Where was The Road filmed?

The Man (Viggo Mortensen) and his son, The Boy (Kodi Smit-McPhee), awaken from their makeshift bed in the back of an abandoned truck. They run into the surrounding woods, grabbing onto their cart — their only means of support — with few provisions. They dive into a ditch for safety, with their hearts pounding and breaths shallow. A massive vehicle with armed men on board comes into view from Ray's Hill Tunnel, where it is dark. Horror strikes at the Ray's Hill Tunnel on the long-gone Pennsylvania Turnpike, northeast of Breezewood, PA, on the now-defunct roadway. This part of the turnpike, formerly a busy thoroughfare, closed in the 1960s because of congestion in the tunnels, which were all one lane, including Ray's Hill. The Nature Conservancy has plans to transform the eight-mile abandoned roadway into a bicycling and hiking path, a remarkable example of nature reclaiming its lost territory. Please be advised that to maintain this historically significant site's serene and secluded atmosphere, motor vehicles are not allowed on this stretch of the turnpike. Those interested in the Ray's Hill Tunnel and its environs should visit Breezewood. From there, travelers can reach the abandoned turnpike via nearby roads; parking is available near the trailheads. Going west on I-70 takes two hours to reach Baltimore.

An unsettling threat interrupts The Man (Viggo Mortensen) and Boy (Kodi Smit-McPhee). They leave the relative protection of their wagon and venture into the woods, where they encounter a terrifying sight. A haunting stillness envelopes the region as a string of simple wooden cabins rises out of the thick forest. As they approach cautiously, the horrific reality becomes clear: a row of spears ornamented with human skulls stands guard while scattered human corpses lie ominously on the ground. The scary scene unfolded within the expansive natural grandeur of Raccoon Creek State Park, located at 3000 State Route 18 in Beaver County, about 30 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. Raccoon Creek State Park, one of Pennsylvania's biggest state parks, starkly contrasts the gloomy imagery, spanning 7,572 acres. The proximity to major thoroughfares, including US Routes 30 and 22 and Pennsylvania Route 18, makes it an ideal spot for anyone seeking a rural retreat. Raccoon Creek State Park is historically significant; it rests on the foundation of a Victorian-era health resort — famous for Frankfort Mineral Springs. The naturally occurring mineral spring formerly had curative qualities. Drive in a private vehicle from Pittsburgh, taking I-376 W and US-22 W. The journey should last approximately 40 minutes. Regrettably, no public bus service serves this route.

The Man and Boy face a terrifying ordeal as they attempt to leave an abandoned house where they had sought shelter. A shocking discovery halts their departure; a naked man they encounter is not alone. He is part of a group of emaciated individuals, some missing limbs, all pleading for help in desperate tones. The situation quickly escalates as the Man and his Son fend off the desperate captives, using a heavy table to barricade the door against them. The intense moment came to life at the site of the old Conneaut Lake Theme Park, on the shore of Conneaut Lake. The park, which has seen its fair share of history and hardship, including damage from fires, provided the perfect backdrop to depict the desolate remnants of urban civilization that The Road portrays. Initially opened as Exposition Park in 1892, it became Conneaut Lake Park in 1920. It focused more on amusement rides and became a local community staple despite enduring closures, reopenings, and several fires. The devastating fire in February 2008 that destroyed its Dreamland Ballroom and bowling alley offered the film's production team a unique setting to capture the essence of a world in ruins. Despite its tumultuous history, the park remains operational. It offers a glimpse into the past with traditional rides like the Blue Streak Coaster, a historic roller coaster recognized by the American Coaster Enthusiasts. Travelers heading to Conneaut Lake Park from Pittsburgh can take a picturesque drive north on I-79 toward Lake Erie. The journey is expected to last around 90 minutes.

An urban church, deserted and eerily silent, becomes a haven for The Man and Boy, as they flee the destruction around them. A terrifying realization hits them as they prepare to spend the night inside the dilapidated walls of this once-holy site. The Man's health is getting worse as he begins to cough up blood. Surrounded by Camp and Viola Avenues on South 1st Street in the economically devastated steel town of Duquesne, southeast of Pittsburgh, the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church was the setting for this poignant scene. The church, which had been the spiritual home of a Slovak congregation from 1901 until its closure in 1970, bore the weight of history and communal memory, making it a perfect setting for such a pivotal scene in the film. It is pretty doubtful that visitors can see the precise spot as it appears in the movie since the church was set for demolition in 2013, which disappoints fans and historical architectural enthusiasts. The area around Duquesne, southeast of Pittsburgh, remains accessible for those wishing to explore the broader context of the film's setting. Travelers can reach Duquesne by heading southeast from Pittsburgh, a journey that will take 20 minutes via I-376 E.

They finally reach the shore with hope, and the yearning for a fresh start weighs heavily on their hearts. However, what awaits them is far from the charming vision they had. The ocean, which the Son had imagined as a vivid blue, now appears murky brown, a sobering illustration of the world's degradation. Nearing the shore, they see a sunken boat, a reminder of the loss and abandonment that lies only 200 yards out in the surf. Fort Stevens State Park, close to the Oregon towns of Hammond and Astoria, is the setting for this haunting sight. In the park, you can see the bones of the ship Peter Iredale, which went down in 1906; its rusty skeleton rises out of the sands like a ghostly symbol of the power of nature. Historically significant, Fort Stevens was the principal military outpost in the Harbor Defense System at the Columbia River's mouth. Camping, swimming in a freshwater lake, beachcombing, hiking paths, wildlife viewing, and seeing a historic shipwreck and military fort are just a few of the modern-day activities visitors can enjoy at this historically significant and aesthetically pleasing site. Fort Stevens State Park, where this moving scene came to life, is easily accessible via Highway 101, with prominent signage directing visitors from Astoria, Oregon.