Pittsburgh: A Loop Around Southwest Pennsylvania

180 miles - About 6 hours

Beginning at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers, this route follows the winding Monongahela River to Friendship Hill and then proceeds to meander through the rolling hills in southwest Pennsylvania to visit historic sites such as Friendship Hill, Braddock's Grave, the Mount Washington Tavern and the Fort Necessity Battlefield. It includes a scenic drive on the National Road and a short visit to Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater architectural wonder.



Here are just a few of the highlights on this route:

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Starting point)
Pittsburgh is an outstanding city with so many fun things to do that it's difficult to list them all. The following are just a few suggestions. Ride the Duquesne Incline to get a great view of downtown Pittsburgh. Cross the Allegheny River to see where the Steelers (Heinz Field) and Pirates (Three Rivers Stadium) play. See some of Pittsburgh's oldest buildings located in The Strip District. Hang out at Point State Park where the Ohio River is formed by the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers and learn about the history of southwest Pennsylvania at the Fort Pitt Museum.

Washington (mile 30)
The City of Washington is the county seat of Washington County. The city is full of outstanding buildings such as the Washington County Courthouse, the George Washington Hotel, City Hall, and 'Old Main' on the campus of Washington & Jefferson College. Washington is home to the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum. The City of Washington is full of history and it was the center for the 'Whiskey Rebellion' of 1791. The David Bradford House can be toured from May-October. Bradford was a Whiskey Rebellion leader. The Julius F. LeMoyne House is a National Historic Landmark that was built in 1812. It is open to the public for guided tours, but days and hours are limited.

Friendship Hill National Historic Site (mile 71)
Friendship Hill National Historic Site was the home of Albert Gallatin. Gallatin was Secretary of the Treasury for Presidents Jefferson and Madison. This historic site overlooks the Monongahela River.

Historic National Road (mile 84)
This route includes a short drive on US Highway 40, which is part of the Historic National Road.

Braddock's Grave (mile 92)
Braddock's Grave is part of the Fort Necessity State Park. British Major General Edward Braddock died during the French and Indian War.

Fort Necessity State Park/National Battlefield (mile 102)
Fort Necessity is where the French and Indian War began back in 1754. Mount Washington Tavern is located within the park along the National Road.

Ohiopyle State Park (mile 108)
Ohiopyle is a borough located in the Ohiopyle State Park. When in the park be sure to see the Ohiopyle Falls and Cumberland Falls, and use a pedestrian bridge to walk across the Youghiogheny River. The Ohiopyle State Park is part of the Potomac Heritage Trail.

Fallingwater (mile 111)
Fallingwater is a house that was built by Frank Lloyd Wright during the 1930s and it is a National Historic Landmark. Fallingwater is managed and preserved by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.

Pennsylvania Turnpike (mile 129)
This route returns to Pittsburgh via the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The drive on this toll road is about 35 miles and the cost is approximately $3.00 (August 2010).

Pittsburgh, (mile 180)
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is morphing itself from an industrial-based city to a leader in 21st century technologies such as supercomputing, biotechnology, nanotechnology and robotics. Whether you call it the 'City of Bridges' or the 'City of Steel,' Pittsburgh is a great city.