PITTSBURGH — The coronavirus pandemic has caused a lot of stress and uncertainty for many this year, and you probably feel like you need a small getaway this Labor Day weekend.
We’ve put a list of places together that are less than three hours from Pittsburgh to spend the day or the weekend.
Just a reminder: Masks are mandatory in Pennsylvania. Make sure to check ahead for specific restrictions in place at each destination. Some places require reservations.
Kinzua Bridge State Park
Distance from Pittsburgh: 2 hours and 50 minutes
More about it: The Kinzua Viaduct was once the longest and tallest railroad structure at 2,053 feet long and 301 feet high, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. It was partially destroyed by a tornado in 2003.
The remaining part of the structure is now a walkway for visitors to explore and was selected as “One of the World’s Top 10 Most Beautiful Skywalks and Viewpoints in the World” by the Culture Trip, U.K.
Fallingwater
Distance from Pittsburgh: 1 hour and 15 minutes
More about it: Fallingwater was a weekend house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for the Kaufmann family, who were from Pittsburgh. It opened to the public in 1964.
This is one of the best known attractions in Western Pennsylvania.
Penn’s Cave
Distance from Pittsburgh: 2 hours and 44 minutes
More about it: Penn’s Cave is America’s only all-water cavern and wildlife park.
They offer a fully guided cavern tour by boat, a farm-nature wildlife tour by bus, a cave rock mountain tour, gemstone painting, a maze and more.
Related>>> Pennsylvania is home to America’s only all-water cavern & wildlife park
Pennsylvania Grand Canyon
Distance from Pittsburgh: 3 hours
More about it: The Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania in Wellsboro, also known as Pine Creek Gorge, stretches for over 45 miles with depths of nearly 1,500 feet and is part of the Tioga State Forest.
One of its most popular attractions, the Pine Creek Rail Trail, was voted by USA Today as one of the “10 great places to take a bike tour in the world,” according to its website.
Related >>> Did you know that Pennsylvania has a Grand Canyon? It may be one of the state’s best-kept secrets
Conneaut Lake
Distance from Pittsburgh: 1 hour and 25 minutes
More about it: Although Conneaut Lake Park did not reopen this season due to COVID-19 concerns, there are plenty other things to do to enjoy yourself on your mini-vacation! Swim, fish, water ski or just grab a chair and relax by the water.
Laurel Hill State Park
Distance from Pittsburgh: A little over an hour
More about it: Kayaking, swimming, hiking and wildlife watching are just some of the things you can do across the 4,062 acres of mountainous terrain at Laurel Hill State Park.
Posted by Laurel Hill State Park Complex on Tuesday, June 25, 2019
Presque Isle
Distance from Pittsburgh: 1 hour and 55 minutes
More about it: Presque Isle State Park is the state’s only “seashore,” a 3,200-acre sandy peninsula that arches into Lake Erie. There’s something for everyone to do here, including hanging at the beach, flying a kite, checking out the pier, exploring the lagoons and more.
Stay safe on our beaches by avoiding crowded areas, having a mask and hand sanitizer with you and keeping at least 6 feet of distance from others not in your household.
Posted by Presque Isle State Park, PA on Sunday, July 26, 2020
Mt. Davis
Distance from Pittsburgh: 1 hour and 44 minutes
More about it: Located in Forbes State Forest, Mt. Davis is the tallest point in Pennsylvania, which means breathtaking views. There’s an observation tower at the high point, where you have a 360-degree view.
Is this the weekend you finally take in the view from the highest point in Pennsylvania?! https://pabucketlist.com/exploring-mount-davis-the-highest-point-in-pennsylvania/
Posted by PA Bucket List on Friday, July 31, 2020
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