The area around Johnstown offers several worthwhile destinations within an hour or two.
Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob — Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece Fallingwater, cantilevered over a waterfall in the Laurel Highlands, is about 45 minutes southwest of Johnstown near Mill Run. Kentuck Knob, another Wright-designed house, is 10 minutes further. Both require advance booking; Fallingwater is one of the most visited architectural sites in the US. The two together make a full day.
Ohiopyle State Park — About 50 km southwest of Johnstown, Ohiopyle is one of Pennsylvania's most popular outdoor destinations. The Youghiogheny River cuts a spectacular gorge here, offering Class III–V whitewater rafting that attracts paddlers from across the region. The park also has miles of hiking trails, a natural waterslide on the river, and excellent cycling on the Great Allegheny Passage rail trail.
Prince Gallitzin State Park — About 45 minutes north of Johnstown, this large state park centres on Glendale Lake, which is good for boating, fishing, and swimming. The park has extensive camping and is a popular escape for Pittsburgh-area residents.
Altoona and the Horseshoe Curve — About 45 minutes north, Altoona was the railroad city of the Pennsylvania Railroad. The Horseshoe Curve, a 19th-century engineering feat where the railroad curves around a mountain to gain elevation, is a National Historic Landmark and still sees heavy freight traffic. The Railroaders Memorial Museum in Altoona covers the region's railroad history in depth.
Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail — The 70-mile trail runs through the Allegheny highlands south and west of Johnstown. Day sections are accessible from several trailheads and offer ridgeline hiking with views across the mountains.