7 Gorgeous Parks That Prove Pittsburgh Is Pennsylvania's Most Scenic City
By Beth Price-Williams|Published October 23, 2018
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Most of us would probably agree, if asked, that Pennsylvania’s a pretty beautiful state, right? And, if we were pressed even further, we might even enthusiastically tout Pittsburgh as its most scenic city. Others might ask us to provide proof of that statement. And, we can – quite easily. These seven beautiful parks in Pittsburgh are just a small sampling of the sheer natural (and manmade) beauty that dots the city landscape.
Spread across 456 acres, Schenley Park has been a favorite since it first opened in 1889. The picturesque park boasts plenty of wooded areas, trails, a swimming pool in the summer, and an ice skating rink in the winter. And, it offers spectacular views of the city skyline.
Frick Park promises plenty of ways to drink in its natural beauty. Embark on one of the trails that winds through the 644-acre park. Or, bring your binoculars to watch for some of the 100 species of birds recorded in the park. Frick Park's also home to children's playgrounds, including the Blue Slide Park, and the Frick Environmental Center.
Stroll through Highland Park to get a glimpse of all that it has to offer - from a regal fountain to a shimmering swimming pool. Explore the park, which opened in 1879, via the Reservoir Loop Trail. Of course, the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium also reside in Highland Park.
Pack a picnic lunch, so you can really enjoy the beauty of Mellon Park. Perhaps the masterpiece of the quaint park, the walled garden overlooks a fountain. And, when the sun goes down, the park's illuminated by lights shimmering in the grass.
Pittsburgh's oldest park certainly deserves a mention. A Pittsburgh favorite since 1867, Allegheny Commons Park features a picturesque footbridges, tree-lined paths, and Lake Elizabeth, the latter of which is popular with kayakers. Stroll along the paths, flanked by more than 1,000 trees in the park, and stop to admire the ducks and geese wading in the water.
Stroll under the shade of the majestic trees at West End-Elliot Overlook Park, perhaps most popular for its spellbinding views of the city skyline. But, the park also offers lush gardens and benches dotted throughout, so you can enjoy the scenery.
A list of beautiful parks in Pittsburgh certainly wouldn't be complete without Point State Park. The quaint 36-acre park, the site of countless festivals and activities throughout the year, sits at the confluence of the Allegheny, Ohio, and Monongahela Rivers. Of course, the masterpiece of the park just might be the fountain, a favorite spot for Pittsburghers to gather and to dip their feet on hot days.
Of course, these are just some of the beautiful parks in Pittsburgh. What are your favorites? Join the conversation in the comments. Then, click here to view some of the most staggeringly beautiful photos of Pittsburgh.
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