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The Road  movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was The Road filmed?

2009

City Locations

Pittsburgh, PA; Oregon; Louisiana; Washington State (USA)

Location Types

Riverside, Unusual, Church, Museum

Location Styles

Beachfront, Camper, Retreat, Rustic, Dilapidated/Neglected

About The Road

Let the scenes of devastating fires, destroyed environments, and groups of thin, eerie-looking survivors not deceive you; the film adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's somber best-seller, The Road, by director John Hillcoat and screenwriter Joe Penhall, undoubtedly ranks as one of the darkest and most harrowing tales of perseverance ever depicted on screen, it simultaneously emerges as a hopeful narrative.

Viggo Mortensen and Kodi Smit-McPhee masterfully take the lead roles, and this cinematic masterpiece beautifully captures the bleakness and harsh realities of survival in a world turned to ruin. It depicts a bleak future through a gritty narrative, centering on the dangerous odyssey of a man (Viggo Mortensen) and his son (Kodi Smit-McPhee) as they survive in a post-apocalyptic world.

They scavenge for supplies, confront cannibalistic gangs, and meet a host of other survivors while battling to stay alive and maintain their humanity. This unlikely duo's survival odyssey becomes even more heart-wrenching as they continue their journey in search of safer territories after the man's wife, who had given birth to their son after the catastrophe, loses all hope and disappears.

The Road is not just a survival tale but an exploration of the human condition and resilience in the face of severe adversity. It pulls the audience into its raw, hopeless world yet illuminates the limitless bounds of human empathy and paternal love against this bleak backdrop.

This compelling piece of cinema has received significant recognition for its achievement in storytelling and cinematography. Its BAFTA for Best Cinematography nomination is a testament to the film's visual excellence, bringing a hauntingly beautiful post-apocalyptic world to life in a way few others have managed.

The Road Locations

The Road is a visual feast of varied landscapes, transporting viewers on a thrilling trip through post-apocalyptic America. Pennsylvania, Oregon, Washington State, and Louisiana were the four breathtaking settings for the film.

Pittsburgh, PA, is the setting for most of the movie. Our first glimpse into the uneven vistas of rundown mining towns comes here. The Man and his Son frequently cross the rugged wildness of Raccoon Creek State Park, a picturesque sanctuary spanning 7,572 acres, in contrast to the bleak cityscapes seen elsewhere. The Ray's Hill Tunnel, a lonely stretch of the Pennsylvania Turnpike with a spooky past that enriches the dystopian story, also features on screen.

The film moves on to the scenic Washington State slopes of Mount Saint Helens, where we see the enormous lengths of dead trees that remain as a sad reminder of the devastating 1980 eruption. The bleak story unfolds against these eerie, beautiful, barren surroundings.

Another crucial spot is the Louisiana suburbs around New Orleans, which recovered from the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. The themes of perseverance and survival find a chilling echo in these ruined cityscapes.

The trip culminates in Oregon, where we can see the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge waterfalls. A welcome relief from the typically dreary backgrounds is these crashing beauties placed against lush scenery.

Anyone interested in films or the outdoors would benefit significantly from visiting these places. Each location contributed considerably to The Road's moving story and offers a distinct combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural diversity.

The tunnel scene in The Road

Ray's Hill Tunnel, Abandoned Pennsylvania Tpke, Breezewood, PA 15533, USA

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.

The forest scenes in The Road

Raccoon Creek State Park, 3000 PA-18, Hookstown, PA 15050, USA

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 fight at the abandoned house scene in The Road

Conneaut Lake Park Resort, 12382 Center St, Conneaut Lake, PA 16316, USA

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.

The Man and his son visit the church scene in The Road

South 1st Street, Duquesne, PA 15110, USA

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.

The arrival at the ocean scene in The Road

Fort Stevens State Park, 1675 Peter Iredale Rd, Hammond, OR 97121, USA

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.

Conclusion

The Road is a chilling adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's novel that remains faithful to the spirit of the original work. The striking visuals and tragic characters aren't its only strong points; the mood it conjures up is also evocative of McCarthy's forceful prose. Its effectiveness comes from expressing a genuine sense of misery and survival through restricted dialogue and compelling storytelling. It represents McCarthy's work, especially in this story, where the narrative is more subdued and less elaborate than usual.

The Man (Viggo Mortensen) exemplifies resiliency and a dogged resolve to protect his son in a post-apocalyptic world. Equally remarkable is Kodi Smit-McPhee's performance as The Boy, in which he convincingly conveys the sensitivity and innocence of a youngster coping with a broken world.

A minimalist composition by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, coupled with cinematography by Javier Aguirresarobe, creates a stark and emotionally powerful experience.

The film's production used several desolate but visually appealing places, greatly enhancing its atmospheric depth. Filming began in Pittsburgh and continued across northwestern Pennsylvania, Louisiana, and Oregon. The filmmakers' choice to utilize the Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike and Conneaut Lake Park, particularly after a fire had destroyed one of its structures, highlights their commitment to faithfully depicting a post-apocalyptic setting.

The Road offers a physically stunning and intellectually stimulating movie experience for those brave enough to embark on this challenging journey. The film's meticulous choice of settings enhances the realism of the perceived barren world, making these locations worthwhile for fans and cinephiles who admire the film's making.