe-inspiring Great American Passage, where there is an abundance of trails, streams, wildlife and thousands of trees to gaze at a myriad of colors. Not far away on Route 381 is Fallingwater and Frank Lloyd Wright's majestic architectural designs, and the background of trees and winding paths of flowers make for a masterpiece of fall colors. The roads throughout the region are dotted with farmlands, natural resources and possibly a view of an Amish buggy making its way along the scenic country roads of the Laurel Highlands. Don't forget to trek over to the National Road to view historic venues at Fort Necessity Battlefield, and then move on to enough covered bridge wineries and farms to make it a full day of fun and education. An extra stop at the Flight 93 National Memorial will be an unforgettable memory.
A drive through the northwest corner of Pennsylvania and the magnificent Allegheny National Forest is as breath-taking as it gets, and the excursion will be a memorable event. Route 62 near Warren and Chandler Valley is a stopping place to watch the flight of a wide assortment of birds. Along the way, there are Amish farms and residences with homemade goods, fruit, vegetables and all types of culinary delights. Route 6 in Warren and the Hearts Content area is a wondrous forest of 300-year-old trees and a perfect place for a picnic, walk on a trail to view the landscape , wildlife and a chance to visit Tidioute for a scenic peek of the Allegheny river and the Wilderness Islands. The Tionesta Creek in the Allegheny National Forest is home to the American Bald Eagles, so watch them fly above the clouds, and then take Route 666 for an exquisite adventure following country roads among a canopy of trees and engaging wildlife.
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