Western PA in July

UGACamper · 01-13-2020, 01:12 PM

I am in the beginning stages of planning a trip to New Castle, PA in July for a family reunion. I, however, have never been above DC and know absolutely nothing about the area and "can't miss" things to do. I understand that I will be within a 3 or 4 hour ride to Niagara Falls, so I definitely want to do that. Most likely staying at Rose Point Park Campground. Looking for any and all tips! Thanks!

mmangiarelli · 01-13-2020, 07:07 PM

Flight 93 memorial between Bedford and Somerset PA is a must.

UGACamper · 01-16-2020, 11:19 AM

Additionally, can you give me some info about the drive? Planned route is 85 to 77 to 79/us19.

mmangiarelli · 01-16-2020, 07:40 PM

I've only been 77 below 81, Charlotte area traffic was brutal. I-79 will have a lot of truck traffic and is in pretty good shape through Morgantown WV to Pittsburgh. I would advise that you not travel through Pittsburgh not during rush hour. Lot of traffic where 376 & 79 meet.
Shanksville is where the memorial is located and is about 2 hours from New Castle. Pittsburgh Zoo is nice, PNC Park is a nice venue for baseball, Heinz Museum, Andy Warhol Art exhibit, and Carnegie Mellon Museum of Art/Natural history are good.

Cabinfever97 · 01-17-2020, 08:45 AM

I live in Erie, about 1 1/2 hours from New Castle. Grew up in Pittsburgh and travel that way often. 79 will be fine. It will be busy during normal rush from just south of Pittsburgh, through the 376 interchange and to the merge point at 279 even more. Just stay in a middle lane, do your speed, and allow the commuters to go around. Stay on 79 to 422 west. 19 is a very busy mess! Careful at the PA Turnpike (76) interchange area, one exit goes to the left. They are doing bridgework on 79 just north of that interchange. If were me I would still go that way to avoid 19.
If you go to Niagara Falls, the drive is easy. Will take about 3.5 hours to get to the Falls from New Castle. Guessing you are not taking the TT? Will be some rush hour traffic in Erie, but nothing like a big city. Then of course the Buffalo area the same. When we go to the Falls we stop at a few wineries while up there. If you had time, Lockport is cool and has a winery in the old courthouse that overlooks the Erie Canal locks.

5picker · 01-17-2020, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cabinfever97

I live in Erie, about 1 1/2 hours from New Castle. Grew up in Pittsburgh and travel that way often. 79 will be fine. It will be busy during normal rush from just south of Pittsburgh, through the 376 interchange and to the merge point at 279 even more. Just stay in a middle lane, do your speed, and allow the commuters to go around. Stay on 79 to 422 west. 19 is a very busy mess! Careful at the PA Turnpike (76) interchange area, one exit goes to the left. They are doing bridgework on 79 just north of that interchange. If were me I would still go that way to avoid 19.
If you go to Niagara Falls, the drive is easy. Will take about 3.5 hours to get to the Falls from New Castle. Guessing you are not taking the TT? Will be some rush hour traffic in Erie, but nothing like a big city. Then of course the Buffalo area the same. When we go to the Falls we stop at a few wineries while up there. If you had time, Lockport is cool and has a winery in the old courthouse that overlooks the Erie Canal locks.

I agree with all this as I live in Western PA as well.

Only point of clarification is ... were you asking about 19 in WV or PA?
Coming up 77 to 19 in WV to 79 is the way to go. (I realize you didn't type it quite this way but wanted to clarify) If you meant 19 in PA (above Pittsburgh) stay on 79 as Cabinfever97 recommended to 422.

Grapehound · 01-17-2020, 02:12 PM

Another great spot in SW PA is Ohiopyle, PA, which is a popular summer spot for biking, canoeing and river rafting. Lots of tourist shops and restaurants. It's also about five miles from the Falling Waters house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright which is an interesting place to visit. The Flight 93 Memorial is a "must see." Very powerful.

CaptnJohn · 01-17-2020, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5picker

I agree with all this as I live in Western PA as well.

Only point of clarification is ... were you asking about 19 in WV or PA?
Coming up 77 to 19 in WV to 79 is the way to go. (I realize you didn't type it quite this way but wanted to clarify) If you meant 19 in PA (above Pittsburgh) stay on 79 as Cabinfever97 recommended to 422.

I see nothing has changed since I moved from the area 18 years ago. Well, the Canadian side of the Falls is nicer than the US side, be prepared for the post 9-11 changes. In the past all you needed was a driver license to cross but that has changed.

JoePa77 · 01-17-2020, 02:26 PM

Visiting New Castle?? I grew up in that area but living in Ohio for some time now. I spoke with the people from Rose Point last week at Cleveland RV show. It looks very nice and I am planning a short visit this summer. As others have mentioned, the trick in WVa is around Beckley- take 19 to I79 instead of going into Charleston. It will save some time.
Good luck on your adventures. Let us know what there still is to do around New Castle.

BADinNC · 01-17-2020, 02:52 PM

Hi, Not sure of your time frame or interests but having been born and raised in Mercer Co. I can suggest a couple things. Niagara Falls is most definitely something to see if you have the time. The views from the Canadian side are the best IMO. There and back is a full days trip but worth it. Closer to "home" Cooks Forest and Clear Creek-both beautiful state parks, the "ducks walking on fish backs" at the Linesville Spillway are one of those must see to believe things, especially if you have kids. Here's a link. https://youtu.be/DsfRt55_qM8 Lots of crazy videos on YouTube. McConells Mill state park has a restored mill and a covered bridge as well as pretty scenery. Lots to see in the area if you have some time. Happy Travels, BaDinNC

BillyBass · 01-17-2020, 03:12 PM

Flight 93 in Shanksville its will take your breath away you can stay at Shawnee state park. We been there 3 times

BillyBass · 01-17-2020, 03:15 PM

You also have Ohio Pyle state park in fayette co in

DRM796 · 01-17-2020, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillyBass

Flight 93 in Shanksville its will take your breath away you can stay at Shawnee state park. We been there 3 times

X3 on the Flight 93 Memorial. You won't be dissapointed. We went with 2 other couples thinking it will make for a nice stop. However we all left in awe.It was pretty emotional for everyone. They do an excellent job of recreating the days events with immense detail. Don't want to get to political but more Americans need to visit this memorial.

UGACamper · 01-17-2020, 05:11 PM

Thank you all! These are great tips!

fred3 · 01-17-2020, 06:28 PM

New River gorge and bridge on Rt19 between I77 and I79. Do not take I77 toI79.

jrk341 · 01-17-2020, 06:29 PM

If you go to the Canadian side of the falls you will need a passport.

5picker · 01-17-2020, 06:30 PM

You can also check out the Kinzua Bridge State Park and check out what is left of the railroad bridge.

Cabinfever97 · 01-17-2020, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrk341

If you go to the Canadian side of the falls you will need a passport.

A passport card works too. My niece and her friend were in Canada last week. The friend was able to use a photo drivers license to cross both ways. Worth a check with border Agents.

UGACamper · 01-19-2020, 05:54 PM

Just solidified dates for June 3rd to 10th. Do you have suggestions on overnighting? Thought we would try Wytheville KOA but they have a minimum of 3 nights during that time.

dodgemark · 01-19-2020, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UGACamper

Just solidified dates for June 3rd to 10th. Do you have suggestions on overnighting? Thought we would try Wytheville KOA but they have a minimum of 3 nights during that time.

If you have younger kids, Well adults will too. Lol. It’s Hershey park, also Gettysburg military museum. And Amish country. Happy camping

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