Pittsburgh’s backyard: 4 fun-filled day trips perfect for summer
Everything from cascading waterfalls to a lively music scene is close at hand
Summer adventures abound just a short drive from Pittsburgh, offering everything from cascading waterfalls to a lively music scene.
Whether you’re looking to fill a free day or seeking a quick escape, these four destinations are perfect for your next summer day trip.
Presque Isle State Park ~ 2 hours
Just a straight drive up I-79, Presque Isle State Park in Erie, Pennsylvania, makes for the perfect sandy beach getaway.
Presque Isle State Park boasts nine beaches equipped with various amenities, like picnic pavilions, beach volleyball courts and concession stands. With rentable water toys, you can spend your day afloat with paddle boards or kayaks.
After visiting the beaches, check out Presque Isle Lighthouse and Erie Land Lighthouse. The two lighthouses are open to the public and available to climb.
Wrap up the day with a Lady Kate sunset cruise. The cruise operates seven days a week through Sept. 1 and is priced at $20 for adults and $10 for kids. Departing one hour before sunset, passengers sail into Lake Erie to experience the beauty of the sunset on the water.
Seven Springs Resort ~ 1.3 hours
While Seven Springs is mostly known as a winter destination, the ski and snowboarding resort makes for a great summer getaway with activities and events all year long.
Look into the weekly activities occurring this summer at Seven Springs. On Wednesdays, Helen’s Restaurant hosts Jazz Nights, while on Thursday nights, Foggy Goggle has trivia and karaoke.
Visiting over the weekend? Foggy Goggle’s concert series occurs on Fridays and Saturdays throughout July and August.
Consider visiting during the 31st annual Seven Springs Wine Festival from Aug. 23-25. The festival showcases wines from across Pennsylvania with tastings, seminars and music.
Make the most of your day trip by buying an all-day adventure pass to gain access to all of the resort’s summer activities, like swimming and disc golf.
Take a scenic ride up the mountain on the chairlift to access the alpine slide. The two-wheeled sled twists and turns down a curvy track built on 1,980 feet of a ski slope and is operated with a handbrake for speed control.
Visit Seven Springs’ Tahoe Lake at the top of the mountain for water activities, like kayaking and paddle boarding.
Ohiopyle State Park ~ 1.5 hours
Ohiopyle offers a wealth of outdoor activities, making the Southern Pennsylvania destination an ideal way to spend a free day.
Start with a combination of hiking and biking on a stretch of Ohiopyle’s 79 miles of trails. With trails that range from easiest to most difficult, visitors can opt for a short day hike or a challenging mountain biking route.
After your first adventure, stop to admire one of the park’s waterfalls. Cucumber Falls is a 30-foot waterfall accessible from the Cucumber Falls trailhead or by hiking the Great Gorge Trail. The waterfall is both a must-see photo opportunity and a chance to cool off from the summer heat.
Consider stepping away from the park to see nearby attractions, like Fallingwater or Laurel Caverns.
Fallingwater serves as a historical landmark, built in 1935 by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The house is lauded for its architecture, blending art and nature. Since the house was donated to the Western Pennsylvania Conservatory in 1963, the landmark is open to the public.
Laurel Caverns is a quick 30-minute drive from Ohiopyle, a trek worth making to see Pennsylvania’s largest cave. Take a tour to explore the more than four miles of passages in the cave.
Head to Kickstand Ice Cream Parlor to finish your trip on a sweet note. With 32 Hershey’s Ice Cream options, ranging from salty caramel truffle to strawberry cheesecake, there’s a flavor for everyone.
Not quite ready for your Ohiopyle day trip to end? Check into the Historic Summit Inn to extend your stay.
Hartwood Acres Park ~ 30 minutes
Located just 10 miles northeast of Downtown Pittsburgh, head to Hartwood Acres Park to spend your day a bit closer to home. The park lies on 629 acres, stretching across Hampton and Indiana townships.
Book a tour at the Hartwood Mansion, a main attraction. The Tudor-style estate, built in 1929, features a cottage, garden and stable complex.
The estate has about 30 miles of trails, making it an opportune spot for hiking, biking and horseback riding.
Hartwood Acres Park’s sculpture garden is another must-see attraction, containing 14 abstract sculptures along an accessible pathway. Consider booking a guided walk to spectate and discuss the art pieces with the park rangers.
Finish your day with live music at the Summer Concert Series every Sunday at the park’s amphitheater. The weekly concerts feature live performances of different genres, including MAGIC! and the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. The Summer Concert Series concludes on Sept. 1 with the annual Allegheny County Music Festival. PJC
Kathleen Gianni, a student at George Washington University, is interning for the Chronicle through the Pittsburgh Media Partnership. She can be reached at kgianni@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.
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