Roadtrip with RVshare Pittsburgh to Boston

There's no need to wait for a special event, like the Pittsburgh Pirates playing the Boston Red Sox or the New England Patriots playing the Pittsburgh Steelers, to go on a Pittsburgh to Boston road trip. If you're an active outdoor sports participant, you'll find plenty of opportunities for canoeing, fishing, hiking, and more. Consider bringing someone who loves history as they're sure to be thrilled if you incorporate stops at historical national parks along the way, such as Blackstone River National Historical Park and Quincy National Historical Park. When you and your companions complete this adventure, you'll feel like you won a World Series ring or a Super Bowl trophy because of all the great memories you've made. 

Nearby National Parks

Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park  

Few things can make you feel more in touch with the history and ecology of this country than a stop at a national park. There are several historical parks and other monuments on your drive from Pittsburgh to Boston where you can learn more about events that shaped the United States.

Visit the three sites that make up Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park. At each one, you'll understand how this area started the Industrial Revolution that reshaped America. Take the 1.25-mile self-guided walking tour through the company section of Whitinsville, Massachusetts, to get an idea of what a company town looked like in the 1800s. Then, wander along streets named Freedom, Social, Union, Peace and Hope in Hopedale, Massachusetts, to learn more about the Practical Christians who lived here during the late 1800s. Finally, head to Slatersville, Rhode Island, which is about 20 miles south of Worcester, Massachusetts, to see America’s first planned industrial village. The Blackstone River Bikeway is a great way to explore part of the route while you can reach all the destinations on a paddling adventure. 

Adams National Historical Park  

Take the guided tour at Adams National Historical Park to see the birthplaces of Presidents John Quincy Adams and John Adams. Then, hop back on the trolley to be taken to the Old House at Peace Field. This home, constructed in 1731, was the home to four generations of the Adams family and is filled with period furnishings. Finally, head outside to explore the gardens containing over 1,000 plants, including orchards planted by the Adams family. All family members, including the women, were well-read, and you'll want to visit the stone library containing over 1,200 books owned by them. 

Minute Man National Historical Park  

The American Revolution's opening battle took place on the ground that is now Minute Man National Historical Park. Several different locations make up this park, but you can start your tour by watching the multimedia The Road to Revolution presentation in the beautiful Minute Man Theater. While at the theater, join the tour heading out to see where archeologists have determined that the Second Battle of Lexington occurred. This park near Concord, Massachusetts, offers several guided tours. See where the first British casualties occurred on April 17, 1775, by heading to the North Bridge in Concord. Then, go to Hartwell Tavern in Lincoln, Massachusetts, to see a costumed park ranger fire a musket. Leave from the tavern to walk down Battle Road to see how the landscape played an essential role in American Revolutionary War battles. End your visit back in Concord by visiting the Wayside Home, where authors Louisa May Alcott, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Harriett Lothrop all lived at different times, and listen to some of their stories about the American Revolution and the Underground Railroad.

Nearby State Parks

Bald Eagle State Park  

Bald Eagle State Park near Howard, Pennsylvania, is a great place to stop and play on the 1,730-acre lake at the base of Bald Eagle Mountain. Go to the marina to rent various boats to partake in water sports, like waterskiing, jet skiing, and canoeing. At almost eight miles long, this lake is also a fantastic place to go fishing, and your children will love swimming in the water near the sandy beach. You will also find a playground on the beach. Over 14 miles of hiking trails are available, including one through an area where the state has added plants to attract butterflies. Seasonally, you can hunt whitetail deer, turkeys, waterfowl, and rabbits at this state park. 

Harriman State Park  

Harriman State Park near Sloatsburg, New York, is the second-largest state park in New York. This state park contains 31 lakes and over 200 miles of hiking trails. You can go swimming at the two public beaches. Anglers find many opportunities to go fishing on the Hudson River and at the park’s lakes. Numerous areas offer handicapped-accessible fishing. Many groups use the buildings at this facility for outdoor programming. In the winter, ice fishing, ice skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing are available. 

