Hiking is Nature’ s Therapy
Pleasant Valley Park
2557 Pleasant Valley Road, Murrysville; 724.327.4100, or murrysville. com
Nature lovers will appreciate hiking and mountain biking through these wooded trails and old farm roads. Open fields and remote valleys await the visitor.
Townsend Park
130 Townsend Park Court, Murrysville; 724.327.4100, or murrysville. com
Take in stunning views of the Laurel Mountains at an elevation of 1,340 feet on the. 65-mile hike of Heart Attack Hill Trail! This park has more than 4 miles of hiking paths for the novice to the expert.
IN NORWIN
Braddock’ s Trail Park
3699 Turner Valley Road, North Huntingdon; 724.863.3806, or township. north-huntingdon. pa. us
Hike on this 147-acre park’ s trails and relax while passing by a magical waterfall and seeing beautiful wildflowers, trees and birds.
Bushy Run Battlefield
1253 Bushy Run Road, Jeannette; 724.527.5584, or bushyrunbattlefield. com
Take a hike on historic grounds! Learn about this 250-acre area, which was the site of a British victory over seven tribes of Indians in 1763. There are 5 miles of trails maintained by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and operated by the Bushy Run Battlefield Heritage Society. For more information, visit the website.
Cedar Creek Gorge Trail Loop
Cedar Creek Park, 108 Evergreen Drive, Belle Vernon; 724.929.4352, or westmorelandcountypa. gov
Go hiking in a natural paradise this spring! Marvel at water cascading over natural shale steps in a deep gorge cut by Cedar Creek. View the wildflowers or do some birdwatching as you explore.
Coke and Coal Trail
Willow Park, 153 Center Avenue, Mount Pleasant; westmorelandcountypa. gov
Mountain bike or hike along Jacobs Creek, past old coke ovens, scenic wooded areas and wildlife in Westmoreland County. This trail was built on the former Pennsylvania Railroad corridor, which was used to transport coal and coke in the early 1900s. It connects the communities of Mount Pleasant and Scottdale.
Keystone State Park
1150 Keystone Park Road, Derry; 724.668.2939, or dcnr. state. pa. us
A day trip full of adventure is waiting for you at this 1,200-acre park! Bike on the 2-mile Lakeside Trail or try one of the 8 miles of trails geared for every skill level.
IN OAKMONT-PENN HILLS-VERONA
Dark Hollow Woods Park
Pennsylvania Avenue( just past 15th Street), Oakmont; 412.828.3232, or oakmontborough. com
Take your dog for a walk in this outdoor oasis! Hike on forested trails at various elevations along Plum Creek. The trails are maintained by the Garden Club of Oakmont, Oakmont Trails and community volunteers. Visit the website and Facebook page for ways to help.
Oakmont Arboretum Trail
Allegheny River Boulevard, Oakmont; 412.828.3232, or oakmontborough. com Take an atmospheric hike through the charming town of Oakmont on this beautifully landscaped 1.4-mile trail that runs parallel to the railroad tracks, displaying trees that are not found anywhere else in the area.
Penn Hills Community Garden
1162 Jefferson Road, Penn Hills; pennhillscdc. org
Get inspired by hiking around this beautiful community garden that is sponsored by Penn Hills Community Development Corporation! The garden contains more than 100 garden beds! Along with a workout, you’ ll get some great gardening inspiration. Visit the website for the hours of operation, or ways to get involved with this worthwhile community project.
Penn Hills Park
120 Colorado Street, Verona; 412.795.3500, or pennhillspa. gov
Enjoy a spring hike right in this park that features a walking trail and borders the Dark Hollow Woods trails. It contains plenty of green space for a rejuvenating hike.
IN PLUM
Larry Mills Park
Fontana Drive, Holiday Park; 412.795.6800, or plumboro. com
Fresh air and exercise are close by at this 32-acre park full of lush, green space and bordered by deciduous trees. Visit the website for more information.
IN WOODLAND HILLS
Bullock-Pens Park
3200 McCrady Road, Churchill; 412.241.7113, or churchillborough. com
Combine learning and hiking! This park features many examples of the biological, geological and aquatic nature found in western Pennsylvania. The trail begins at the upper( Biber) shelter, crosses Chalfant Run with two footbridges, and winds through a forest of oak and maple.
Forest Hills Park and Arboretum
Ardmore Boulevard and Braddock Road, Forest Hills; 412.351.7330, or foresthillspa. org
This trail is centrally located right in Forest Hills Borough! It traverses the park with a nice mix of trees and green space, perfect for a spring hike.
Frick Park
2005 Beechwood Boulevard, Squirrel Hill; 412.255.2539, or pittsburghparks. org / frick
With 600 acres of woodlands and approximately 10 miles of trails, this park is the largest of Pittsburgh’ s park system and is a great choice for hiking, road and mountain biking. ■
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