10 Easy Road Trips From Altoona, PA: Fun Things To Do Just Beyond Blair County
If you live in
Altoona, Pennsylvania (or you’re visiting friends and family there), you don’t have to drive far to find new adventures. In fact, some of the best day trips are just outside Blair County in the surrounding counties of
Bedford, Cambria, Centre, Clearfield, and Huntingdon.
All of these ideas are perfect for short road trips. Most are within 30–90 minutes of Altoona, so you can be back home by bedtime.
1. Bedford & The Old Bedford Village (Bedford County)
Just a short drive south of Altoona, the town of
Bedford, PA feels like stepping into a history book.
One of the most popular stops is
Old Bedford Village, a living history museum with over 30 restored buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. You can walk through old log homes, a blacksmith shop, and a one-room schoolhouse. On special event days, you might see reenactors in period clothing firing muskets or demonstrating old-time crafts.
- Drive time from Altoona: about 40–50 minutes
- Great for: history buffs, families with kids, photographers
- Bonus: Bedford’s downtown has cute shops, coffee spots, and local restaurants
If you like wandering through small towns with character, Bedford makes a relaxed and memorable day trip from Altoona.
2. Gravity Hill: A Road Trip Illusion You Have to See to Believe (Bedford County)
Not far from Bedford lies
Gravity Hill, one of those quirky roadside stops you talk about for years afterward.
Here’s the story: you park your car at a marked spot, put it in neutral, and—somehow—it appears to roll
uphill. Of course, it’s an optical illusion, but it absolutely feels real when you’re sitting in the driver’s seat watching your car drift “up” the road.
- Drive time from Altoona: around 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes
- Great for: curious road trippers, teens, fun date ideas
- Tip: bring a water bottle or small ball to watch it “roll uphill” too
It’s a quick stop, so you can easily pair it with a visit to Bedford or Old Bedford Village for a full day out of Blair County.
3. Blue Knob State Park: Panoramic Views & Cool Mountain Air (Bedford County)
If you love fresh air and mountain views, head to
Blue Knob State Park in Bedford County. It’s built around
Blue Knob, one of the highest peaks in Pennsylvania.
In warmer months, you can hike miles of wooded trails, have a picnic, or just enjoy the sweeping overlooks. In winter, the nearby Blue Knob ski area offers skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing.
- Drive time from Altoona: about 45 minutes
- Great for: hikers, nature lovers, photographers
- Pack: layers, comfy shoes, and snacks
I remember the first time I drove up there on a fall day—the leaves were bursting with red and gold, and the air felt at least 10 degrees cooler than down in town. It’s a simple escape when you need a break from daily life in Altoona.
4. Johnstown: Flood History & Sky-High Views (Cambria County)
To the west of Altoona, in
Cambria County, you’ll find
Johnstown, a city with a powerful story.
The big draw is the
Johnstown Flood National Memorial, which tells the story of the tragic 1889 flood that destroyed much of the city. The visitor center has a moving film, exhibits, and overlooks facing the old dam site. It’s a sobering but fascinating part of Pennsylvania history.
While you’re in Johnstown, ride the
Johnstown Inclined Plane, one of the world’s steepest vehicular inclines. It climbs up the hillside and gives you a wide view of the city and surrounding hills.
- Drive time from Altoona: about 45–55 minutes
- Great for: history fans, families, anyone who loves scenic views
- Nice pairing: walk around downtown and check out local restaurants
It’s an easy day trip from Altoona and a very different vibe from Blair County.
5. Prince Gallitzin State Park & Glendale Lake (Cambria County)
If you’re looking for water fun near Altoona,
Prince Gallitzin State Park in Cambria County is a top pick. At the center of the park is
Glendale Lake, with over 1,600 acres of water and nearly 30 miles of shoreline.
In warm weather you can:
- Rent a boat, kayak, or canoe
- Go fishing from the shore or a boat
- Relax on the small swimming beach
- Hike or bike the forested trails
- Drive time from Altoona: about 45–60 minutes
- Great for: families, anglers, boat lovers
- Tip: weekends can get busy in summer—arrive earlier in the day
If you only have time for one outdoorsy road trip from Altoona that includes water, this park is hard to beat.
6. State College & Penn State: Big College Town Energy (Centre County)
Heading northeast from Altoona brings you to
State College, home of
Penn State University and a completely different feel from a smaller city like Altoona.
