Posted in Pittsburgh
August 14, 2019
6 Low-Key Hikes Around Pittsburgh With Amazing Payoffs
Hiking just might be the best outdoor activity. After all, it’s something just about everyone can do — regardless of age or skill level. Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas boast countless picturesque trails, ranging from easy to difficult, and some are even handicap-accessible. Next time you’re craving some fresh air, set off one of these six low-key hikes near Pittsburgh.
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Definitely wear sturdy shoes for your stroll along Fall Run Trail, an easy one-mile hike that leads to Allegheny County’s lone waterfall. The picturesque stroll will take you along a winding path and over a wooden footbridge. Admire the 30-foot waterfall from its base, then climb up the stairs to get a bird’s eye view, too.
Address: 187 Fall Run Road, Glenshaw, PA, 15116
Address: 187 Fall Run Road, Glenshaw, PA, 15116
Journey to the highest point in Pennsylvania when you embark on the Highpoint Trail. The four-mile loop trail will take you to the top of Mount Davis, at 3,213 feet. Along the way, you’ll pass boulders, trees, and flowing streams. If four miles is too long, just park in the parking lot and take the leisurely eighth of a mile walk to the observation tower.
Address: Elk Lick Township, PA, 15558
Address: Elk Lick Township, PA, 15558
Most Pittsburghers would like agree that Mount Washington offers the best views of the downtown Pittsburgh skyline. Set off on the Emerald View Loop Trail that will take you through such eclectic Pittsburgh neighborhoods as Allentown, Duquesne Heights, and Mount Washington. Arrive at Emerald View Park, where you’ll drink in spellbinding views of the city skyline.
Address: Bailey Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15211
Address: Bailey Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15211
Meadow Run Trail rewards you with both a waterfall and a natural waterslide. The three-mile trail at Ohiopyle State Park will take you to the breathtaking 30-foot Cucumber Falls. During the hotter days of the year, you may want to bring your swimsuit for a slide down the Meadow Run Natural Waterslide, too. The trail is open annually from May through September.
Address: 124 Main Street, Ohiopyle, PA, 15470
Address: 124 Main Street, Ohiopyle, PA, 15470
Stroll around the nearly two-mile Lake Trail at Raccoon Creek State Park that promises sweeping views of Raccoon Lake. (Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, bring your beach gear, too, so you can sunbathe and go for a swim in the lake after your hike.) You’ll also pass the remains of a stone springhouse from the 1840s.
Address: 3000 PA-18, Hookstown, PA, 15050
Address: 3000 PA-18, Hookstown, PA, 15050
The four-mile Wolf Rocks Trail is considered between easy and moderate (depending on who you talk to), but it offers such spectacular views that you’ll definitely want to consider hiking it. The trail will take you through the lush green Forbes State Forest, where you’ll see rushing streams and wildflowers. However, the highlight of the trail is definitely the view from the top of Wolf Rocks.
Address: Linn Run Road, Somerset, PA, 15501
Address: Linn Run Road, Somerset, PA, 15501
What are your favorite hiking trails near Pittsburgh? Join the conversation in the comments! Then, click here to read about six spectacular waterfall hikes near Pittsburgh that belong on your to do list.
