Best Backpacking Destinations in Pittsburgh, United States
1. Frick Park
Large urban park with beautiful views, hiking trails, and a historic mansion.
- Scenic Views: Offers stunning panoramic views of Pittsburgh's skyline
- Hiking Trails: Provides a network of hiking trails suitable for backpacking
- Historic Mansion: Features Clayton, a historic mansion open for tours
2. Mt. Washington
Neighborhood with panoramic views of the city and easy access to hiking trails.
- Panoramic Views: Offers breathtaking, unobstructed views of Pittsburgh
- Hiking Trails: Includes numerous hiking trails suitable for backpacking
- Easy Access: Accessible via public transit, making it convenient for backpackers
3. Ohiopyle State Park
Popular state park featuring the Youghiogheny River and numerous hiking trails.
- Youghiogheny River: Provides opportunities for kayaking, rafting, or just enjoying the water
- Hiking Trails: Offers a variety of hiking trails suitable for backpackers
- Natural Bridge: Features a beautiful sandstone arch known as the Natural Bridge
4. Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail
Long-distance hiking trail that passes through state parks and forests.
- Long-Distance Trails: Comprised of multiple sections, totaling approximately 70 miles
- State Parks and Forests: Traverses several state parks and forests, providing diverse landscapes
- Historical Landmarks: Passes by historical landmarks like Fallingwater and Ohiopyle
5. Raccoon Creek State Park
Large state park with lakes, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
- Lakes and Waterfalls: Features numerous lakes and beautiful waterfalls
- Hiking Trails: Offers a network of hiking trails suitable for backpacking
- Cabins and Camping: Provides cabins and campgrounds for overnight stays
6. Allegheny National Forest
Large national forest offering hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
- Wildlife Viewing: Home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears and deer
- Hiking Trails: Features numerous hiking trails suitable for backpackers
- Camping Opportunities: Offers campgrounds and backcountry campsites
7. Fern Hollow Natural Area
Unique natural area with rare plants and a large hemlock forest.
- Rare Plants: Home to several federally protected rare plant species
- Hemlock Forest: Large hemlock forest providing shade and tranquility
- Network of Trails: Offers a network of hiking trails suitable for backpacking
8. Moraine State Park
Lakefront state park offering hiking, camping, and boating.
- Lakefront Location: Situated on the shores of Lake Arthur
- Hiking Trails: Provides a variety of hiking trails suitable for backpackers
- Camping Opportunities: Offers campgrounds and backcountry campsites
9. Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Historic iron furnace and hiking trails within a state park.
- Historic Iron Furnace: Features an operational, restored 19th-century iron furnace
- Hiking Trails: Offers a network of hiking trails suitable for backpacking
- Camping Opportunities: Provides campgrounds and backcountry campsites
10. Forbes State Forest
Large state forest offering hiking, camping, and horseback riding.
- Horseback Riding: Allows for horseback riding in addition to hiking
- Hiking Trails: Features a network of hiking trails suitable for backpacking
- Camping Opportunities: Offers campgrounds and backcountry campsites
11. Cook Forest State Park
Large state park featuring old-growth forests and the Clarion River.
- Old-Growth Forests: Home to some of the oldest trees in Pennsylvania
- Clarion River: Provides opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, or just enjoying the water
- Hiking Trails: Offers a network of hiking trails suitable for backpacking
12. Kooser State Park
Small state park with a lake and opportunities for fishing.
- Lake: Features a picturesque lake ideal for fishing
- Hiking Trails: Offers a network of hiking trails suitable for backpacking
- Camping Opportunities: Provides campgrounds and backcountry campsites
13. McConnells Mill State Park
Park featuring a waterfall, mill, and hiking trails.
- Waterfall: Features the 36-foot tall Grandview Waterfall
- Historic Mill: Includes an operational, restored mill dating back to the late 1800s
- Hiking Trails: Offers a network of hiking trails suitable for backpacking
14. Presque Isle State Park
Peninsula park offering beaches, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing.
- Beaches: Provides several sandy beaches suitable for sunbathing or swimming
- Hiking Trails: Offers a network of hiking trails suitable for backpacking
- Wildlife Viewing: Home to a variety of wildlife, including waterfowl and deer
15. Chestnut Ridge Park
Large park offering hiking trails, a nature center, and scenic overlooks.
- Nature Center: Includes a nature center with exhibits on local wildlife and ecosystems
- Hiking Trails: Offers a network of hiking trails suitable for backpacking
- Scenic Overlooks: Provides scenic overlooks offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside