Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania, United States.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is May to October, peak foliage mid-October.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

Any self-driven vehicle works well for this route.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Nature, Culture, Adventure, Classic road trip.

Laurel Highlands Loop: Pittsburgh, Fallingwater and the Allegheny Plateau

Q: How long is the Laurel Highlands Loop: Pittsburgh, Fallingwater and the Allegheny Plateau route?

This route takes 7 days taking in 6 stops.

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The route · 6 stops

1
Pittsburgh
1 night
The Steel City is the loop's gateway, set where three rivers meet. Ride the Duquesne Incline for the classic skyline view, eat your way through the Strip District, then collect the hire car before heading southeast into the Laurel Highlands. A good first day to find your feet.
The Steel City is the loop's gateway, set where three rivers meet. Ride the Duquesne Incline for the classic skyline view, eat your way through the Strip District, then collect the hire car before heading southeast into the Laurel Highlands. A good first day to find your feet.
Pick up your rental on the morning you leave, not on arrival. Downtown parking is pricey and the bridges confuse first-time drivers.
2
Ohiopyle and Fallingwater
2 nights1h 23m · 100 km from previous
The adventurous heart of the trip and the best two-night base. Ohiopyle State Park fills the Youghiogheny Gorge with waterfalls, rafting and the Great Allegheny Passage cycle trail. Within a short drive stand two Frank Lloyd Wright houses: Fallingwater, built over a cascade, and the hilltop Kentuck Knob.
The adventurous heart of the trip and the best two-night base. Ohiopyle State Park fills the Youghiogheny Gorge with waterfalls, rafting and the Great Allegheny Passage cycle trail. Within a short drive stand two Frank Lloyd Wright houses: Fallingwater, built over a cascade, and the hilltop Kentuck Knob.
Book Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob tours online weeks ahead; both sell out in autumn. Fuel up before the park, as services are thin.
3
Flight 93 National Memorial and Somerset
1 night58m · 70 km from previous
A reflective stop high on the Allegheny plateau. The Flight 93 National Memorial honours the passengers and crew of September 11, 2001, with a quiet walkway to the crash site and the wind-played Tower of Voices. Base in nearby Somerset, a handy hub for the farm roads and ski country around it.
A reflective stop high on the Allegheny plateau. The Flight 93 National Memorial honours the passengers and crew of September 11, 2001, with a quiet walkway to the crash site and the wind-played Tower of Voices. Base in nearby Somerset, a handy hub for the farm roads and ski country around it.
Allow at least two hours. The visitor centre and the Tower of Voices sit a few minutes apart by car, so do not rush between them.
4
Johnstown
1 night33m · 40 km from previous
A steep river city with a powerful story. Ride the Johnstown Inclined Plane, billed as the world's steepest vehicular funicular, for a hilltop view, then visit the Flood Museum to understand the 1889 disaster that reshaped the town. An easy half-day between the memorial and Ligonier.
A steep river city with a powerful story. Ride the Johnstown Inclined Plane, billed as the world's steepest vehicular funicular, for a hilltop view, then visit the Flood Museum to understand the 1889 disaster that reshaped the town. An easy half-day between the memorial and Ligonier.
Check the Inclined Plane operating hours before you arrive, as it closes on some weekdays outside the summer season.
5
Ligonier
1 night31m · 37 km from previous
A genteel finish before the run back to Pittsburgh. Ligonier's village square, the Diamond, is ringed by independent shops and cafes around a central bandstand. Tour reconstructed Fort Ligonier, a vivid French and Indian War site, and time the visit for autumn colour on the surrounding ridges.
A genteel finish before the run back to Pittsburgh. Ligonier's village square, the Diamond, is ringed by independent shops and cafes around a central bandstand. Tour reconstructed Fort Ligonier, a vivid French and Indian War site, and time the visit for autumn colour on the surrounding ridges.
Park around the Diamond and explore on foot. Fort Ligonier is a short walk away and is quietest first thing in the morning.
6
Pittsburgh
1h 13m · 88 km from previous
Close the loop back in Pittsburgh after the easy hour west from Ligonier. Return the car and spend a final evening on the riverfront, or time the drive to connect onward from Pittsburgh International Airport.
Close the loop back in Pittsburgh after the easy hour west from Ligonier. Return the car and spend a final evening on the riverfront, or time the drive to connect onward from Pittsburgh International Airport.
Allow extra time on Friday and Sunday afternoons, when US-30 and the Turnpike back up on the approaches to Pittsburgh.

Laurel Highlands Loop: Pittsburgh, Fallingwater and the Allegheny Plateau

The route · 6 stops

Pittsburgh

Ohiopyle and Fallingwater

Flight 93 National Memorial and Somerset

Johnstown

Ligonier

Pittsburgh

Route highlights

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Laurel Highlands Loop: Pittsburgh, Fallingwater and the Allegheny Plateau

The route · 6 stops

Pittsburgh

Ohiopyle and Fallingwater

Flight 93 National Memorial and Somerset

Johnstown

Ligonier

Pittsburgh

Route highlights

Photos & videos · 0

No photos yet

Frequently asked questions

Ratings & reviews

Comments · 0

No comments yet

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