
Best Parks & Green Spaces in Pittsburgh, United States
1. Point State Park
A beautiful urban park with three pointy-topped, triangular points jutting into the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers.
- Historic Fountain: Features a historic fountain with bronze statues.
- Great for Picnics: Offers numerous picnic spots with views of the rivers and downtown Pittsburgh.
- Fish Ladder: Includes a fish ladder, allowing fish to navigate around dams.
2. Frick Park
Large park with diverse landscapes, from rolling meadows to steep wooded slopes.
- Picturesque Bridges: Features scenic bridges and footpaths over picturesque valleys.
- Rich Wildlife: Home to various wildlife species, including white-tailed deer and wild turkeys.
- Peterson Park Shelter: Offers a historic stone shelter in Peterson Park within the larger Frick Park.
3. Highland Park
Pittsburgh's largest city park with a beautiful arboretum and spectacular views of downtown.
- Phipps Conservatory: Includes the famous Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
- North America's Largest Incline Plane: Features Duquesne Incline, one of the steepest inclines in the world.
- Rich Birdwatching Opportunities: Provides excellent birdwatching opportunities with over 200 species.
4. Schenley Park
Pittsburgh's 'central park,' featuring a lake, several sports facilities, and a beautiful garden.
- Carnegie Lake: Features a picturesque, man-made lake with rowboats for rent.
- Schenley Park Golf Course: Offers an 18-hole golf course and driving range.
- Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium: Adjacent to the park, home to over 400 species of animals.
5. Riverquest Expeditions
Offers kayak and canoe rentals, guided tours, and educational programs along Pittsburgh's rivers.
- Environmental Education: Promotes environmental education and appreciation for local ecosystems.
- Scenic River Tours: Offers scenic tours of Pittsburgh's beautiful rivers and waterways.
- Accessible to All: Provides accessible options for all ages and abilities, including adaptive kayaks.
6. Allegheny Riverside Trails
A network of trails along the Allegheny River, offering beautiful views and opportunities for cycling and walking.
- Bike Rental Options: Includes bike rental stations throughout the trail system.
- Art Installations: Features several art installations and sculptures along the trails.
- Connects Attractions: Connects major attractions, including PNC Park and Heinz Field.
7. Oakland Cemetery
An urban cemetery with a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful monuments.
- Historic Monuments: Features many historic monuments and mausoleums.
- Scenic Walking Trails: Offers scenic walking trails with beautiful views of the surrounding city.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Provides excellent birdwatching opportunities, especially in the spring and fall migrations.
8. North Park
A large park with a lake, sports facilities, a nature center, and picnic areas.
- Boating on the Lake: Offers boat rentals for exploring the lake.
- Nature Center: Features a nature center with exhibits, programs, and trails.
- Petting Zoo: Includes a petting zoo and farm park for families to enjoy.
9. South Park
A large park with a lake, sports facilities, hiking trails, and a skatepark.
- Boating on the Lake: Offers boat rentals for exploring the lake.
- Skatepark: Features a popular skatepark for all skill levels.
- Hiking Trails: Offers numerous hiking trails with scenic views of the surrounding area.
10. Deer Lakes Park
A large park with a lake, sports facilities, hiking trails, and a nature center.
- Boating on the Lake: Offers boat rentals for exploring the lake.
- Nature Center: Features a nature center with exhibits, programs, and trails.
- Winter Sports Facilities: Offers ice skating, sledding, and cross-country skiing during the winter months.
11. Emerald View Park
A small park with stunning views of Pittsburgh's skyline from its hilltop location.
- Scenic Viewpoints: Features several scenic viewpoints perfect for photography.
- Nature Trails: Offers short nature trails through the surrounding forest.
- Historic Buildings: Features several historic buildings and ruins.
12. Six Pence Farm and Nature Preserve
A nature preserve with hiking trails, a pond, and opportunities for birdwatching.
- Hiking Trails: Offers several hiking trails of varying difficulty levels.
- Pond and Wetlands: Features a pond and wetlands, home to various bird species.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs and workshops focused on conservation and sustainability.
13. Traffic Authority Trail
A paved trail that follows an old railroad line, perfect for walking, running, or biking.
- Scenic Views: Provides scenic views of the surrounding countryside and hills.
- Accessible Length: Spans a reasonable length, ideal for short or long outings.
- Connected Trails: Connects to other trails in the area, making it part of a larger network.
14. Haystack Mountain Preserve
A preserve with hiking trails and views of the surrounding countryside.
- Scenic Viewpoints: Features several scenic viewpoints with panoramic vistas.
- Hiking Trails: Offers hiking trails of varying difficulty levels.
- Natural Habitat Protection: Protects natural habitats and supports local wildlife populations.
15. Robert C. Byrd Memorial State Park
A state park with hiking trails, a lake, and opportunities for fishing.
- Hiking Trails: Offers several hiking trails of varying difficulty levels.
- Lake and Fishing: Features a lake for fishing, boating, and swimming.
- Camping Facilities: Provides camping facilities for overnight stays.