🥾 ActiveLong weekend · from Pittsburgh, PA

Waterfalls, Ridges & Wild Rivers

Plunge into cascading waterfalls, traverse windswept ridges, and paddle wild rivers across three breathtaking Appalachian destinations.

Day 1 — Ohiopyle State ParkDay 2 — Blackwater Falls State ParkDay 3 — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

Day 1 — Ohiopyle State Park

🚗 1 hr 32 min driving📍 5 stops

🌅

Morning

🚗

Drive

Pittsburgh, PA → Ohiopyle State Park

1 hr 26 min8:00 AM → 9:26 AM

Ohiopyle State Park

★ 4.8

Experience world-class whitewater rafting and hiking through Pennsylvania's most dramatic gorge with 1,700-foot cliffs.

9:26 AM📍 See location

🍽️

Lunch

🍽️ Lunch10:26 AM

Twisted Spoke Cafe

Discover creative comfort food and specialty coffee in a quirky, bike-friendly spot perfect for active travelers.

★ 4.2Family Restaurant📍 Maps →

3 options · tap to switch

☀️

Afternoon

🚗

Drive

Ohiopyle State Park → Jonathan Falls Trailhead

3 min12:00 PM → 12:03 PM

Jonathan Falls Trailhead

★ 4.6

Hike a moderate 2-mile loop to a cascading 20-foot waterfall surrounded by hemlock forest, crossing rocky stream beds and enjoying cool mist from the falls.

12:03 PM📍 See location

🌙

Evening

🚗

Drive

Jonathan Falls Trailhead → Falls Market Restaurant & Inn

3 min5:00 PM → 5:03 PM

🍽️ Dinner5:03 PM

Falls Market Restaurant & Inn

Enjoy locally-sourced Appalachian cuisine in a charming riverside setting that captures the authentic spirit of the region.

★ 4.1Restaurant📍 Maps →

2 options · tap to switch

🛏️

Nemacolin Resort

A full-scale luxury resort in the Laurel Highlands — spa, golf, multiple restaurants, and a world-class art collection. The resort's proximity to Ohiopyle State Park and Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater makes it the anchor for any serious Laurel Highlands itinerary.

Day 2 — Blackwater Falls State Park

🚗 2 hr 16 min driving📍 6 stops

🌅

Morning

🚗

Drive

Ohiopyle State Park → Blackwater Falls State Park

1 hr 34 min8:00 AM → 9:34 AM

Blackwater Falls State Park

★ 4.8

Witness the striking 60-foot golden-hued waterfall surrounded by pristine wilderness—West Virginia's most photographed natural wonder.

9:34 AM📍 See location

🍽️

Lunch

🍽️ Lunch10:34 AM

Sirianni's Café

Grab authentic Italian fare and fresh pastries made daily to fuel your weekend explorations through the Appalachian region.

★ 4.4Italian Restaurant📍 Maps →

2 options · tap to switch

☀️

Afternoon

🚗

Drive

Blackwater Falls State Park → Dolly Sods Wilderness

19 min12:00 PM → 12:19 PM

Dolly Sods Wilderness

★ 4.9

Trek across high-elevation plateaus with panoramic Appalachian views, navigating moorland heath and spruce forests on rugged trails like the Red Creek Trail.

12:19 PM📍 See location

🌙

Evening

🚗

Drive

Dolly Sods Wilderness → Mountain State Brewing Co.

23 min5:00 PM → 5:23 PM

🍽️ Dinner5:23 PM

Mountain State Brewing Co.

Sample craft beers brewed with regional pride while soaking in mountain views and supporting local artisans.

★ 4.3Brewpub📍 Maps →

2 options · tap to switch

Mack's Bingo Kitchen

★ 4.9

A well-regarded dinner spot near Harman's Log Cabins Resort.

6:23 PM📍 See location

🛏️

Harman's Log Cabins Resort

Log cabin lodging in the Canaan Valley highlands, minutes from Blackwater Falls and Dolly Sods — hand-built cabins with fireplaces and a genuine West Virginia mountain character. The Harmans have been hosting guests here since 1939, and the place feels exactly like it.

Day 3 — George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

🚗 3 hr 25 min driving📍 5 stops

🌅

Morning

🚗

Drive

Blackwater Falls State Park → George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

2 hr 47 min8:00 AM → 10:47 AM

George Washington & Jefferson National Forest

★ 4.8

Explore over 1.6 million acres of pristine wilderness perfect for hiking, camping, and immersing yourself in old-growth forest beauty.

10:47 AM📍 See location

🍽️

Lunch

🍽️ Lunch11:47 AM

Penny's Diner

Step back in time at this classic roadside diner serving nostalgic comfort food that fuels countless weekend adventurers.

★ 4.2Restaurant📍 Maps →

3 options · tap to switch

☀️

Afternoon

🚗

Drive

George Washington & Jefferson National Forest → Douthat State Park

16 min12:47 PM → 1:03 PM

Douthat State Park

★ 4.8

Paddle or fish on pristine Douthat Lake, then hike scenic shoreline trails through dense woods, or explore the visitor center's natural history exhibits.

1:03 PM📍 See location

🌙

Evening

🚗

Drive

Douthat State Park → Casa De Leones Mexican Grill

22 min5:00 PM → 5:22 PM

🍽️ Dinner5:22 PM

Casa De Leones Mexican Grill

Indulge in authentic Mexican flavors prepared with fresh ingredients that bring vibrant mountain hospitality to your palate.

★ 4.5Mexican Restaurant📍 Maps →

4 options · tap to switch

🛏️

Consider staying overnight

The drive back to Pittsburgh, PA is 5h 31m — consider booking a night near George Washington & Jefferson National Forest and heading home in the morning.

🔍 Search hotels near George Washington & Jefferson National Forest →

Plan your own escapeExplore more trips →