Three cheers for warmer weather and some of the best spring hikes in Pittsburgh! Hang up the winter coat. Put away the hats, the gloves, and the boots. Spring is here! Now’s the time to get outdoors. Breathe in the fresh air, and reconnect with nature. The perfect way to do that? Slip on your hiking boots (or comfiest shoes) and embark on one of these easy and beautiful spring hikes in Pittsburgh (and a bit beyond).

1. Jonathan Run Trail – 124 Main Street, Ohiopyle, PA 15470

Ohiopyle State Park, 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470, USA
Flickr/Huber Stoffels
Ohiopyle State Park is an idyllic spot for a day outdoors any time of the year. One of the easiest - and most breathtaking - hikes is along the 1.7-mile Jonathan Run Trail. Start your hike at the Holland Hill Road trailhead. Then enjoy the small waterfalls that you pass on your way to the 10-foot Jonathan Run Falls. After your hike, you just might want to visit Ohiopyle Falls and Cucumber Falls, arguably the two most popular waterfalls at the park. Read more about this scenic hike near Pittsburgh in our previous article.

2. Jennings Trail – 3000 PA-18, Hookstown, PA 15050

Raccoon Creek State Park, 3000 PA-18, Hookstown, PA 15050, USA
Facebook/Raccoon Creek State Park
Smell the blossoming flowers that line Jennings Trail at Raccoon Creek State Park. The 1.5-mile trail meanders through the 314-acre Wildflower Reserve. Admire some of the 700 species of flowers - such as pink bluebells and Dutchman's breeches - you'll pass on the trail. The Wildflower Reserve is also home to deer, raccoons, and an assortment of birds. The Wildflower Reserve is open daily. Take a peek at this beautiful wildflower trail near Pittsburgh on AllTrails.

3. Tranquil Trail – 1981 Beechwood Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15217

Frick Park, 1981 Beechwood Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15217, USA
Flickr/sk
Embrace the tranquility of nature at Frick Park along the Tranquil Trail. The trail, rated easy, spans 2.6 miles (round trip). Park at either the southern or the northern part of Frick Park to pick up the trail. The dog-friendly trail is predominately flat, although you will have to hike up a bit of an incline at some points. Find out why this Frick Park trail is also picture-perfect during the fall. No matter what time of year, this is one of the best hikes in Pittsburgh.

Related Stories

8 Picturesque Trails Around Pittsburgh That Are Perfect For Winter Hiking

8 Picturesque Trails Around Pittsburgh That Are Perfect For Winter Hiking

 Breathe In The Fresh Air On These 5 Winter Hikes Near Pittsburgh

Breathe In The Fresh Air On These 5 Winter Hikes Near Pittsburgh

 12 Scenic Trails To Explore In Pittsburgh, One For Each Month Of The Year

12 Scenic Trails To Explore In Pittsburgh, One For Each Month Of The Year

4. Panther Hollow Trail – Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Schenley Park, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
Flickr/Kit
Schenley Park provides a convenient, breathtaking spot for hiking. Panther Hollow Trail, which meanders 1.8 miles, will take you through a wooded area. You'll also be treated to stunning views of Panther Hollow Lake, streams, blossoming flowers, and towering trees. The trail is dog-friendly. Get a glimpse of this easy hike in Pittsburgh in our previous article.

5. Lakeside Loop – 1150 Keystone Park Road, Derry, PA

Keystone State Park, 1150 Keystone Park Rd, Derry, PA 15627, USA
Facebook/Keystone State Park
Keystone State Park boasts numerous hiking trails, ideal for exploring during the spring. Lakeside Loop, for example, is one of the easiest trails in the park. The flat trail meanders for 2.2. miles past Keystone Lake. Keep an eye out for local birds and wildlife, including cardinals, chickadees, and woodpeckers. It's one of the prettiest hiking trails near Pittsburgh. After your hike, consider pitching a tent at this popular state park. Read more about the campground near Pittsburgh in our previous article.

6. Double Loop Trail – Pittsburgh, PA 15210

Highland Park, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, USA
Flickr/Jason Pratt
Snuggled near the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, Highland Park has been a popular park since its debut at the tail end of the 1800s. The 2.5-mile Double Loop Trail beckons hikers of all ages and skill levels. During your hike, you'll pass a tiny waterfall and a picturesque lake. The dog-friendly trail is open all year round. Take a peek at this scenic hike in Pittsburgh in our previous article.

7. Fall Run Hiking Trail – 187 Fall Run Road, Glenshaw, PA 15116

Fall Run Road, Fall Run Rd, Glenshaw, PA 15116, USA
Nicholas A. Tonelli/Flickr
Drink in spectacular views of Pittsburgh's largest and only named waterfall along the Fall Run Trail at Fall Run Park in Glenshaw. Since it's been recently renovated, you can now view the 30-foot waterfall from a viewing platform above it. The easy 1.4-mile trail features wooden footbridges, streams, and stairs leading to the viewing platform above the waterfall. Bring your pooch along, as long as you keep him on a leash. Learn more about this kid-friendly hike in Pittsburgh.

What do you think are the best spring hikes in Pittsburgh during spring? Let us know in the comments! Thinking of making a bucket list of Pittsburgh hikes? You’re in luck! Check out the five best hikes in Pittsburgh. Make sure you download the AllTrails+ app to guide you on your hiking adventures this spring!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Best Hikes In Pittsburgh

Beth Price-Williams | June 16, 2022

What are the best kid-friendly hikes in Pittsburgh?

Getting the kids away from technology can be quite a challenge. After all, not much can compete for a kid’s attention like social media and video games that is, until you introduce them to hiking. Fortunately, we’ve got an abundance of kid-friendly hikes in Pittsburgh that are perfect for the little and not-so-little ones.

  • If a mile or so sounds like the perfect distance, set off on the Fall Run Trail in Glenshaw. It’s a beautiful one-mile path with a wandering stream and a footbridge. The highlight is Fall Run Falls – the only named waterfall in Allegheny County. The pretty little hike is a surefire way to get your kids to fall in love with hiking AND waterfalls.
  • For another waterfall trail that’s also kid-friendly, follow the path to Buttermilk Falls. You’ve got two choices for this one. A 10-minute walk leads to the Buttermilk Falls in Beaver Falls, and you can even wade in the water in the summer. A slightly longer jaunt takes you straight to Buttermilk Falls in New Florence. You can’t swim in this one, but you can walk behind it. You’re guaranteed to get drenched.

Are there any easy hikes in Pittsburgh?

Most of us love a good challenge, but sometimes we want to take it easy. We’ve got plenty of easy hikes in Pittsburgh from which to choose when we just want a leisurely journey. Don’t think because these hikes are easy that they aren’t brimming with natural beauty – they most certainly are.

  • Meadow Run Trail at Ohiopyle State Park, for example, leads to two beautiful waterfalls and a natural waterslide; it’s the perfect summertime hike.
  • The Lotus Trail runs through Pittsburgh Botanic Garden and is absolutely breathtaking, dotted with colorful flowers and flanked by lush trees.
  • The half-mile Braille Trail in North Park, which features a guiding wire for the visually impaired, is short, sweet, and offers plenty of natural beauty.

After a long day of hiking, where can I get the best burger in Pittsburgh?

Folks in The Keystone State sure love their burgers, and the answer to where you can find the best burger in Pittsburgh depends on who you ask! Some of the local faves are Meat and Potatoes (don’t miss the Pimento Burger!), Burgatory (they also have a great veggie burger for those who don’t eat meat), and Butterjoint (ask for the “Fancy Burger of the Day”), just to name a few.

Related Articles