The Ultimate Road Trip: Bristol to Pittsburgh

Are you ready for a fun and exciting road trip from Bristol, Tennessee to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania? If so, get ready to embark on an adventure that’ll take you through beautiful scenery, historic towns, and some of the best roadways in the country.

Route 1: I-81 N to I-70 E

This route is approximately 500 miles and takes around eight hours of driving time. It’s a popular route for those traveling from Tennessee to Pennsylvania. The route takes you through popular cities such as Roanoke, Lexington, and Hagerstown.

You’ll get to drive through the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, where you can enjoy scenic views and make pit stops in charming towns such as Harrisonburg and Staunton. If you're interested in history, stop by Lexington and visit the Virginia Military Institute and the Stonewall Jackson House.

Once you reach Hagerstown, you’ll take I-70 East to Pittsburgh. The drive takes you through the infamous Blue Ridge Mountains as you cross from Maryland to Pennsylvania. As you approach the city, take some time to marvel at Pittsburgh’s beautiful skyline.

Route 2: I-81 N to I-476 N to I-76 E

This route covers approximately 550 miles and takes around nine hours of driving time. Though it’s a longer route, it’s worth taking for those who want to experience the beauty of eastern Pennsylvania.

From Bristol, take I-81 North to I-476 North, which will take you towards Philadelphia. This will take you through the beautiful Delaware Water Gap, where you can stop for a hike or some white-water rafting.

Once you reach Philadelphia, you can take a break and visit popular tourist spots such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. From there, take I-276 East to I-76 East towards Pittsburgh. This scenic route takes you through small towns and picturesque farmland.

Route 3: US-119 N to US-40 E

This route covers approximately 400 miles and takes around seven hours of driving time. It’s the most scenic route and is recommended for those who would like to explore more hidden gems along the way.

From Bristol, take US-119 North through the coal mining regions of Appalachia. Make sure to stop in Johnstown for a visit to the historic Johnstown Flood Museum. Once you pass Greensburg, take US-40 East towards Pittsburgh.

This route takes you through the beautiful Laurel Highlands, where you can enjoy scenic views of the Allegheny Mountains. Visit the stunning Fallingwater House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright or hike in the beautiful Ohiopyle State Park.

Recommendations

No matter which route you choose, there are plenty of stops worth making along the way. Harrisonburg, Virginia, is a charming college town with great food and activities. Philadelphia is a must-stop for history buffs. If you’re looking for outdoor activities, the Delaware Water Gap and Laurel Highlands offer plenty of options.

There are also great food options along the way. Stop at the infamous Chick-N-Little in Staunton for some southern comfort food or grab a Philly Cheesesteak from Pat’s or Geno’s in Philadelphia.

No matter which route you choose, the drive from Bristol to Pittsburgh is filled with history, beautiful scenery, and highlights of eastern America. So grab your car keys, hit the gas, and go on an adventure of a lifetime.