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Road Trips from Erie, PA

Erie opens up a variety of road trip possibilities, from quick, under-2-hour drives to more substantial half-day excursions. Most routes are geared towards day trips, with a strong showing of drives featuring a mixed terrain and several opportunities to visit national parks or memorials. If you're looking for a shorter drive with parks, there are options under 2 hours. For a longer haul, you can reach destinations over 5 hours away that offer multiple park sites.

Total Routes

232

Shortest

1.5h

With Parks Nearby

133

Under 2 hours

6 total in this range

North Warren, PA

1h 30m

66 mi one way

This 1.5-hour, highway-focused drive to North Warren, PA, is one of your shortest options. It has a high drive score of 9 and includes park access, making it a solid choice for a quick getaway that still offers a chance to enjoy nature. It's a more direct route compared to some of the longer, mixed drives.

Parks nearby High drive score

Sheffield, PA

1h 55m

80.9 mi one way

At 1.9 hours, this mixed drive to Sheffield, PA, offers a slightly longer excursion than the North Warren option. With a drive score of 9, it’s designed for enjoyable travel. While it doesn't directly feature parks, its profile suggests a varied driving experience within a manageable timeframe.

High drive score

Oakwood, PA

1h 53m

92 mi one way

This 1.9-hour drive to Oakwood, PA, features a 'turn-heavy local drive' profile and includes park access. It’s a good option if you prefer routes with more frequent directional changes and want to be near natural areas. It’s comparable in length to the Sheffield drive but offers a different driving style and park proximity.

Parks nearby

Muddy Creek, PA

1h 47m

89.2 mi one way

For a 1.8-hour drive with gently rolling terrain, consider Muddy Creek, PA. This route is classified as 'turn-heavy local drive' and scores a 7 for the drive. It's a good alternative if you're seeking a route with more varied navigation and a less direct path.

Youngsville, PA

1h 27m

53.4 mi one way

This 1.5-hour drive to Youngsville, PA, is one of the shortest options from Erie. Classified as a 'turn-heavy local drive,' it offers a more engaging route for its distance. It’s a practical choice if you want to maximize your time exploring and minimize driving time.

Full-day getaway

62 total in this range

Newtown, PA

3h 48m

189.6 mi one way

This 3.8-hour drive to Newtown, PA, is a longer trip featuring a high drive score of 10 and mixed terrain. Notably, it provides access to Fort Necessity National Battlefield. It’s a significant step up in distance from the shorter drives, offering a more immersive experience with a historical site.

Parks nearby High drive score

Kimmel, PA

3h 40m

187.7 mi one way

Kimmel, PA, is reachable in 3.7 hours via a mixed drive with a perfect drive score of 10. This route stands out because it offers access to both the Flight 93 National Memorial and Fort Necessity National Battlefield, making it ideal for history buffs or those seeking significant park experiences.

Parks nearby High drive score

Armagh, PA

3h 23m

163.2 mi one way

This 3.4-hour drive to Armagh, PA, boasts a drive score of 10 and includes park access to the Johnstown Flood National Memorial and Flight 93 National Memorial. If you're looking for a longer drive with multiple significant historical park destinations, this route is a strong contender.

Parks nearby High drive score

Beaverdale, PA

3h 57m

191 mi one way

At 4 hours, the drive to Beaverdale, PA, is one of the longest options, featuring a mixed drive profile and a drive score of 10. Similar to the Armagh route, it provides access to the Johnstown Flood National Memorial and Flight 93 National Memorial, offering a substantial journey with historical park visits.

Parks nearby High drive score

White, PA

3h 23m

176.2 mi one way

This 3.4-hour trip to White, PA, is a mixed drive with a top drive score of 10. It grants access to Fort Necessity National Battlefield and Flight 93 National Memorial, making it a great choice for exploring significant historical sites on a longer excursion.

Parks nearby High drive score

Weekend trip

163 total in this range

Long-haul ideas

Browse by Mood

When to Go

Spring

Spring drives offer opportunities to visit parks near Oakwood and North Warren, with terrain that can be enjoyed as it awakens.

Summer

Summer is ideal for the longer drives to destinations like Chambersburg or East Berlin, maximizing access to multiple national park memorials.

Fall

The mixed drives to locations like Armagh or Kimmel are particularly appealing in the fall, with park sites offering scenic autumn views.

Winter

Winter travel might be best suited for the shorter, highway-focused drives like the one to North Warren, prioritizing efficient travel.

Starting Somewhere Else?

Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.

Ready to plan?

Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Erie, PA city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.