8 Safe and Socially Distant Summer Road Trips

Jun 12

So you’ve been cooped up inside for the past three-going-on-four months. Restaurants, theme parks, and beaches are starting to reopen across the nation but without a COVID-19 vaccine, the anxiety in the air is still palpable. Summer 2020 may not have the same free-spirited feeling of summers past, but there are still plenty of fun-loving adventures to be had. Check out our list of eight weekend road trips, all within driving distance of Pittsburgh, and all with safe, outdoor activities—

Laurel Highlands

Travel Time from Pittsburgh: 1 hour
Clocking in at just an hour east of Pittsburgh, you can head to the highlands for a day trip or rent a rustic cabin for the weekend. Because there is so much to do, we recommend at least staying for one night. Laurel Highlands is home to the beloved Ohiopyle State Park, which offers whitewater rafting, kayaking, and canoeing along the Youghiogheny River. But if you’re more of a land mammal, check out these extensive lists of hiking and biking trails. If you’re looking for a little culture, it’s also home to Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous architectural feat, Fallingwater—by the way, did you know Chatham’s Interior Architecture program offers a Fallingwater residency? Check it out here.

Geneva-on-the-Lake

Travel Time from Pittsburgh: 2 hours, 15 minutes
Along the Ohio shores of Lake Erie, Geneva-on-the-Lake is a quaint beach town filled with all the trappings of vacation on a smaller scale: arcades, ice cream shops, unforgettable burgers at Eddie’s Grill, and of course, the beach. You can also rent paddleboards, jet skis, kayaks, and more at Best Coast Water Sports. When you’re not splashing on the shore, consider mini golf at Allison’s or full-blown golf at the Geneva-on-the-Lake Golf Course.

Niagara Falls

Travel Time from Pittsburgh: 3 hours, 40 minutes
Just under four hours north of the city, you’ll find Niagara Falls State Park, a wonder that simply needs no introduction. Whether you want to take the famous Maid of the Mist from the American Falls to the basin of Horseshoe Falls or do some low-key sight-seeing from the Observation Tower, you can’t miss the main attraction. But the State Park also offers fireworks shows, LED displays, an aquarium, hiking trails, and more.

Raccoon Creek State Park

Travel Time from Pittsburgh: 37 minutes
Thirty minutes west of Pittsburgh is a nature lover’s paradise. Raccoon Creek State Park offers everything you need for a magical weekend in the great outdoors: camping, fishing, hiking, biking, boating, kayaking, swimming, horseback riding, and honestly, much more. Talk a walk through the wildflower reserve that boasts over 700 species of plants or take a dip in the Frankfort Mineral Springs’ ‘healing waters.’

Nelson Ledges Quarry Park

Travel Time from Pittsburgh: 1 hour, 30 minutes
It may be surprising to hear that Northeastern Ohio is the home of a veritable summer oasis, but that’s where you’ll find the Nelson Ledges Quarry Park, beloved home to hikers, bikers, swimmers, divers, and hippies alike. NLQP hosts two large fishing lakes and a beloved 30-ft deep swimming quarry—if you’re SCUBA-certified, you can scuba there! Though the famed music festivals may not be business as usual this year, keep them in mind for summers to come.

Seven Springs

Travel Time from Pittsburgh: 1 hour
Though you may picture snow and skis when you think of this Pennsylvania Mountain Resort, Seven Springs boasts a wide range of summer activities, including zip-lining, horseback riding, rock climbing, tubing, and more. This hour long drive makes the perfect day trip, but if you’re having too much fun for one day, the resort also offers lodging.

Presque Isle State Park

Travel Time from Pittsburgh: 2 hours
Along the shores of Lake Erie, Presque Isle provides the distinct feeling of a beach vacation without the endless hours of travel—yes, you can even surf here. Pack a picnic basket, a swimsuit, beach chairs, and games, and make a day out of it—don’t forget your sunscreen! It’s also a great spot for walking, cycling, and fishing if you’re looking for a more active beach day.

Cook Forest State Park

Travel Time from Pittsburgh: 2 hours
Cook Forest State Park is home to a massive old growth forest that offers 29 miles of hiking trails as well as kayaking, canoeing, camping, and more. It’s also a great spot for horseback riding and fishing if you’re looking to get more up close and personal with nature.

Pine Creek Gorge

Travel Time from Pittsburgh: 3 hours
You may have heard Pine Creek Gorge referred to as Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon, and who knew you could see such a stunning natural wonder right here in Pennsylvania? Check out the gorge from both Leonard Harrison State Park and Colton Point State Park. It’s also nearby eight (!!!) lakes that offer boating, swimming, kayaking, fishing, and more. Bring your binoculars because it’s also a popular spot for birders.

We encourage you to get outside and play this summer. Be sure to tag @chathamu in your summer adventures on Instagram so we can keep up!

Chloe Bell

Chloe Bell is a writer and digital content specialist based in Pittsburgh, PA. Her work appears regularly on Pulse@ChathamU and has also appeared in Vagabond City Lit, Seafoam Magazine, Elephant Journal, and more. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English & Chemistry from Chatham University. When she is not writing, she enjoys yoga, long bike rides, cooking, traveling, and trying new restaurants in the city.