Road Trips from Altoona, PA
Altoona, PA is a great starting point for drives that keep you in Pennsylvania, with many options under 3 hours. You've got a mix of terrain profiles here, from highway-focused routes to more winding local roads. Many of these trips also put you near significant historical sites and national memorials, making them ideal for history buffs or anyone looking for a scenic drive with points of interest. There are plenty of day trip possibilities, but also a few longer drives if you have more time.
Total Routes
82
Shortest
0.8h
With Parks Nearby
57
Under 2 hours
12 total in this range
Irwin, PA
1h 58m84.2 mi one way
This 2-hour drive is a solid choice if you want a mixed terrain experience without going too far. It's a shorter option than many, but still offers access to the Johnstown Flood National Memorial and Flight 93 National Memorial, which are highlights of the surrounding area.
Blairsville, PA
1h 16m54.3 mi one way
At just over an hour, this is one of the quickest escapes from Altoona. It offers a mixed drive profile and proximity to both the Johnstown Flood National Memorial and the Flight 93 National Memorial, making it a good option for a focused day trip.
Granville, PA
1h 39m66 mi one way
This 1.7-hour drive offers a 'turn-heavy local drive' profile, meaning you'll navigate more backroads. It's shorter than the longest options and includes access to the Johnstown Flood National Memorial, providing a specific historical point of interest.
Penn, PA
1h 55m81 mi one way
This 1.9-hour drive features a mixed terrain, offering a balance between highway stretches and local roads. It's a moderate distance, making it feasible for a day trip, but doesn't directly list any parks or memorials nearby.
Somerset, PA
1h 22m63 mi one way
If you prefer a more direct route, this 1.4-hour drive is highway-focused. It's a shorter trip than many others, and while it doesn't have nearby parks listed, its directness makes it efficient for reaching your destination.
Full-day getaway
48 total in this range
Hilltown, PA
2h 28m110.1 mi one way
This 2.5-hour drive is a good option if you're looking for a longer day trip or a quick overnight. It has a mixed drive profile and provides access to three significant national sites: Johnstown Flood National Memorial, Flight 93 National Memorial, and Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument.
Greencastle, PA
2h 2m93.5 mi one way
This 2-hour drive offers a mixed terrain and brings you within reach of the Johnstown Flood National Memorial and Flight 93 National Memorial. It's a moderately long drive, suitable for a day out with historical stops.
Lansford, PA
3h 30m176.8 mi one way
This 3.5-hour drive is one of the longest available, characterized by its 'turn-heavy local drive' profile. It provides access to the Johnstown Flood National Memorial, offering a historical detour on a route with more varied navigation.
Lehighton, PA
3h 30m177.7 mi one way
Similar in length to the Lansford drive at 3.5 hours, this route also features a 'turn-heavy local drive' profile. You'll have the opportunity to visit the Johnstown Flood National Memorial along this path.
West Penn, PA
3h 28m174.4 mi one way
Weekend trip
22 total in this range
Lawrence Park, PA
4h 19m222.7 mi one way
This 4.3-hour drive is the longest listed, with a mixed terrain profile. It offers access to the Johnstown Flood National Memorial, making it a substantial trip for those wanting a longer drive with a historical landmark.
Damascus, PA
4h 51m236.8 mi one way
At 4.9 hours, this is the furthest destination, offering a mixed drive profile. It includes a visit opportunity to the Johnstown Flood National Memorial, making it a significant journey with a historical element.
Silver Spring, PA
4h 43m241 mi one way
Erie, PA
4h 12m219 mi one way
Wesleyville, PA
4h 20m224 mi one way
Browse by Mood
Hilltown, PA
2h 28m110.1 mi one way
Greencastle, PA
2h 2m93.5 mi one way
Lawrence Park, PA
4h 19m222.7 mi one way
Damascus, PA
4h 51m236.8 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring drives can take advantage of the proximity to national memorials, with potentially fewer crowds on the more local, turn-heavy routes.
Summer
Summer is ideal for exploring the various national memorials accessible from Altoona, especially those with outdoor components.
Fall
Fall offers scenic drives through mixed terrain, with the historical sites providing points of interest as foliage changes.
Winter
Winter drives might favor the highway-focused routes for efficiency, though the mixed and turn-heavy drives are still accessible.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
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