On a simple day trip, you can:
- Walk around the Penn State campus and the Old Main area
- Stroll through downtown State College with its shops and cafes
- Visit the Palmer Museum of Art (if open during your visit)
- Catch a sporting event if you’re visiting in season
- Drive time from Altoona: about 50–60 minutes
- Great for: foodies, sports fans, people watchers
- Tip: game days can be very busy—plan extra time for parking
If you’ve ever wondered what life feels like in a big college town, this is an easy day trip that gives you that classic campus vibe.
7. Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park: An Underground Boat Tour (Centre County)
For something truly unique near Altoona, head to
Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park in Centre County. It’s one of the only all-water caves in the U.S. open to the public.
Instead of walking through the cave, you sit in a boat and glide along the underground stream while your guide points out rock formations above and around you. The cave stays cool year-round, which feels especially nice on hot summer days.
There’s also a wildlife tour where you ride through the property and may spot bison, wolves, and elk.
- Drive time from Altoona: about 1 hour 15 minutes
- Great for: families, nature lovers, anyone who likes unique attractions
- Pack: light jacket—caves are cool even in mid-summer
If you’re looking for a road trip from Altoona that doesn’t feel like anything back home, this one is a standout.
8. Bilger’s Rocks: A Natural Rock Playground (Clearfield County)
In
Clearfield County,
Bilger’s Rocks is a giant natural rock playground carved over millions of years. Huge boulders, narrow passageways, and mossy stone walls create a landscape that feels almost otherworldly.
You can wander through the rock formations, squeeze through cracks, and explore little caves and tunnels. Kids tend to love it, and adults do too once they loosen up and start climbing a bit.
- Drive time from Altoona: about 1 hour 15–1 hour 30 minutes
- Great for: adventurous families, hikers, photographers
- Tip: wear sturdy shoes—some rocks can be slippery or uneven
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re exploring a hidden stone city in the woods, this road trip from Altoona will hit the spot.
9. Raystown Lake: Boating, Beaches & Big-Water Views (Huntingdon County)
To the southeast of Altoona lies one of central Pennsylvania’s best-known outdoor spots:
Raystown Lake in
Huntingdon County.
This long, winding lake has coves, cliffs, marinas, campgrounds, and miles of forested shoreline. It’s a favorite for:
- Boating and jet skiing
- Kayaking and paddleboarding
- Fishing
- Swimming at designated beach areas
- Hiking to scenic overlooks
- Drive time from Altoona: usually 45–60 minutes, depending on which area you visit
- Great for: groups, families, weekend getaways
- Tip: plan ahead in peak season—rentals and campgrounds can book up
If you only have time for one big outdoors road trip from Altoona that feels like a mini-vacation, Raystown Lake is a strong pick.
10. Lincoln Caverns & Whisper Rocks: Two Caves in One Trip (Huntingdon County)
Also in Huntingdon County, just outside the town of Huntingdon, you’ll find
Lincoln Caverns & Whisper Rocks. This attraction offers guided tours of two separate cave systems filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal formations.
Guides share the history of how the caves were discovered, and they point out cool shapes in the rock—some look like animals, others like frozen waterfalls.
- Drive time from Altoona: around 50–60 minutes
- Great for: families, rainy-day adventures, anyone curious about geology
- Pack: comfortable shoes and a light jacket
It makes a great pairing with Raystown Lake if you want to spend a full day or even a full weekend exploring Huntingdon County.
Planning Your Road Trips From Altoona, PA
Here are a few quick tips to make these
Altoona day trips smoother:
- Check hours and seasons: Some attractions are seasonal or have limited hours.
- Watch the weather: Outdoor spots like Raystown Lake, Blue Knob, and Prince Gallitzin are much better on dry days.
- Pack smart: Bring water, snacks, and layers—mountain and cave temperatures can surprise you.
- Gas up first: Some areas between Altoona and these counties can be a bit rural.
You don’t have to drive across the country to feel like you “got away.” Within about an hour of Altoona, you can explore caves, lakes, rock cities, a big university town, historic villages, and more.
Share Your Favorite Altoona-Area Road Trips
Have you taken any of these
road trips from Altoona? Did I miss a must-see spot in Bedford, Cambria, Centre, Clearfield, or Huntingdon County?
I’d love to hear:
- Which place is your favorite for a quick Saturday drive?
- Any hidden gems you’ve found along the way?
- Your best tips for visiting these spots with kids or on a budget
Drop your thoughts in the comments and share this post with friends or family who are always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here.” They might be surprised how many adventures are waiting just beyond Blair County.
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