Kick Off Spring In Pittsburgh With These 7 Scenic Hikes Under One Mile
Nothing says spring like longer days, golden sunshine, and a gentle breeze. After being cooped up all winter, we’re ready to spend as much time as we can outdoors. One of the best ways to celebrate spring is by embarking on an easy, picturesque hike. These seven hikes near Pittsburgh are under a mile (or just a bit over) and provide an ideal way to spend time outdoors. You might even say these are the best hikes in Pittsburgh.
1. Art Witt Trail – Raccoon Creek State Park
Raccoon Creek State Park, 3000 PA-18, Hookstown, PA 15050, USA
Stroll through a pine forest along the Art Witt Trail at Raccoon Creek State Park. The quarter of a mile trail also provides a peek at the spectacular Wildflower Reserve. If you're up for a more vigorous hike, head out on the Jennings Trail, which spans 1.5 miles and will take you directly to the Wildflower Reserve. Here's the official website of Raccoon Creek State Park.
2. Buttermilk Falls Natural Area – New Florence
Buttermilk Falls Natural Area, 570 Valley Brook Rd, New Florence, PA 15944, USA
What's better than a scenic hike near Pittsburgh? One that includes a breathtaking waterfall, of course. That's just what you'll get when you set out on the trek to Buttermilk Falls at Buttermilk Falls Natural Area in New Florence. Wear sturdy shoes for your picturesque hike past lush green trees, two tiny waterfalls, and to a wooden staircase that leads to the gorgeous Buttermilk Falls. You can even walk behind the gorgeous cascade; just be prepared to get wet. Stop by the official website of Buttermilk Falls Natural Area for more information.
3. McCune Run Trail – Keystone State Park
Keystone State Park, 1150 Keystone Park Rd, Derry, PA 15627, USA
Keystone State Park is the perfect spring destination. Pack a picnic lunch then embark on McCune Run Trail, where you'll get a close up view of an abandoned beaver pond as well as wetland meadows. The McCune Run Trail connects to the easy, three-mile Davis Run Trail, if you're still up for more adventure. Check out the official website of Keystone State Park for more information.
4. Fall Run Trail – Fall Run Park
Fall Run Park, 187 Fall Run Rd, Glenshaw, PA 15116, USA
Did you know Allegheny County's home to a single waterfall? Nestled in Shaler's Fall Run Park, the waterfall sits at the end of the one-mile Fall Run Trail. The waterfall trail in Pittsburgh will take you past lush trees and over a footbridge until you arrive at the base of the waterfall. For an overhead view, climb the stairs next to the waterfall. Visit the official website of Fall Run Park.
5. Copper Kettle Trail – Laurel Hill State Park
Laurel Hill State Park, 1454 Laurel Hill Park Rd, Somerset, PA 15501, USA
Plan an enchanting day among nature at Laurel Hill State Park. Stroll along the one-mile Copper Kettle Trail that follows Laurel Hill Lake. Be careful, however, as the trail is also popular with bikers. The trail winds from the #4 picnic area to the sandy beach. Get all of the details on the official website of Laurel Hill State Park.
6. Harmony Trail – Wexford
Harmony Trail Trailhead, 223-291 Wexford Bayne Rd, Wexford, PA 15090, USA
Next, we'll head to the one-mile Harmony Trail in Wexford. Start the trail at Brennan Road in Pittsburgh then stroll along the crushed-stone surface. The picturesque trail is predominately flat and connects to the popular Rachel Carson Trail. Find more information on the Harmony Trail.
7. Spring Hollow Trail – Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve
Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, 614 Dorseyville Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15238, USA
Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve provides a breathtaking backdrop for a day among nature. Explore the sprawling nature reserve along one of its nine trails spanning a total of five miles. Even better? Each hiking trail is less than a mile, promising a relaxing hike no matter which one you choose. Spring Hollow Trail, however, is considered the easiest and will give you close up views of the pond, a forest, and a meadow. Head over to the official website of Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve.
Address: Raccoon Creek State Park, 3000 PA-18, Hookstown, PA 15050, USA
Address: Buttermilk Falls Natural Area, 570 Valley Brook Rd, New Florence, PA 15944, USA
Address: Keystone State Park, 1150 Keystone Park Rd, Derry, PA 15627, USA
Address: Fall Run Park, 187 Fall Run Rd, Glenshaw, PA 15116, USA
Address: Laurel Hill State Park, 1454 Laurel Hill Park Rd, Somerset, PA 15501, USA
Address: Harmony Trail Trailhead, 223-291 Wexford Bayne Rd, Wexford, PA 15090, USA
Address: Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, 614 Dorseyville Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15238, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Pittsburgh
April 20, 2022
Beth Price-Williams
What are some easy hikes in Pittsburgh?
It’s probably fair to say that hiking’s so popular because it appeals to adventurers of all ages and skill levels. If you’re looking for a challenge on one of Pittsburgh’s hiking trails, you’ll definitely find one. On those days you want something easier or if you’re a beginner, you’ll find a slew of easy hikes around Pittsburgh, too. Whether you feel like going solo or bringing the kids along, you’ll definitely want to add the Frick Park Loop Trail to your hiking itinerary. While it is a bit long at five miles, you’ll quickly discover the easy terrain and beautiful scenery make the trek go quickly. Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve is perfect if you’re looking for one of the easiest hikes in Pittsburgh – all of its trails are considered easy, and most are less than a mile long. At just two miles, the Highland Park Loop Trail is perhaps one of the most scenic hikes in Pittsburgh, featuring such pretty highlights at footbridges and tiny waterfalls.
What are some of the most beautiful parks in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh offers it all – the excitement of the city AND the tranquility of nature. To find that quiet in nature, we just have to visit one of the most beautiful parks in Pittsburgh. Allegheny Commons Park, the oldest park in Pittsburgh, offers an abundance of natural beauty, including 1,000 trees. Stroll along the winding paths to admire the scenery and the breathtaking views of the city skyline. West End-Elliott Overlook Park also boasts stunning views of the Pittsburgh skyline – from above. Meander along the path in the park that’s dotted with colorful gardens and benches, perfect for admiring the views. Bring a picnic along, or just sit by the fountain at Point State Park, THE place to be for the Fourth of July and First Night fireworks displays.
Address: Raccoon Creek State Park, 3000 PA-18, Hookstown, PA 15050, USA
Address: Buttermilk Falls Natural Area, 570 Valley Brook Rd, New Florence, PA 15944, USA
Address: Keystone State Park, 1150 Keystone Park Rd, Derry, PA 15627, USA
Address: Fall Run Park, 187 Fall Run Rd, Glenshaw, PA 15116, USA
Address: Laurel Hill State Park, 1454 Laurel Hill Park Rd, Somerset, PA 15501, USA
Address: Harmony Trail Trailhead, 223-291 Wexford Bayne Rd, Wexford, PA 15090, USA
Address: Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, 614 Dorseyville Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15238, USA
Pittsburgh In Your Inbox
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!