Black Rock State Park  

Stop at Black Rock State Park near Watertown, Connecticut, on your Pittsburgh to Boston RV road trip. This Western Highlands park is the perfect place to go stream or lake fishing. The lake is a fantastic place to swim or bring a book and relax on the sandy beach. This park offers many hiking trails, with some offering impressive scenic views. 

Wompatuck State Park  

The Whitney Spur Rail Trail is a fantastic place to go bike riding at Wompatuck State Park near Hingham, Massachusetts. This park covering more than 3,500 acres is also an excellent place to go fishing and boating. Launch a non-motorized vessel to enjoy a day of fun playing on Aaron River Reservoir. Stroll around this park to see the bunkers left by the military when they used this property as a base. You'll love visiting the old-growth forest at this park.

Along the Way

Lenny’s Classic Car Collection  

If you like to admire old luxury vehicles, then be sure to stop at Lenny’s Classic Car Collection in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Once inside the building constructed as a Packard dealership in 1920, you can see Aston Martins, Rolls Royces, Jaguars and many other classic cars. 

Lackawanna Coal Mine  

At the Lackawanna Coal Mine in Scranton, Pennsylvania, you can ride in a miner’s car until you reach 300 feet underground. Then, walk with a miner guide, watching out for three veins of hard coal. You'll hear lots of stories of how miners survived catastrophes and how they lived on your tour. 

Bannerman Castle  

Take your boat to Bannerman Island or get a guided tour around the exterior of the castle. Most of the castle, constructed in 1901, was used to store 300 million rounds of ammunition. The owner, who was an ammunition dealer, lived in another part of the castle. Organizers often hold concerts and musical events at this location near Newburgh, New York. 

The Mark Twain House and Museum  

The Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford, Connecticut, features three buildings. The first building that you enter is the Webster Bank Museum. Guided tours then go to the Mark Twain home, which the author called the most beautiful home in the world. Attendees need to be able to climb up 41 stairs and down 40 on this tour. The last building is the carriage house. This site also offers living history and ghost tours. 

Salisbury Mansion  

Plan to stop at the Salisbury Mansion in Worcester, Massachusetts, on your road trip itinerary from Pittsburgh to Boston. This home, initially built in 1772, has been lovingly restored to how it looked when Elizabeth Tuckerman Salisbury lived in it during the 1830s.

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

Williamsport, Pennsylvania  

While you'll have to go about 25 miles north of Interstate 80, you'll want to stop and visit Williamsport, Pennsylvania. This community, located about 200 miles east of Pittsburgh, offers several wonderful campgrounds, including Riverside Campground and Holiday Pines Campground. Pettecote Junction Campground and Hidden Valley Camping Resort offer nearby Williamsport RV dump stations. You may also want to search for dump stations at other Pennsylvania locations. 

Poughkeepsie, New York  

Poughkeepsie, New York, is a beautiful town with many historic homes, but the presence of three colleges in the area gives this town a young vibe. There are many outstanding Hudson Valley Campgrounds, including Oakland Valley Campground and Rip Van Wrinkle Campground. Poughkeepsie RV dump stations are available at Interlake RV Park, Black Bear Campground, and other nearby locations. 

Hartford, Connecticut  

Hartford, Connecticut, is the state’s capital, and you can find plenty to do there, including visiting the Connecticut Science Center, the Harriett Beecher Stowe Center, and Bushnell Park. You may want to stay in a Hartford campground during your Pittsburgh to Boston road trip. There are many great choices, including White Pines Campsites, Gentile’s Campground, and Moosemeadow Camping Resort. Find RV dump stations in the East Hartford area at the Meridan rest stop and Cabela’s.

Find Adventure from Pittsburgh to Boston

Find your One-Way Rental

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Pittsburgh to Boston, you will enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in Pittsburgh or Boston.