12 Scenic Trails To Explore In Pittsburgh, One For Each Month Of The Year
×
Beth Price-Williams
Author
We can all use a little adventure in our lives, right? Whether we’re daredevils or prefer to take it easy, we can find a ton of adventures in Pittsburgh during our explorations. One of the best ways to explore is by setting out on one of the many hiking trails in Pittsburgh (or relatively nearby). Here are some of the best hiking trails in and near Pittsburgh, one for each month of the year.
Laurel Hill State Park, 1454 Laurel Hill Park Rd, Somerset, PA 15501, USA
Kick off a new year with a visit to Laurel Hill State Park, a popular year-round destination about an hour from downtown Pittsburgh. The park is home to 15 miles of hiking trails, including the one-mile Copper Kettle Trail. Beautiful in every season, the easy trail transforms into a winter wonderland after a fresh snowfall and features such seasonal scenery as a frozen Laurel Hill Lake. Start planning your winter trek by reading more about this picturesque state park in Pennsylvania in our previous article.
Powdermill Nature Reserve, 1795 PA-381, Rector, PA 15677, USA
Bundle up for your visit to Powdermill Nature Reserve, a gorgeous destination an hour from Pittsburgh that’s perfect for exploring on foot. Spanning more than 2,000 acres, the nature reserve features a series of year-round hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult. If you prefer easy, follow the Black Birch Trail. The trail follows a flowing creek and offers several benches, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the scenery. Learn more about this nature reserve in Pittsburgh in a previous article.
Advertisement
Mount Davis, Mt Davis, Elk Lick Township, PA 15558, USA
Journey to the highest point in Pennsylvania, which tallies 3,213 feet, by following the Mount Davis Trail. The easy trail clocks in at just an eighth of a mile and includes a viewing tower. Definitely wear a pair of comfy and sturdy shoes, especially if you plan to climb to the top of the tower. Gorgeous views await at the top – no matter the season. Take a peek at the scenic beauty that awaits on one of the most beautiful Pittsburgh hikes.
Advertisement
Raccoon Creek State Park, 3000 PA-18, Hookstown, PA 15050, USA
Drink in the fresh air and the colors of spring with a stroll along the Jennings Trail at Raccoon Creek State Park. The trail meanders just over a mile and a half through the Wildflower Reserve, dotted with colorful wildflowers. If you’re up for a full day of fun, connect to other trails from the Jennings Trail, so you can explore the entire Wildflower Reserve and its 700 species of plants. Read more about one of the best
Pittsburgh trails in our previous article.
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
So far this year, we’ve traveled to beautiful outdoor destinations outside of the city. For May, however, head downtown to the Riverfront Trail, part of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. The seven-mile trail boasts stellar views of the city skyline and will take you along the Ohio and Allegheny Rivers. If you’re hiking on a really warm day, you might be lucky enough to find the water steps running – the perfect way to cool down before continuing your trek. Discover why this is one of the best Pittsburgh hikes in any season.
Moraine State Park, 225 Pleasant Valley Rd, Portersville, PA 16051, USA
A summer day at Moraine State Park promises plenty of fun and opportunities to explore. The scenic Sunken Garden Trail offers three paths, ranging from 1.9 miles to 3.6 miles. Each is dotted with gorgeous scenery, including beautiful views of Lake Arthur, picturesque footbridges, and lush foliage. Read more about this scenic trail in Pittsburgh in our previous article.
Related Stories
The Creepiest Hike Near Pittsburgh Takes You Through The Ruins Of An Abandoned Factory
Breathe In The Fresh Air On These 5 Winter Hikes Near Pittsburgh
8 Picturesque Trails Around Pittsburgh That Are Perfect For Winter Hiking
Ohiopyle State Park, 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470, USA
Bring your swimming gear for your jaunt along Meadow Run Trail at Ohiopyle State Park. Tallying three miles, the picturesque trail is chock full of beauty. Walk behind Cucumber Falls, for example, before checking out Ohiopyle Falls. Cool down on those simmering hot days with a glide down the Meadow Run Natural Waterslides, a unique summer adventure. Learn more about this one-of-a-kind hiking trail near Pittsburgh by checking out our previous article.
