Nearby getaways popular for Pennsylvania travelers this summer - TribLIVE

After the pandemic forced many to scrap vacation plans last summer, a gaggle of travelers are gearing up for a getaway.

For the first time since the start of the pandemic, 63% of people plan to leave their homes for more than two days to enjoy a summer getaway, according to a survey conducted by OnePoll and commissioned by Cooper Tires.

While some people may be eager to return to favorite vacation destinations, others may still prefer to stay closer to home.

Nearly three in four Pennsylvanians responding to OnePoll’s survey said they plan to vacation within their home state this year, with the average respondent saying they want to travel no more than 115 miles to their summer destinations.

Road trips are likely to be popular this summer, with more than 60% of respondents agreeing that there’s nothing quite like a summer road trip. It’s a cheaper option than a plane ticket — and, for many, it may feel safer during the pandemic.

Outdoorsy spots make a prime vacation getaway when social distancing remains a concern for many. Nearly half of the 2,000 people responding to OnePoll’s survey said they want to drive to their nearest lake or river, with others opting for choices like national monuments and state parks. About 40% of people said camping would be one of their top summer activities this year.

For those looking to get away from home road-trip style, here are some getaway spots within 100 miles of Pittsburgh.

Allegheny National Forest

The Allegheny National Forest, located about 90 miles from Pittsburgh, offers plenty of outdoor recreation just a two-hour drive away.

With a wide variety of trails, there’s room to hike, bike or mountain bike. In designated areas, visitors with a permit can also ride ATVs.

Fishing is popular at the park, and nature-lovers can find over 200 species of birds, including bald eagles and osprey.

The nearby Kinzua Sky Walk, a 634-foot-high bridge with a partial glass floor, was named one of the top 10 most scenic skywalks and serves as a popular nearby attraction, said Linda Devlin, executive director of Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau. Admission to the skywalk and the park — which boasts a hiking trail that goes to the bottom of the gorge — is free.

Allegheny National Forest has been seeing plenty of visitors eager to enjoy the outdoors throughout the pandemic, Devlin said, and seems poised to continue drawing guests this summer.

“Outside recreation is very popular,” she said. “Hiking, birding [and] kayaking have all seen a large increase since the pandemic.”

Camping in particular has increased, Devlin said. She encouraged anyone interested in camping at Allegheny National Forest to call ahead to reserve a campsite, as the sites have become “exceedingly popular.”

Visitors should still expect to see some covid-19 mitigation measures in place. Ranger stations remain closed to walk-in traffic and rangers are providing their services mostly virtually.

Laurel Highlands

The Laurel Highlands boast a variety of summer activities.

Outdoor activities include hiking at any of the region’s eight state parks, kayaking, rafting or paddleboarding along the rivers or swimming and fishing at local lakes. Ohiopyle is one of their better-known state parks.

Families can also enjoy attractions like Idlewild & SoakZone.

The region is home to architecture designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, with the Laurel Highlands home to a UNESCO Heritage site at Fallingwater.

“The Laurel Highlands is home to wide open spaces made for exploring,” Ann Nemanic, executive director of GO Laurel Highlands, said. “Our region is an outdoor adventurist’s dream come true any time of the year.”

The area has been seeing a boost in tourism, despite the pandemic, Nemanic said. Though cabins, vacation rentals and campgrounds were more popular last summer, traditional hotel lodging is on the rise again, she said.

Nemanic encouraged guests to check for updated covid-19 mitigation measures at specific sites before their visit.

Pymatuning State Park

Sprawling over 16,800 acres, Pymatuning is one of the largest state parks in Pennsylvania — and located less than 100 miles from Pittsburgh.

The 17,088-acre Pymatuning Reservoir is the commonwealth’s largest lake.

One of the most visited state parks in Pennsylvania, Pymatuning features recreational offerings ranging from boating and fishing to swimming and camping.

The Spillway, which draws over 300,000 visitors annually, is a popular spot to watch where “the ducks walk on the fish.”

There are also an array of environmental education and recreation programs that include guided walks or hands-on activities. Program topics range from history to nature photography.

The park also offers modern cabins and two camping areas.

Moraine State Park

Located just 40 miles from Pittsburgh, Moraine State Park attracts more than one million boaters, picnickers, hikers, bikers, horseback riders, cabin renters and swimmers annually.

The focal point of the 16,725-acre park is Lake Arthur, which boasts 42 miles of shoreline.

“Something that’s always impressed me with Moraine is the diversity in recreation that you can do here,” Park Manager Dustin Drew said. “There are a lot of options by coming to the one park.”

Visitors can take the Trail of Geology driving tour and climb to the top of the Jacksville Esker Glacial Deposit just north of the park, rent a pontoon boat, kayak or canoe to explore the lake or charter a cruise on Moraine Preservation Fund’s Nautical Nature enclosed pontoon boat. Other options include disk golf and a waterfowl observation deck, where guests can spot bald eagles, ducks, loons, osprey and great blue herons.

Camping is not permitted on the park, though the park office can offer information about nearby private campgrounds.

There are also modern cabins available for rent at the park, though Drew said they are currently booked through November.

The park, he said, has been “very busy,” still experiencing a trend in more individuals opting for outdoor recreation throughout the pandemic.

Unvaccinated individuals still need to wear a mask at the park, and some programs also require masks. Mask requirements, Drew said, will be updated as guidelines change.

Seven Springs

Though many people may think of Seven Springs during the winter months, mountain resorts also offer entertainment in the summer months, said Alex Moser, their director of marketing and communications.

Located about 60 miles from Pittsburgh, Seven Springs offers an all-day adventure pass that grants access to the Alpine Slide, bowling, a rock wall, disc golf, paddleboards and more.

The resort even offers axe throwing and several events throughout the summer months.

“We anticipate a great turnout,” Moser said.

Seven Springs is currently asking guests wear masks inside if they are not vaccinated. Covid-19 cleaning and disinfecting programs remain in place.

Julia Felton is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Julia at 724-226-7724, jfelton@triblive.com or via Twitter .

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