Posted in Pittsburgh
December 07, 2016
7 Wonders Of The World That Are Actually Right Here In Pittsburgh
Unparalleled beauty that can’t quite be described in mere words surrounds us in Pittsburgh. But, of all the natural wonders in Pittsburgh, seven stand out as perhaps the most stunning. Here are seven natural wonders in Pittsburgh – and a bit beyond – that you really have to experience at least once.
Spanning just over 20,000 acres and less than an hour and a half from downtown Pittsburgh, Ohiopyle State Park beckons outdoor lovers from around the state with its spectacular waterfalls, natural water slides, and nearly 80 miles of hiking trails. Experience the sheer beauty of Ohiopyle State Park on a day trip or stay overnight in one of the picturesque rental cabins.
Laurel Caverns, Pennsylvania's largest cave, sits approximately 50 miles from downtown Pittsburgh. Hidden below a 435 acre geological preserve, Laurel Caverns, welcomes visitors to tour the calcareous sandstone cave. Adventurers may want to try cave rappelling (beginners) or spelunking (experienced) to enhance their experience. Bat hibernation season is currently underway so Laurel Caverns will not again open to visitors until mid-April 2017.
Many Pittsburghers pass one of the city's most spectacular natural wonders on a regular basis. The Allegheny and the Monongahela Rivers come together at the Golden Triangle to form the Ohio River. It's also due to the Three Rivers that Pittsburgh boasts more bridges at 446 than any other city in the world, including Venice, Italy.
Explore the true beauty of nature - and one of the best natural wonders in Pittsburgh - at McConnells Mill State Park, a sprawling natural wonderland of over 2,500 acres. Just 45 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh, the popular state park features plenty of outdoor activities, including hiking trails, fishing, whitewater boating, and the opportunity to view Pennsylvania's natural wildlife.
Stretched across 644 acres in Pittsburgh, Frick Park is a natural woodland with picturesque trails, perfect for walkers, hikers, bikers, and those with dogs. Frick Park also boasts Pennsylvania's only lawn bowling green, tennis courts, and a playground.
You'll have to travel about an hour and a half from downtown Pittsburgh to tour Coral Caverns but a visit to this natural wonder is well worth the effort. Coral Caverns earns distinction as the only fossilized coral reef in the United States. Join a 45 minute guided tour that will give you a close-up look at fossilized coral and sea animals that date back more than 400 million years.
Journey across time when you visit the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, home to some of Pittsburgh's most amazing natural wonders, including gems and real dinosaur fossils. The majority of the dinosaur fossils - approximately three quarters of them - at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History are authentic fossils.
These seven natural wonders in Pittsburgh certainly deserve at least one visit during a lifetime. Don’t forget, however, to also visit these man made wonders in the Burgh.
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Address: 4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Address: 124 Main Street, Ohiopyle, PA 15470
Address: 100 Cavern Street, Manns Choice, PA 15550