This Natural Wonders Road Trip Will Show You Pittsburgh Like You’ve Never Seen It Before

Living in Pittsburgh means we're surrounded by natural beauty; the city's also the perfect launching point for exploring destinations a bit further afield. When you suffer from your next bout of wanderlust, set off on this road trip to some of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders near Pittsburgh.

Here are the Google Map directions for this one-of-a-kind Pittsburgh road trip. Tailor them to your needs and timeframe.

Map out your road trip!

Gas up the car. It's time to hit the road to see these natural wonders in Pittsburgh - and beyond. The great thing about a road trip? You can add stops before you head out or along the way. Or, you can take stops out to fit your interests and convenience.

1. Laurel Caverns

Let's start our road trip a little over 90 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh at Laurel Caverns, the largest and deepest cave in Pennsylvania. Bring a jacket or a sweater because the temperature in the caverns hover in the 50s all year around. Take a guided tour; try your hand at cave rappelling, or play a round of mini golf at this seasonal attraction. Read more about the deepest cave in Pennsylvania in our previous article.

2. Cucumber Falls

Very little rivals the pure natural beauty of waterfalls and that's why a few waterfalls have made it onto this natural wonders near Pittsburgh road trip. View Cucumber Falls, at Ohiopyle State Park, from above, in front, or even walk behind this stunning waterfall that offers the perfect scene all year around.

Look for the sign announcing you've arrived at Cucumber Falls, and pull into the tiny parking lot. You can view the tumbling cascade from the top of a staircase near the parking lot. If you're up for it, stroll to the bottom of the stairs, where you can see Cucumber Falls in all of its glory. It's stunning in every season. Learn more about the short but sweet waterfall trail near Pittsburgh in our previous article.

Get a peek at what you can expect when you visit this You Tube Video by Aaron Stoup.

3. Meadow Run Natural Waterslides

If you're on this road trip in the summer, make sure you bring your swimming gear along. After all, you probably don't want to pass by the opportunity to glide down the Meadow Run Natural Waterslides, also at Ohiopyle State Park. Be careful, however, if you decide to ride the natural waterslides because you may suffer some bumps and bruises. There are no lifeguards, either. Read more about this natural wonder near Pittsburgh.

4. Buttermilk Falls/Homewood Falls

A beautiful yet easy hike awaits at your next destination of Buttermilk Falls, also known as Homewood Falls. As you enter Buttermilk Falls Natural Area in Beaver Falls, you'll traverse a path that includes wide stairs and leads to the stunning waterfall. Adventurers often wade in the waterfall's pool during warmer months, and you can walk behind this jaw-dropping cascade.

Read more about this waterfall near Pittsburgh in our previous article.

5. Springfield Falls

Springfield Falls in Mercer County, one of many Pittsburgh area natural wonders, provides the ideal setting for selfies, photos, and maybe even a picnic by the water. (Please remember to always take out what you bring with you to ensure our parks maintain their natural beauty.) You can view the waterfall from above or, if you're up for somewhat of a challenge, make the journey down to the base to get a different yet equally spectacular view. Learn more about this waterfall near Pittsburgh.

6. Fall Run Park

Our next stop brings us closer to the city for a peek at Fall Run Falls. Prepare for a lovely afternoon at Fall Run Park in Shaler. Embark on an easy one-mile hike that culminates at the Fall Run waterfall. If you want a bird's eye view of the park's masterpiece, climb the staircase that leads to the top of the waterfall. Take a peek at the beauty that awaits at the only waterfall in Allegheny County in our previous article.

7. Frick Park

Sprawled across 644 acres, Frick Park is one of the city's largest parks. Its lush green setting, filled with hiking trails, promises tranquility in the heart of Pittsburgh. Hike or bike to explore this natural wonder in Pittsburgh, which also includes some man-made spots, including the playgrounds, public lawn bowling green, and baseball field. Read more about a picturesque

hiking trail in Pittsburgh that meanders through Frick Park.

8. Carnegie Museum of Natural History

Head indoors for the final stop on this natural wonders in Pittsburgh road trip where you'll discover some of the world's natural wonders. The Carnegie Museum of Natural History houses countless natural wonders, including dinosaur skeletons. What makes the dinosaurs at the Carnegie Museum stand apart from other museums? More than 70 percent of the bones you'll see are authentic fossils. Find more information on the Carnegie Museum of Natural History website.

Ready to hit the road on this road trip to these natural wonders near Pittsburgh? Or, you might prefer something a little more - spooky? Then head out on this road trip to Pittsburgh's most abandoned places.