IN GREENSBURG
Ann Rudd Saxman Nature Park
Donohoe Road, Greensburg; 724.830.3950, or westmorelandcountypa. gov
This 60-acre park may seem small for a spring hike, but its self-guided nature trail has an abundance of blooming trees, shrubs and plants to inspire and educate. Visit the website for more information.
Five Star Trail
Lynch Field Trailhead, 526 New Alexandria Road, Greensburg; 724.830.3950, or westmorelandcountypa. gov
Honoring the municipalities of Greensburg, South Greensburg, Southwest Greensburg, Youngwood and Hempfield, this 8-mile trail is great for hiking or biking with natural scenery and historical attractions.
Roaring Run Watershed
Canal Road, Apollo; roaringrunapollo. org The drive to Apollo is worth every minute when you take in the beauty of Rattling Run and Roaring Run. This 650- acre recreational area features spectacular waterfalls and majestic boulders peppered with flora and fauna. There are more than 12 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails available. The site is former coal mining land and an abandoned railroad, now owned by the Roaring Run Watershed Association, a nonprofit environmental organization. For more information, or ways to help maintain the area, visit the website.
Twin Lakes Park
Twin Lakes Road, Greensburg; 724.830.3950, or westmorelandcountypa. gov
On this 2.5-mile trail that borders the lower and upper Twin Lakes, you’ ll enjoy views of sun-lit sparkling water. A variety of wooded trails are also available for mountain biking. Visit the website for more information.
IN MCKEESPORT
Dead Man’ s Hollow
Liberty Way, McKeesport; alleghenylandtrust. org
Along the Youghiogheny River, this Allegheny Land Trust nature conservation area is 440 acres, with more than 2 miles of established hiking paths. Try the Ruins Trail, where you can see the remains of the former Union Sewer Pipe Factory, or the Dead Man’ s Trail, which features a three-trunk sycamore tree.
Great Allegheny Passage
McKees Point Trailhead, 100 Fifth Avenue, McKeesport; gaptrail. org
Awaiting you this spring is 150 miles of hiking and biking rail-trail between Cumberland, MD, and Pittsburgh. In Cumberland, the GAP joins the C & O Canal Towpath, creating a continuous 335-miles-long trail experience to Washington, DC. You’ ll pass picturesque rivers, lush mountain landscapes, sparkling streams and more.
Renziehausen Park Rose Garden and Arboretum
Eden Park Boulevard off Walnut Street, McKeesport; gardenclubofmckeesport. org
Experience a feast for all of your senses at this 3.5-acre display of roses, perennials, a water pond, herb garden and butterfly garden. Maintained by the Garden Club of McKeesport, the rose garden contains 1,200 rose bushes and an additional 300 miniature rose bushes. Visit the website for more information.
White Oak Park
3 Muse Lane, White Oak; 412.678.3774, or alleghenycounty. us / parks
This park features 810 acres of plants that exist nowhere else in the state, including trillium, wildflowers and groundcover plants. It also offers trails for hiking and biking with challenging hills.
IN MONROEVILLE
Boyce Park
675 Old Frankstown Road, Monroeville and Plum; 724.327.0338, or alleghenycounty. us / parks
For springtime hiking or mountain biking, 1,096-acre Boyce Park has it all! Try the atmospheric 2.2-mile Boyce Park Log Cabin Trail, featuring the Carpenter Homestead log cabin, with blooming trees and wildflowers. Want to travel to the top? Try trails leading up and around Indian Hill, which has an elevation of 1,360 feet. Visit the website for maps.
Want to help preserve the park trails, or learn more about hiking and biking events? Visit the Trail Pittsburgh website at trailpittsburgh. org.
Monroeville Park West
2399 Tilbrook Road, Monroeville; 412.856.1006, or monroeville. pa. us / 165 / Parks-Recreation
Rejuvenate your spirit with a spring hike at this local park! This green and lush landscaped park, which includes a flower garden, is equipped with both hiking trails and paved paths.
Westmoreland Heritage Trail westmorelandheritagetrail. com
Ride or walk through history along the Westmoreland Heritage Trail! Approximately 9 miles of the trail are completed and open from Saltsburg to Delmont. An additional 9.2 miles from Lincoln Avenue in Export to B-Y Park in Trafford are open and ready to use. The long-term goal is to acquire and construct a 22-mile hiking and bicycling trail from Saltsburg to Trafford.
IN MURRYSVILLE
Duff Park
4500 School Road South, Murrysville; 412.327.4100, or murrysville. com
Designated as a wild plant sanctuary by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, this natural 148-acre paradise is perfect for hiking or mountain biking. Try the 1.5- mile Funk Trail, which runs along Turtle Creek and crosses the creek twice.
Lillian Kellman Nature Reserve
3490 Kellman Drive, Murrysville; 412.327.4100, or murrysville. com
Get away from it all and spend some quality time with your dog! A hike on the wooded trails of this 56-acre reserve that borders the Skena Nature Reserve will be fun for both of you.
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OAKMONT-PENN HILLS-VERONA | SPRING 2025 21