6 Incredible Hikes Under 5 Miles Everyone Around Pittsburgh Should Take
Sometimes there’s no better way to wile away the hours on a beautiful day than to go on a leisurely hike in or around Pittsburgh. These six incredible hikes under five miles will lead you through some of Pittsburgh’s most vibrant areas. Fair warning, however, that a few like Ferncliff and Harmony Trails are a fair distance outside of Pittsburgh, although they are definitely worth the travel. Without further ado, here are the six best hikes in Pittsburgh.
Start your five mile hike along the South Side Riverfront Trail with a relaxing visit to Riverfront Park, where the trail begins. Hang out on the bleachers that overlook the Monongahela River for spectacular city views. The park also features access to the water for boaters and other water enthusiasts and connects with the South Side Works, where you'll find plenty of shopping and dining choices. The Riverfront Trail itself with lead you from 18th Street at Riverfront Park to Ninth Street near Station Square. The popular trail on the river's edge is frequented by hikers, bikers, and walkers. Here's the official website of Southside Riverfront Park and Trail.
Hit the Jail Trail or if you prefer its popular name of Eliza Furnace Trail, a 3.95-mile trail that winds from downtown Pittsburgh to Oakland. Begin the trail downtown on Grant Street, where you'll pass the Allegheny County Jail, head along Second Avenue, and over to Panther Hollow in Oakland. Eliza Furnace Trail appeals to most bikers, hikers, and walkers. Beginners will find the flat terrain fairly easy to conquer, although the path can be incredibly noisy. Part of the Eliza Furnace Trail runs parallel to the parkway so, if you're looking for a quiet hike, head there before or after the morning and evening rush hour traffic. Here's more information on the Eliza Furnace Trail.
The North Hills Harmony Trail in Wexford is extremely short at only a mile long. However, if you decide to continue hiking, you can head to the Rachel Carson Trail at nearby North Park, which spans more than 30 miles. The Harmony Trail promises an easy hike, walk, or bike along a crushed limestone path along railroad tracks. Access the trail from the Brennan Road intersection on Route 910 in Wexford. Plan your trek along the Harmony Trail.
Spend an hour, depending on how fast you go, experiencing the sheer beauty of Ohiopyle State Park with a hike on Ferncliff Trail. The nearly two-mile trail takes hikers along the Youghiogheny River, past the spectacular beauty of Ohiopyle Falls. The family-friendly loop trail has earned praise from hikers for its being well-maintained and is perfect for families with children and for hikers who want to bring their beloved pooch along. Here's the official website of Ohiopyle State Park.
Living in a city on the river's edge certainly has its advantages. Many of the amazing trails in and around Pittsburgh, in fact, wind along the river. The Steel Valley Trail leads hikers, bikers, and walkers from the Waterfront in Homestead to McKeesport. The nearly two-mile trail is combined of both crushed limestone and paving. You can continue from McKeesport to Clairton, where you will connect with the Great Allegheny Passage, which goes all the way to Cumberland, Maryland. Learn more on the official website of the Steel Valley Trail Council.
Frick Park's natural setting provides the perfect backdrop for hikers who just want to get away from it all without leaving the city. The park has various trails, including the five-mile Frick Park Loop Trail. The paved trail takes hikers, joggers, bikers, and walkers (including their dogs) through a wooded setting. After you've conquered the Frick Park Loop Trail, try one of the other trails. Relax with a picnic, or head to the baseball fields or playground. Stop by the official website of Frick Park.
Don’t stop with these six best hikes in Pittsburgh under five miles! Pittsburgh promises so many amazing hiking trails, including these eight epic hiking trails that are simply out of this world.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Pittsburgh
April 04, 2022
Beth Price-Williams
Are there any hiking trails near Pittsburgh that are ideal for beginners?
You’re never too old to start hiking, although you might want to begin with some short and sweet hikes to see how you like it and to decide just how challenging of a trail you want to tackle. After all, Pittsburgh and the western part of the state boast a ton of trails, ranging from easy to difficult. The Emerald View Trail, one of the best Pittsburgh hikes for beginners that doesn’t require you to leave the city, offers absolutely stunning views of the city skyline. The trail tallies 2.3-miles and takes you atop Mount Washington. The 5.7-mile Eliza Furnace Trail, on the other hand, meanders through the city itself, passing such landmarks as the Allegheny County Jail and Schenley Park. Panther Hollow Trail, which runs just under two miles through Schenley Park, also offers stunning skyline views and the chance to run into local wildlife.
What are some of the best hiking trails in Pittsburgh?
We can find a whole lot of amazing hiking trails in Pittsburgh, but what are the best? Well, that all depends on for what you’re looking – scenic? Easy? Challenging? Haunted? Pittsburgh’s got ‘em all. For an epic overnight hike, pack your bag and head for Oil Creek State Park, home to the 36-mile Gerard Hiking Trail. Pitch a tent or rent an Adirondack for your night in the park. If you prefer staying closer to home, hop on the 24-mile Three Rivers Heritage Trail. You can either hike the entire trail, or complete it in sections. The trail also leads to the Great Allegheny Passage Trail. Frick Park’s picture-perfect in all four seasons, and it’s a fun place to spend a day with the family, watching the kids on the playground, enjoying a picnic, and hiking. The five-mile Frick Park Loop Trail is popular with hikers, bikers, and those walking their pups. It’s easy and drenched in natural beauty.
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