Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Pittsburgh, United States
1. Franklin Park Trails
A network of trails within Pittsburgh's largest park, offering a variety of terrain and views of urban landscapes.
- Urban Hiking Experience: Rare opportunity to hike through an urban park with city skyline vistas.
- Variety of Terrain: Includes flat, easy trails as well as more challenging hills and steep sections.
- Accessibility: Located within the city limits, making it easily reachable for visitors.
2. Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail
A 70-mile trail that stretches from Ohiopyle State Park to Johnstown, offering scenic views of the Laurel Ridge.
- Scenic Beauty: Hike through picturesque forests and alongside cascading waterfalls.
- Long Distance Hiking: Ideal for multi-day hiking trips, covering a range of diverse landscapes.
- Connects State Parks: Links multiple state parks along its route, providing opportunities for exploration.
3. McConnells Mill State Park
Known for its scenic waterfalls and historic gristmill, this park offers easy to moderate hiking trails.
- Waterfall Views: Hike to see several stunning waterfalls, including the 44-foot Upper Falls.
- Historical Landmark: Explore a well-preserved 19th-century gristmill and other historical structures.
- Accessible Hiking: Easy access to trails from the parking lot, making it suitable for families and beginners.
4. Raccoon Creek State Park
A vast park featuring 7,018 acres of forested hills, lakes, and hiking trails.
- Size and Variety: Its expansive size offers numerous trail options for exploring diverse landscapes.
- Lakeside Trails: Hike along the shores of Lake Arthur or enjoy trails through the wooded areas.
- Camping Opportunities: Offers campgrounds for overnight stays, allowing for extended hiking trips.
5. Kooser State Park
A small but beautiful park featuring a scenic lake and wooded trails.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Ideal for quiet, relaxing hikes around the picturesque Lake Kooser.
- Scenic Lake: Enjoy views of the serene lake while hiking on easy trails.
- Convenient Location: Centrally located in Pittsburgh, making it easily accessible for visitors.
6. Chestnut Ridge Park
A large park featuring hiking trails through hills and forests with scenic overlooks.
- Scenic Overlooks: Take in panoramic views from several overlooks along the trails.
- Challenging Terrain: Includes more challenging hills and steep sections for experienced hikers.
- Nature Center: Visit the on-site nature center to learn about local flora and fauna.
7. Deer Lakes Park
A large park featuring hiking trails through forests and wetlands, as well as a lake for fishing.
- Wetland Trails: Explore the unique ecosystem of the park's wetlands on specialized trails.
- Fishing Opportunities: Enjoy fishing at Lake Jeanette or Lake Elizabeth during your hike.
- Family-Friendly Trails: Easy trails suitable for families and beginners, with picnic areas available.
8. North Park
A large park featuring a variety of trails through forests, meadows, and along Lake Peach.
- Lake Views: Enjoy scenic views of Lake Peach during your hike.
- Meadow Trails: Experience open meadows and wildflower fields along the trails.
- Convenient Location: Located in northern Pittsburgh, making it easily accessible for visitors.
9. Barr Run Park
A small park featuring easy hiking trails through forests and along a creek.
- Urban Hiking Experience: Enjoy a short, urban hike through the forested trails of this city park.
- Creekside Trails: Follow Barr Run Creek along easy trails through the park.
- Natural Play Area: Children's natural play area encourages exploration and learning about nature.
10. Seneca Valley Park
A large park featuring hiking trails through forests, meadows, and along a lake.
- Lake Views: Enjoy scenic views of Seneca Lake during your hike.
- Meadow Trails: Experience open meadows and wildflower fields along the trails.
- Convenient Location: Located in western Pittsburgh, making it easily accessible for visitors.
11. Hartwood Acres Park
A large park featuring hiking trails through forests and gardens, as well as a historic mansion.
- Garden Trails: Explore the beautiful themed gardens throughout the park.
- Historic Mansion: Visit the historic Hartwood Acres mansion to learn about its history.
- Forested Trails: Hike through the park's forests on a variety of easy to moderate trails.
12. North Park Lake Trail
A trail looping around Lake Peach in North Park, offering scenic views and easy hiking.
- Lake Views: Enjoy scenic views of Lake Peach during your hike.
- Easy Hiking Experience: A flat, easy trail suitable for families and beginners.
- Convenient Location: Located in northern Pittsburgh, making it easily accessible for visitors.
13. Ohiopyle State Park
A popular state park featuring the Youghiogheny River, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
- Waterfall Views: Hike to see several stunning waterfalls, including the famous Cucumber Falls.
- River Activities: Enjoy rafting, kayaking, or tubing on the Youghiogheny River.
- Scenic Beauty: Explore the park's beautiful forests and scenic vistas along its hiking trails.
14. Laurel Summit Trail
A challenging trail located within Laurel Highlands State Park, offering panoramic views from the summit.
- Challenging Hike: A strenuous hike with steep inclines and challenging terrain.
- Scenic Views: Reach the summit to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding Laurel Highlands.
- Long Distance Hiking: Ideal for experienced hikers looking for a challenging, multi-day hike.
15. Polish Hill Park
A small park featuring easy hiking trails through forests and along a creek.
- Urban Hiking Experience: Enjoy a short, urban hike through the forested trails of this city park.
- Creekside Trails: Follow Polish Hill Run along easy trails through the park.
- Cityscape Views: Take in views of Pittsburgh's city skyline from several vantage points.