Road Trips from Reading, PA
Thinking about a weekend escape from Reading? You've got a solid range of options, from quick half-day drives to longer hauls. Most routes keep you within Pennsylvania, offering a mix of terrain types and access to national parks. Many are within a couple of hours, perfect for a spontaneous trip, with a few longer drives stretching up to six hours if you're looking to cover more ground. The drive scores are consistently high, meaning you're in for a good time on the road, no matter which direction you choose.
Total Routes
51
Shortest
4.1h
With Parks Nearby
51
Weekend trip
51 total in this range
Erie, PA
6h 35m349.4 mi one way
This is your longest option, a 6.6-hour drive to Erie, PA. It’s primarily on surface roads, making it a significant undertaking compared to the shorter, highway-focused trips. It's the only option that takes you out of the immediate Reading area and offers access to the Appalachian Trail.
Gilpin, PA
4h 40m239.8 mi one way
This 4.7-hour drive is mostly highway and takes you to the Appalachian Trail, as well as the Johnstown Flood National Memorial and Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument. It’s a substantial trip, longer than the Scranton or Tunkhannock routes, and covers significant mileage.
Waterford, PA
4h 13m202.4 mi one way
Shirley, PA
4h 11m201.8 mi one way
Brush Valley, PA
4h 23m210.5 mi one way
Browse by Mood
Erie, PA
6h 35m349.4 mi one way
Gilpin, PA
4h 40m239.8 mi one way
Waterford, PA
4h 13m202.4 mi one way
Shirley, PA
4h 11m201.8 mi one way
Erie, PA
6h 35m349.4 mi one way
Waterford, PA
4h 13m202.4 mi one way
Newtown, PA
5h 13m263.2 mi one way
Mechanicsburg, PA
5h 40m289.6 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring drives will offer access to the Appalachian Trail and other parks, with mostly flat or gently rolling terrain, ideal for pleasant weather road trips.
Summer
With consistently high drive scores, summer is perfect for exploring the various national parks accessible from Reading, like Valley Forge or Independence.
Fall
The mixed terrain and highway options provide varied scenery, especially appealing for fall foliage viewing on your way to destinations like the Appalachian Trail.
Winter
The predominantly highway routes offer efficient travel, making shorter trips to nearby parks like Valley Forge feasible even in winter conditions.
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 Reading, PA city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.