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 log 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 there. But the trails through the park 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-the-pulpit, 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, 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 plant 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. A highlight of the Green Trail( and the park) is a natural waterfall. This path 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 surrounding enclave of trees make it a lovely place to pause and enjoy the changing seasons. The Allegheny County Parks Foundation has a guide that can be downloaded, offering detailed directions and descriptive landmarks for reaching 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 on the park, visit alleghenycounty. us / parks-and-events. n
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