McConnells Mill State Park, 1761 McConnells Mill Rd, Portersville, PA 16051, USA
At just a half of a mile, Hells Hollow Trail offers an easy adventure and packs a whole lot of scenic punch. During August the entire trail is painted in shades of lush green, giving it an enchanting aura. The highlight of the trail, however, is Hells Hollow Falls, perfect for snapping photos and selfies. Read more about this waterfall hike in Pittsburgh.
Advertisement
Forbes State Forest, Cook Township, PA 15677, USA
September, usually in the later part of the month, means the leaves will begin changing, providing a stunning backdrop for a leisurely hike. Wolf Rocks Trail meanders 4.5 miles through Forbes State Forest, offering sensational views of the changing foliage. The highlight of the trail is a stop at Wolf Rocks, a geological wonder that dates back more than 300 million years. Find out why Wolf Rocks Trail promises some of the best hiking in Pittsburgh.
Twin Lakes Park, 219 Twin Lakes Rd, Latrobe, PA 15650, USA
A popular destination all year round, Twin Lakes Park takes on a magical aura when painted in the colors of fall. Follow the 2.4-mile Twin Lakes Loop Trail to admire the colorful scenery. Along the way, you’ll be treated to views of local wildlife, towering trees, and the shimmering lake. Get a glimpse at why this is one of the prettiest Pittsburgh trails in the fall.
Linn Run State Park, 770 Linn Run Rd, Stahlstown, PA 15687, USA
November takes us to Linn Run State Park and a one-mile trail that’s packed full of surprises. The Flat Rock Trail, in fact, leads to ruins of the once-thriving McGinnis Rod and Gun Club. You’ll also pass a waterfall and a swimming hole. (Keep that in mind if you want to check out the trail in the summer, too.) Learn more about this breathtaking trail near Pittsburgh in a previous article.
Emerald View Park Trail, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Let’s bid a fond farewell to another year with a journey along the Emerald View Trail in Pittsburgh. The 2.3-mile trail is all about sensational views – especially from the top of Mount Washington. Don’t forget to bring your camera along on this dog-friendly trail. Discover why this picturesque path earns a spot on the list of the most beautiful trails in Pittsburgh.
What are your favorite scenic trails in Pittsburgh? Did any make this list? Let us know in the comments! If you’re up for a day of chasing waterfalls, follow this day trip to seven gorgeous waterfalls in and near Pittsburgh.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
Hiking Trails In Pittsburgh
Are there any kid-friendly hikes in Pittsburgh?
One of the best ways to get out and explore is with the kiddos. Fortunately, we can find a slew of kid-friendly trails in Pittsburgh. Here are just a few kid-friendly hikes in Pittsburgh worth checking out:
- Fall Run Trail in Glenshaw tallies just over a mile and leads to the only waterfall in Allegheny County.
- The Harmony Trail in Wexford spans just one mile along crushed gravel. Wear comfy shoes.
- Marvel at colorful flowers along the 1.5-mile Art Wit Trail in Raccoon Creek State Park.
- Follow the trail to Buttermilk Falls in New Florence, a towering 40-foot waterfall that you can walk behind. (You’ll get wet.) It also features two smaller cascades and quotes from Mister Rogers along the path.
- Set off on the half-mile McCune Run Trail through Keystone State Park.
Are there any hiking trails in Pittsburgh that you can hike at any time of the year?
Hiking’s an all-season activity in Pittsburgh. We’ve got a full menu of trails in Pittsburgh that you can hike year-round, including:
- Eliza Furnace Trail runs 3.6 miles and is predominately flat.
- The 2.3-mile Emerald View Trail promises breathtaking views of the Pittsburgh skyline.
- The South Side Steps & Hills Walk, which tallies 3.8 miles, is somewhat challenging but leads to stellar views of the skyline. Be careful of slippery conditions in the winter and after it rains.