Get back to Nature: 6 Pittsburgh Parks to Explore
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
I love the city of Pittsburgh (in fact, I think it is one of the most underrated), but it can get pretty busy during the summer months. While Mike and I head to a lot of the big touristy attractions like The Warhol and Carnegie museums and the PPG Zoo most weekends, sometimes we need a break from the urban congestion, traffic, and commotion. Fortunately, there are plenty of easily accessible green spaces throughout the metro.
A great park is always within easy reach no matter what activities you have planned for the day in whichever part of the city. The mix of urban and natural amenities no matter where you go is one of the things I love most about this city.
Taking a quick drive through the city, you will notice more urban clutter than green spaces. Despite the urban appearance, the city is actually home to 165 parks. While the park system may not be as extensive as that found in many larger cities located nearby mountain or coastal areas, numerous options exist if you want to refresh and rejuvenate in nature. I always find myself more refreshed and energized even if I take the time out for a quick 30 minute nature walk. From state parks, to riverfront parks, to small local gems, there are plenty of options throughout the metro.
After living in the ‘Burgh for about a year, I have devised a guide of my favorite local parks. Get out there, get in a bit of exercise, leave the phone at home, and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature!
1. Frick Park
My favorite place within the city limits to take a refreshing hike is Frick Park. At 644 acres, this is the largest municipal park in the city. This park features several miles of wooded hiking and biking trails, and thus, hiking here feels the most like “a real hike in the woods” to me. I love the tall trees lining the paths. Frick has been referred to as Pittsburgh’s Woodland Park, a very fitting nickname.
The heavy tree coverage means plenty of shade even on the sunniest summer days. On your first visit, I recommend starting with the 1 mile North to South Clayton loop trail. It’s green, wildlife is abundant, and it’s the perfect distance for a light workout. This is the trail we typically choose in between other activities as it is short and scenic.
A few views of the fall foliage lining the trails and surrounding the park in October. The ‘Burgh is such a great city for anyone who loves the autumn season. We love seeing the colors everywhere.
While you are in the vicinity, I also recommend checking out The Frick, a small collection of historic museums which includes a car and carriage and art museum. Tickets are required but admission is free. For more details, please check out The Frick website.
Location: 2005 Beechwood Blvd. Free parking and admission to the environmental center.
2. Schenley Park
This 456 acre park is home to a number of woodsy trails and a few of the city’s most popular attractions including Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (this is on my list of must-do’s during the winter months).
Other amenities include: a golf course, a winter ice rink, food kiosks and a full service restaurant (The Porch at Schenley), a seasonal swimming pool, and a historic carousel.
In my experience, the best thing to do here is to enjoy one of the hiking trails. The scenery is beautiful and wildlife is abundant (deer can frequently be seen in the morning hours). There are a number of woodsy trails to choose amongst.
I recommend the 5 mile Double Loop trail which takes you through the entirety of the park. We have seen so many deer here in the early morning hours and it is a great place to bird watch!
See the Schenley map to plan your route.
Location: 101 Panther Hollow Rd. Parking is metered per hour (free on Sundays).
3. Highland Park
This park was created in 1879 due to the city’s need for a municipal water system. Today, you can enjoy a 1 mile stroll around the reservoir. The highlight here is a beautiful seasonal flower garden and fountain with reflecting pool. I love strolling around on cloudy days, however, I often avoid this park during the summer as there is zero shade.
I also like taking a stroll during the leaf peeping season. It’s not the most colorful trail, but a convenient choice if you are visiting other city attractions. Take a look.
Other amenities include: picnicking areas, playgrounds, and a number of small hiking trails through the woods.
Location: 1467 N Highland Ave. Parking is free.
After strolling around the park, I usually head over to the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium. It’s just minutes away. I am a member and it’s a great little zoo for a morning workout. I recommend a season pass if you live in the region.
4. Settlers Cabin Park
This large 1600 acre park is located a quick 10-15 minute drive from downtown. Along with offering hiking trails, tennis courts, playgrounds, a seasonal wave pool, and picnic shelters, it’s the only place in the city where you can see a waterfall (via the 1.9 mile Green Loop trail). This alone makes it worthy of a visit, although I will say there are more scenic waterfalls nearby.
The Green Loop trail is shady and lined with pretty green trees. Due to the heavy tree coverage, this is also a great leaf peeping destination (check out more of my favorite fall color hikes in the area).
Location: 608 Ridge Rd. Parking is free.
5. Robin Hill Park
While this park is farthest away from the city on my list, it’s also the most scenic and quiet. You will find no tourists enjoying the quiet nature trails at this small community park. This is my go-to park living in nearby Moon Township. The setting is really rustic and natural; I find it so much more inspiring than a boring gym treadmill workout.
Out of all the parks in the metro, this one reminds me most of the beautiful woodsy preserves found throughout New England (I lived in Massachusetts for several years). There are also some nice hills, so you can get in a little workout and skip the gym for the day.
This park is most beautiful during the summer and falls months. I love the lush setting in summer and the colorful golden leaves lining the trail in autumn. As you can see from my pics, there are no crowds in either season.
Note: At the start of the Log Cabin trail, you will pass an old cabin from the 1800’s.
To view the trail map, please visit the Moon Park rec site.
Location: 949 Thorn Run Rd, Coraopolis
6. Moon Park
This is one of the largest parks in the metro area and one that offers the most amenities. Moon Township, a small town/suburb, is located about 25 minutes outside of the city. I enjoy living here because it is peaceful but also just a quick drive into the city; basically you get to enjoy the best of both worlds.
This park is usually pretty laid-back and quiet, and thus, the perfect escape from city life. Amenities include: lighted tennis and basketball courts, baseball fields, playgrounds, free summer concerts and movies, and a beautiful hiking trail. I really love their summer concert series and the 4th of July festival.
My favorite activity here is jogging and hiking. As a resident of Moon, I heavily used this park for tennis, hiking, jogging, and leaf peeping! There are over 3 miles of leafy hiking trails available so you can get in a good workout without stepping foot into a gym. I like that the trails feel like actual hikes not sidewalk park trails. I’ve rarely seen another hiker anytime I visit, morning or evening. Like Robin Hill, this one is also gorgeous at the peak of fall.
Location: 1350 Ewing Rd. Parking is free.
More metro attractions to add to your bucket list
My Pennsylvania Travel Guide covers all the best attractions, restaurants, and events I’ve enjoyed over my year living here. You’ll also find some great recommendations in Philly.
