The Top Five Places to Visit on a Trip Between Charles Town, WV and Ridgway, PA
Are you planning a road trip between Charles Town, West Virginia and Ridgway, Pennsylvania? You're in for a treat! There are plenty of amazing places to stop and explore along the way. From historic sites to natural wonders, this stretch of highway has it all. Here are our top five places to add to your itinerary.
The Route and the Halfway Point: Bedford, PA
Before we dive into our top five, let's talk about the route. The drive from Charles Town to Ridgway takes you through some stunning Pennsylvania countryside. You'll pass through small towns and rolling hills, making for a peaceful and picturesque journey. The halfway point is Bedford, PA, a charming town with lots to offer.
Bedford is home to the Bedford Springs Resort, a historic and luxurious hotel with a spa, golf course, and multiple dining options. If you're in the mood for some shopping, head to the Bedford Candies flagship store to stock up on sweet treats. And don't miss out on a visit to the National Museum of the American Coverlet to learn about the history of woven bedspreads.
1. Flight 93 National Memorial
Our first must-see stop on this road trip is the Flight 93 National Memorial. Located in Stoystown, PA, this site commemorates the passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93, who fought back against hijackers on September 11, 2001. The memorial includes a visitor center, wall of names, and a field of honor where the plane crashed. It's a moving and somber tribute to the bravery of those who lost their lives on that tragic day.
2. Ohiopyle State Park
Next up is Ohiopyle State Park, located in Fayette County, PA. This park spans over 20,000 acres and is home to some of the state's most stunning natural wonders. Stop by the visitor center to grab a trail map and plan your adventure. Hike to Cucumber Falls for a breathtaking view of the waterfall, or take a kayak trip down the Youghiogheny River for a thrilling water adventure. And if you're feeling brave, try your hand at whitewater rafting on the Lower Youghiogheny.
3. Fallingwater
If you're an architecture buff, you won't want to miss Fallingwater. This iconic home was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and is considered to be one of the greatest works of modern architecture in the world. Located in Mill Run, PA, Fallingwater is built over a 30-foot waterfall and seamlessly incorporates the natural surroundings into its design. You can tour the house and learn more about Wright's vision and inspiration.
4. Kinzua Bridge State Park
Our fourth stop takes us to Kinzua Bridge State Park in McKean County, PA. This park is home to the Kinzua Viaduct, a historic railroad bridge that was partially destroyed by a tornado in 2003. Instead of simply rebuilding the bridge, the state turned it into an engineering marvel by creating a skywalk that allows visitors to walk out over the remaining bridges and look down at the valley below. Kinzua Bridge State Park is also home to hiking trails, a visitor center, and picnic areas.
5. Elk Country Visitor Center
Last but not least, we have the Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette, PA. This is the perfect stop for nature lovers. The Elk Country Visitor Center offers educational exhibits on elk and their habitat, as well as interactive displays for kids. Head out on one of the center's scenic drives to view the elk in their natural habitat. And if you're lucky, you might even hear or see them bugling during mating season.
Conclusion
There you have it, our top five places to visit on a road trip between Charles Town, WV and Ridgway, PA. From history to nature to architecture, this stretch of highway has something for everyone. So pack your bags and hit the road, and be sure to let us know which of these stops was your favorite!