Hiking is just about the perfect outdoor activity all year round. Fall Run Trail in Glenshaw, Pennsylvania is one of those hikes that you can take any time of the year, and it's picture-perfect. In fact, with all of its natural beauty, the pretty trail definitely deserves a visit at least once each season. It also features a magical surprise.
Just about 15 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh, Fall Run Park in Glenshaw is brimming with natural beauty. You can see some of that beauty by going on a scenic hike.
The sign that leads you from the main road to Fall Run Park is quite small, so keep an eye out. It's easy to miss. My daughter and I used GPS, so we knew when to slow down. Otherwise, we probably would have missed the turn.
The parking lot is pretty sizeable, so you shouldn't have trouble finding a place to park. Most of the parking lot - and the park itself - is shaded by a canopy of trees. Even though the temperature was in the 80s, it felt a lot cooler along the trail.
Fall Run Trail, a 1.4-mile out-and-back trail, attracts hikers of all ages and of all skill levels with its easy rating and beautiful scenery, most notably Fall Run Falls.
Wear a pair of comfy shoes because the trail can get a bit muddy and slippery. The biggest challenge you'll likely face is a few slight inclines and some rocky terrain, but it's really nothing to worry about.
The meandering trail is just as pretty drenched in the summer's golden sunlight as it is blanked by winter's snow. Along the way to the waterfall, you'll cross over a few picturesque footbridges and...
Fall Run Falls hike is definitely worthy of a spot on your bucket list. It's kid and dog-friendly, too.
May even come across a fairy garden, dotted with tiny, colorful fairy homes.
Nature promises little surprises along the way, too. Pass a beautiful tree with roots that look like artwork, and...
A tiny waterfall, right by one of the footbridges, spills into a crystal clear stream. Kids often play in the stream to cool down in the summer.
If you're looking for one of the prettiest "waterfalls near me," you've just found one. Did you know that Fall Run Falls is the only waterfall in Allegheny County?
Smaller waterfalls dot the path, so no matter where you go, you'll hear the tumbling of water. While we ran into a few others along the trail, it was incredibly quiet and peaceful with the birds, waterfalls, and crickets serenading us.
You'll hear the gentle gushing of the waterfall before you see it. Fall Run Falls cascades down 30 feet and is particularly pretty after a rainfall.
You can walk down the rocks to get to the base of the waterfall, too. Just wear the right shoes. I made it most of the way in flip-flops, but it was a bit too slippery to go all of the way.
That's just a really good excuse, though, to return when the fall colors have peaked.
If you're up for climbing, you can take the stairs for aerial views of the waterfall. Be careful after a rain, as the stairs can get slippery.
Don't worry if you don't feel like climbing to the top. A footbridge sits across from the waterfall. There, you'll find a few rocks, where you can sit down and admire the views - from the waterfall across from you to the colorful wildflowers behind you.
After your out-and-back hike, you might want to check out the rest of the park, too. It offers such fun amenities as a basketball court, a playground, and picnic tables.
Here's the official website of Fall Run Park. You can also find more information on All Trails.
Have you hiked Fall Run Trail in Pennsylvania? What did you think? Let us know in the comments! For the ultimate waterfall hike in Pennsylvania, make your way to Ricketts Glen State Park, home of 21 waterfalls.
A day in the Pittsburgh area usually isn't enough. Get out and explore some more, starting by checking into a charming Vrbo.
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