Best Parks & Green Spaces in Pittsburgh, United States

Pittsburgh, United States, Pittsburgh, Outdoor & Adventure, Best Parks & Green Spaces

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.