Can you think of a better way to enjoy all that Pittsburgh – and the surrounding area – has to offer than by setting off on a picturesque hike? Nothing quite compares to a hike, which allows us to breathe in the fresh air, embrace nature, and cross paths with local wildlife. If you’re not sure where to start, here are 12 of the best hikes in Pittsburgh that are worth exploring any time of the year.

1. Copper Kettle Trail – Laurel Hill State Park
Facebook/Laurel Hill State Park Complex
Meandering through Laurel Hill State Park, Copper Kettle Trail is a picture-perfect hike no matter what time of the year you set off. (If you're a fan of winter, you'll definitely want to plan to hike it after a fresh snowfall.) The hike spans a single mile and passes such natural beauty as a lake. Head over to the official website of Laurel Hill State Park for more information.
2. Fall Run Trail – Glenshaw
All Trails/Mike Miller
At just one-mile, Fall Run Trail is an easy hike that's perfect for adults and kids of all ages. The trail leads straight to Fall Run Waterfall, which cascades down 30 feet. Snap photos at the base of the waterfall and, if you're up for it, ascend the staircase that will lead you to the top of the waterfall and more sensational views. Learn more on the official website of Fall Run Park.
3. North Shore Riverfront Trail – Pittsburgh
All Trails/Clement Gyan
Part of the larger, city-wide Three Rivers Heritage Trail, the North Shore Riverfront Trail spans seven miles from Millvale to the North Shore. Along the way, you'll pass such pretty scenery as the river, PNC Park, and the Carnegie Science Center. Check out more on the official website of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail.
4. Emerald View Trail – Pittsburgh
All Trails/Leigh Morgan
Stay right in the city when you set off on the Emerald View Trail, a two-mile trek that offers sensational views from atop Mount Washington. The trail winds through Duquense Heights and Allentown, and you'll have to climb some of those famous Pittsburgh hills. Here's the official website of Emerald View Park.
5. Jennings Trail – Raccoon Creek State Park
Facebook/Raccoon Creek State Park
Jennings Trail at Raccoon Creek State Park is a picture-perfect trail, especially during the warmer months when the wildflowers are blooming. The picturesque trail tallies 1.5 miles and leads through the Wildflower Preserve, brimming with beautiful flowers. Stop by the official website of Raccoon Creek State Park for more information.
6. Meadow Run Trail – Ohiopyle State Park
Flickr/Jon Dawson
On those scorching summer days in Pittsburgh, you can't go wrong with a visit to Ohiopyle State Park. Take your swimsuit and towel, too, especially if you plan to follow the three-mile Meadow Run Trail. It leads straight to natural waterslides, perfect for cooling down. Find more information on the official website of Ohiopyle State Park.

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7. Kildoo Trail – McConnells Mill State Park
All Trails/Matt Roman
The three-mile Kildoo Trail is rated moderate, but the challenge is more than worth it for all of the scenery it boasts. You'll pass an enchanting covered bridge, a waterfall, and Slippery Rock Creek. Be sure to wear sturdy hiking boots as the terrain can be rocky and, in some parts, slippery. Here's the official website of McConnells Mill State Park.
8. Buttermilk Falls – Beaver Falls
Flickr/Joanna Poe
Stroll about 10 to 15 minutes through Buttermilk Falls Natural Area to arrive at the waterfall with the same name. The beautiful cascade tumbles down 40 feet, and the pool into which it falls is popular with waders in the summer. You can even walk behind Buttermilk Falls for a unique view. Here's more information on Buttermilk Falls Park.
9. Lower Riverview Trail – Frick Park
Flickr/corbin_dana
Feel a million miles away from it all, when you're just minutes from town, at Frick Park. The trails are pretty all year around, but wait until you see them drenched in the colors of fall. The Lower Riverview Trail tallies just under a mile and features a footbridge. It's popular with dog walkers, bikers, and joggers, so it can get busy at times. (The fall foliage makes it all worth it, though.) Stop by the official website of Frick Park for more information.
10. Pleasant Valley Trail – Moraine State Park
Flickr/Kristie
At just under two miles, Pleasant Valley Trail boasts sensational fall foliage, although it's perfect all year around. The easy hike near Pittsburgh will lead you through grassy meadows as the autumn sun peeks down through the colorful leaves. Bring a picnic along, too, and make a day of it if you have the time. Find more information on the official website of Moraine State Park.
11. Panther Hollow Trail – Oakland
All Trails/Debbie Zhu
Panther Hollow Trail winds through Oakland's Schenley Park and is popular all year around. You might even catch sight of local wildlife like deer and turkey. Drink in gorgeous water views, and be prepared to climb some fairly steep stairs along your journey. Head over to the official website of Schenley Park to learn more.
12. Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve – Fox Chapel
Facebook/Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve – Audubon Society of Western PA
Tucked in Fox Chapel, Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve boasts a few scenic trails, all totaling five miles. If you're up for a day of hiking, you can explore all five miles of trails or just opt for one trail. Explore the nature reserve that's home to local wildlife, a shimmering pond, and colorful wildflowers in the warmer months. In the colder months, enjoy the brisk air and the snow-blanketed landscape. Learn more on the official website of Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve.

What do you think are the best hikes in Pittsburgh? Are any on this list? Let us know in the comments! If you’re on the hunt for more incredible trails in Pittsburgh, follow the Flat Rock Trail at Linn Run State Park that leads to fascinating ruins.

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More to Explore

Best Hikes In Pittsburgh

Beth Price-Williams | March 08, 2022

What are the best rail trails near Pittsburgh?

Western Pennsylvania’s known for its rich railroad history. Many of those now-defunct railroads have been transformed into rail trails, giving hikers a unique peek into the past. Most of the rail trails near Pittsburgh are pretty lengthy, but you can do them in sections or in one long burst. The Montour Trail, for example, spans nearly 50 miles and, if you want to do it over a few days, you’ll find several camping spots along the way. The Ghost Town Trail, which runs through Indiana and several other counties, passes former coal towns while the Panhandle Trail will take you all the way to West Virginia.

What are the best easy hikes in Pittsburgh?

Sometimes we crave a really good challenge, and there are a ton of hiking trails in Pittsburgh where we can test our stamina. However, when we just want a chill experience, we have just as many easy hikes in Pittsburgh that are waiting for us. Bring your pup and the kids along, or go solo on the Frick Park Trail, a picturesque five-mile path that’s particularly pretty when painted in fall’s colors. For a full day of hiking, plan a visit to Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve in Fox Chapel. It boasts nine easy trails, totaling five miles. Pass a picturesque footbridge as you find tranquility among the hustle and bustle of the city when you set off on the Highland Park Double Loop Trail, a two-mile hike that promises plenty of photo-worthy moments.

What is there to do at Ohiopyle State Park near Pittsburgh?

One of the prime spots for hiking and for exploration in Western Pennsylvania is Ohiopyle State Park, a little over an hour’s drive from downtown Pittsburgh. Brimming with scenic overlooks, lush green, and vibrant wildflowers, the state park draws visitors in all four seasons. It’s also home to Cucumber Falls and Ohiopyle Falls, the two most easily-accessible waterfalls in the park. Those looking to cool down in the summer zip down the Meadow Run Natural Waterslide. For a fun and scenic way to explore the park, follow one of the more than 80 miles of hiking trails.

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