We Pittsburghers are fortunate to live within driving distance of a plethora of state parks. Some of them – Moraine State Park and Keystone State Park, for example – are household names, but, did you know there is a smattering of other, lesser-known state parks near the city of Pittsburgh? Some are tiny, while others stretch thousands of acres. Here are seven of them that you’ll definitely want to visit ASAP:

1. Allegheny Islands State Park – Cheswick
Allegheny Islands State Park, Cheswick, PA 15024, USA
Clint/Wikimedia
Discover one of the most remote state parks near Pittsburgh. You can only access Allegheny Islands State Park, spanning 50 acres, via boat. Explore the undeveloped park via the footpaths. Popular activities include wildlife watching, fishing, and boating. Camping is only permitted for groups with permission from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Click here to learn more about this fascinating little slice of wilderness.
2. Hillman State Park – Burgettstown
Hillman State Park, Burgettstown, PA 15021, USA
Clint/Wikimedia
Hillman State Park, about 35 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh, spans more than 3,500 acres. The day park hosts such popular activities as mountain biking, horseback riding, and wildlife watching. Or, explore the park on one of the nearly 40 miles of hiking trails. Hillman State Park also boasts a model airplane field. Read more about Hillman State Park here!
3. Ryerson Station State Park – Graysville
361 Bristoria Rd, Graysville, PA 15337, USA
Chris Collins/Flickr
Journey less than an hour and a half to the picturesque Ryerson Station State Park. The park promises plenty of fun all year around. On those cold winter days, go cross country skiing, snowmobiling, or sledding. Of course, the state park also features such warm weather activities as swimming, fishing, and picnicking. Embark on one of the 13 miles of hiking trails. Or, spend the night at one of the rustic camp sites or rent a cottage. Read more about this wonderful state park here.

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4. Laurel Hill State Park – Somerset
1454 Laurel Hill Park Rd, Somerset, PA 15501, USA
Achim Barczok/Flickr
Laurel Hill State Park sprawls across nearly 4,000 acres. The enchanting state park offers 15 miles of trails, ranging from easy to difficult. Spend the day swimming, mountain biking, or boating. Pack your gear for a camping adventure. Laurel Hill State Park has 262 campsites, including two lodges and camping cottages. Click here to read more about this gorgeous state park!
5. Kooser State Park – Somerset
943 Glades Pike, Somerset, PA 15501, USA
Trip Advisor/banewman
Tucked away in the Laurel Highlands, Kooser State Park spreads across a cozy 250 acres. The tiny state park offers only 1.5 miles of hiking. Embark on Tree Army Trail, the easy trail at only half of a mile, that will lead you to a picturesque stream. Other popular activities include picnicking and fishing. Click here for more information about Kooser State Park.
6. Linn Run State Park – Rector
770 Linn Run Rd, Rector, PA 15677, USA
Trip Advisor/Johnathan K.
Slip away to Linn Run State Park, a snug state park at only 612 acres. Spend the day horseback riding, wildlife watching, or hiking. Linn Run State Park offers an array of hiking trails totaling 6.25 miles. The one-mile Adams Fall Trail will lead you to a picturesque mountain waterfall and large boulders. Read more about Linn Run State Park here.
7. Laurel Ridge State Park – Rockwood
Laurel Ridge State Park, Rockwood, PA 15557, USA
Wikipedia/CrCollins
Over an hour and a half from downtown Pittsburgh, Laurel Ridge State Parks stretches across 13,625 acres. The picturesque state park is best known for the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, which spans 70 miles. Other popular activities at the park include camping, wildlife watching, and picnicking. Read more on the official website.

What are your favorite state parks near Pittsburgh? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! Then, click here to read more about Highland Park, one of Pittsburgh’s most popular parks.

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More to Explore

State Parks to Visit Near Pittsburgh

Tori Jane | January 08, 2022

Where are the best parks in Pittsburgh?  

Who says you can’t enjoy the great outdoors in a big city? We certainly don’t! Pittsburgh is home to some truly wonderful parks, trails, and other outdoors activities to kill time even during the warmest (and coldest) months of the year. Some of the best parks in Pittsburgh include gems like Riverview Park, on Riverview Avenue, and Frick Park, on Beechwood Boulevard. We also really love Schenley Park, which lots of folks might just argue is THE best one in town, and there’s no shortage of state parks around here, either, like Point State Park, which features boating, hiking, and all sorts of other fun and interesting activities to partake in. There are also wonderful places like Grandview, which features, well, grand views of the city, and several riverfront parks like North Shore Riverfront Park, Allegheny Riverfront Park, and South Shore Riverfront Park. No matter which of these (and then some) you choose to spend the day at, you’re in for a wonderful adventure!  

What are some of the best hiking trails in Pittsburgh?  

Pittsburgh might be a city, but that doesn’t mean it’s without its fair share of hiking paths and trails to adventure upon. There are many, each varying in length and difficulty; should you be hoping for a more low-key afternoon, you might want to try any one of Pittsburgh’s wonderful shorter trails. We’re big fans of the Ohiopyle Ferncliff Trail, which is 100% funny-sounding name and 150% natural wonder. The trail is nestled in western Pennsylvania, not far from the Pitts. While in the area, you might also want to check out Meadow Run Trail, which features an absolutely spellbinding waterfall and is open from May to September. If you prefer something more in-town, check out the Spring Hollow Trail, which is hiding in Beechwood Farms Nature Preserve (which is in Pittsburgh, not outside of). For more information about each of these trails and then some, check this article out. You’re sure to find something to fall in love with in there!  

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