Posted in Pittsburgh
November 03, 2017
7 Of The Greatest Hiking Trails On Earth Are Right Here In Pittsburgh
Slip on your most comfy hiking boots, charge your smartphone, and hit the trails for an unforgettable day outdoors. Pittsburgh — and a bit beyond — boasts quite a few simply stunning hiking trails. Explore downtown Pittsburgh and the countryside when you embark on one of these seven amazing hiking trails in Pittsburgh.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Gear up for an epic hike along the Rachel Carson Trail. The 38-mile trail spans from Harrison Hills County Park to North Park. The trail is perfect for a long hike or you can do what many other hikers do and complete the trail over several days or just choose a section of trail to enjoy. Pass through several county parks, through meadows, and across creeks along your journey.
Explore the eclectic neighborhoods, including the South Side and the North Side, of Pittsburgh along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. Conquer the entire 24-mile trail or simply hike along one of the shorter trails that connects together to create the Heritage Trail. For an even greater challenge, continue your hike on one of the longer trails — such as the Great Allegheny Passage — to which the Heritage Trail connects.
Stroll, hike, bike, or bring your pooch along for a walk along the Frick Park Trail Loop. Protected by towering trees, the five-mile trail promises tranquility and spectacular scenery. Keep an eye out for native wildlife, especially in the early morning hours when the trail is quietest.
Breathe in the fresh air and connect with nature when you embark on one of the hiking trails at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve. The reserve's trails total five miles in all, although each spans less than a mile. The half-mile Spring Hollow Trail, for example, will take you past a peaceful meadow, a pond, and a tree house.
Pack your overnight gear for an unforgettable hike along the Gerard Trail in Oil Creek State Park. The 36-mile loop trail spans the entire trail, bringing hikers face-to-face with history like the Drake Well. Spend the night in the park at one of the cozy Adirondacks or pitch a tent for the night.
Listen for the whispers of the past as you hike along the Ghost Town Trail, which spans 36 miles through Cambria and Indiana Counties. (You can enter and exit the trail at different trailheads along the way.) Hike past the remnants of Wehrum, a former coal-mining town that once had 200 residents. Pass over footbridges and snap photos of the Eliza Furnace during your hike.
Discover the secrets of the past along the 17-mile West Penn Trail. The trail runs from Blairsville to Saltsburg and passes such picturesque scenery as the ruins of stone arch bridges and canals.
How many of these hiking trails in Pittsburgh have you already hiked? Click here to read about six incredible hikes under five miles everyone should take at least once.
