The centerpiece of Settlers Cabin Park is a log cabin constructed in the late 18th century by John Henry , in an area inhabited by several indigenous peoples . The area was ceded to Great Britain in 1768 by the Iroquois , and the cabin is dated as circa 1780 . The cabin is referred to as the Walker-Ewing-Glass House , in recognition of the three families who managed to scrape out a life in the austere shelter of its log timbers .
The park is built on an area that was the site of coal mining from the early 1900s , which continued until the 1960s when Allegheny County acquired the land in 1966 . It encompasses parts of North Fayette , Collier and Robinson townships . Settlers Cabin Park is the third largest of the nine parks in the county with more than 1,600 acres . In 1998 , Pittsburgh Botanic Garden was established within the park , highlighting the natural flower and plant life of the area . The garden comprises about 30 % of the park .
Settlers Cabin Park is also home to a popular wave pool , tennis courts and a dek hockey rink . With so many outdoor amenities , it ’ s not surprising that some visitors miss the natural beauty of the park . But trails there have an exceptional display of wildflowers located at the northern end of Pinkertons Run stream , and rare plant species dot the area . Wild geraniums , wild licorice , cream violets and Virginia bluebells all grow within the park . Other plants with colorful names include false mermaid , Jack-in-thepulpit , and Solomon ’ s seal . An uncommon sight in southwestern
Pennsylvania is a tufted grassy plant called James Sedge , which grows along the trails in limited areas .
All of these wonderful plants are under the umbrella of a collection of white oak trees , sugar maple , black cherry , American elm and other diverse trees that grow in the forested valleys , and peaceful streams traverse the park . Sadly , the ash trees have been under attack in recent years from diseases and pests . The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and the Allegheny County Parks Foundation work to preserve the soil and plants of the area , and both organizations have volunteer opportunities for those who enjoy being close to the land .
The trails that meander through the park are color-coded . And a highlight of the Green Trail ( and the park ) is a natural waterfall . This trail is also known as the Waterfall Trail . Though small , it ’ s a beautiful hidden spot at the northern end of Pinkertons Run stream . Its calming sound and the enclave of trees surrounding it make a lovely place to pause and enjoy the changing seasons .
The Allegheny County Parks Foundation website has a guide that can be downloaded , with detailed directions and descriptive landmarks to reach the waterfall , at acparksfoundation . org / trails / settlers-cabin-park-waterfall-green-trail .
If you ’ ve only been to the cabin at Settlers Cabin Park , it ’ s time to venture farther afield and see the natural world that you ’ ve been missing !
For more information , visit alleghenycounty . us / Parksand-Events . n
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