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Pennsylvania's Historic National Road

Road Trip

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116.3 miles: 3 hours, 12 minutes
The National Road (US 40) runs from Maryland to Illinois and was the nation’s first federally funded road. This 2-hour trip showcases the southwestern Pennsylvania section. The route’s history and natural beauty together create a scenic and interesting journey. For instance, you’ll pass Fort Necessity National Battlefield, which marked the start of the French and Indian War.
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Drive trips stop
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1
Addison to Uniontown
56.6 miles: 1 hours, 26 minutes
This portion of the drive carries you above the expansive Youghiogheny River Lake, which is bordered by tree-lined mountains. Mount Washington Tavern, a beautiful 1800s brick stagecoach inn, sits along US 40. It’s part of Fort Necessity National Battlefield; history buffs should visit the rest of the site.
Recommended Stops
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Fallingwater
1491 Mill Run Rd. Mill Run, PA 15464
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Frank Lloyd Wright's House on Kentuck Knob
723 Kentuck Rd. Chalk Hill, PA 15421
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Generations, A Restaurant
181 W Main St Uniontown, PA 15401
Drive trips stop
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2
Uniontown to Brownsville
13.5 miles: 28 minutes
This leg includes the river and Brownsville's Market Street (US 40). Two historic churches provide a nice contrast from the rural section of the route, which is dominated by hills and open expanses of land.
Recommended Stops
accomodation
Hampton Inn Uniontown
698 W Main St (US 40) Uniontown, PA 15401
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Searights Toll House
Address not available Uniontown, PA 15401
Drive trips stop
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3
Brownsville to Washington
23.9 miles: 36 minutes
The bridge over the Monongahela River is a highlight of the drive trip. The elevated vantage point allows you to look down at the river and the borough of Brownsville and out at the forested mountains on the horizon.
Recommended Stops
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LeMoyne House
49 E. Maiden St. Washington, PA 15301
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David Bradford House
175 S. Main St. Washington, PA 15301
Drive trips stop
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4
Washington to West Alexander
22.4 miles: 41 minutes
On this leg, I-70 parallels US 40, but you’ll enjoy the slower pace of Pennsylvania’s Historic National Road. The road traverses some rural areas with tree-lined mountains as a backdrop. Claysville features historic buildings and a hillside cemetery.
Recommended Stops
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Pennsylvania Trolley Museum
1 Museum Rd. Washington, PA 15301-6133