Hiking just might be the perfect outdoor activity. We can spend time outdoors – in the city or in the middle of nowhere – and explore any time of the year. If we’ve got the right shoes and clothing, we won’t be out any extra cash, and we can hike with others or alone if we need a bit of peace and quiet. When you’re not in the mood to trek too far from the city, here are five of the best hikes in Pittsburgh that are worth a try.

1. North Shore Riverfront Trail
All Trails/Carlos Santana
North Shore Riverfront Trail is part of the longer Three Rivers Heritage Trail, a 33-mile trail that travels through the city. However, the North Shore Riverfront Trail clocks in at just over 10 miles and spans from Millvale Riverfront Park to the North Shore. Along the way, you’ll pass a ton of Pittsburgh favorites – PNC Park, Heinz Field, the Carnegie Science Center, and Mister Roger’s statue. During the summer, you might want to cool off on the water steps. You can find more information at All Trails about the North Shore Riverfront Trail.
2. South Side Steps & Hills Walk
All Trails/Brendon Carroll
Pittsburgh’s got a ton of stairs. With 712 staircases in the city, in fact, Pittsburgh has more steps than anywhere else in the United States. Experience just a few of those stairs on the 3.8-mile South Side Steps and Hills Walk. You’ll definitely get a workout along this trail as you climb up and down staircases. The effort is certainly worth it for some of the gorgeous views you’ll see, too. Check out the map for South Side Steps & Hills Walk on All Trails.

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3. Eliza Furnace Trail
All Trails/Angela Rodriguez Leedy
The Eliza Furnace Trail boasts an abundance of views of both the city skyline and the parkway. Tallying 3.6 miles, the trail is predominately flat, and it’s mostly paved. You’ll pass such beautiful scenery as Schenley Park and even the Allegheny County Jail. Expect noise from the traffic on the parkway. If you need a break, you’ll find benches dotted along the trail, too. Find more information on the Eliza Furnace Trail on All Trails.
4. Emerald View Trail
All Trails/Charles Wood
You definitely don’t want to forget your camera when you set off on the Emerald View Trail. The 2.3-mile trail is drenched with gorgeous views – of the downtown skyline, of Point State Park (particularly pretty if the fountain is on), and of Heinz Field. As you hike, you’ll pass through both the woods and the city. (Be prepared for spotty cell service, too.) Take a peek at the map of and find more information on the Emerald View Trail on All Trails.
5. Panther Hollow Trail
All Trails/Amanda Bisesi
Panther Hollow Trail meanders 1.9 miles through Schenley Park in Oakland. Trek through a beautiful wooded area that will take you past Panther Hollow Lake. Even though you’re close to the busyness of Oakland, you’ll likely feel a million miles away on this quiet and easy trail. Find a map of Panther Hollow Trail on All Trails.

Do you agree these are some of the best hikes in Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments! If you just want to get away from it all and spend time among nature, plan a day at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden in Oakdale.

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Best Hikes In Pittsburgh

Beth Price-Williams | March 25, 2022

Are there any historical hiking trails near me in Pittsburgh?

Chances are that no matter where you live, either in the city or in one of its suburbs, you’ll find a historical hiking trail near you. Tallying 36 miles, the Ghost Town Trail runs through Indiana and Cambria Counties and passes the remains of several once-thriving coal towns. You’ll even pass the historic Eliza Furnace. The trail features several trailheads, so you can do it all at one time or jump on and off at your convenience. Follow the Gerard Hiking Trail, in Oil Creek State Park, that offers a glimpse at such historical spots as Drake Well and Miller’s Farm. Since the trail is long at 36 miles, you might want to make an overnight of it. You can reserve an Adirondack in advance, and camping is allowed throughout the state park. If you’re up for an epic adventure, set off on the Great Allegheny Passage, a 150-mile trail that travels from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland.

Are there any easy hiking trails at Raccoon Creek State Park?

Pittsburgh and her suburbs are home to an abundance of parks – from neighborhood to county parks. We can’t forget the tiny but mighty Point State Park, right in town, either. However, if you’re up for venturing a bit outside of the city, plan a day at Raccoon Creek State Park in Hookstown, only 30 miles from downtown Pittsburgh. The park is picture-perfect year round, and you’ll definitely want to visit in each season. Celebrate spring with a trek along one of the hiking trails in the Wildflower Preserve, where you can stop and smell the blossoming wildflowers. Bring along all of your beach gear in the summer for a day lounging on the sandy beach and cooling off in Raccoon Lake. An autumn visit is a must for the fall foliage, and wintertime means a ton of fun activities – from hiking and cross-country skiing to snowmobiling and ice skating.

 

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Featured Addresses
Pittsburgh, PA 15212, USA
South Side Flats, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, USA
Eliza Furnace Trail Entrance, Second Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
Emerald View Park Trail, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Panther Hollow Trail, Pittsburgh, PA, USA