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| Meta Description | Looking for the best hikes near Pittsburgh? This article lists out the best trails 15, 20, 30, and 45 minutes from downtown PGH! |
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| Boilerpipe Text | Looking to get outside near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania? Check out this list of trails within an hour of the city
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
I only recommend things I've tried myself or that a trusted peer has recommended
.
Thanks in advance for supporting my work!
Fall foliage in Frick is amazing
Table of Contents
Best Hikes 10 Minutes from Pittsburgh
Best Hikes 15 Minutes from Pittsburgh
Best Hikes 20 Minutes from Pittsburgh
Best Hikes 30 Minutes from Pittsburgh
Best Hikes 45 Minutes from Pittsburgh
Are you a busy day hiker who only wants to visit the best hikes near Pittsburgh? Me too!
As a hiker with a full time job, I need to minimize my travel time to maximize my outdoor time! But I don’t want to do trails that stink just because I need to stay close to home. That means I generally look for the trails that are less than an hour away. That way I can get to the trail head, get my hike in, and go home without spending my whole day traveling.
Read on for the best hikes close to Pittsburgh!
All driving distances below are denoted from downtown Pittsburgh. If a header has a link, that means that I’ve created a guide specifically for that location. Happy hiking!
As always, follow the principles of leave no trace when you're out exploring! Pack out all trash, leave wildlife alone, and generally leave it better than you found it - for more information visit the
Leave No Trace Center
.
Love Pennsylvania and can't get enough?
Preorder my book, Scenic Natural Wonders of Pennsylvania
, for detailed information about 84 amazing waterfalls, scenic overlooks, caves, and natural areas. Available April 15th!
Best Hikes 10 Minutes from Pittsburgh
Emerald View Trail
If you’re an out of town visitor with a busy schedule and you only have time for one hike, visit
Emerald View Park
. This park offers the BEST views of downtown Pittsburgh (known to locals as “dahntahn”). Take this trail for a
2.3 mile hike
through wooded areas that will pop you out to some great river views.
(Note: I personally prefer to do this trail as an out and back as the second half of the loop takes you through more residential areas, which I wanted to avoid).
If you’re with people who may not be able to manage a hike, you can park near the overlook and still get the same great views without the hike. This is a very urban-feeling hike, so if you’re looking to escape the city, keep reading!
Highly recommend visiting this park in winter when the views are best!
If you want to make sure you never lose a route, upgrade to
AllTrails
+
. Then you can download trail maps to stay on trail even when you don't have service!
Schenley Park
Schenley is another great option super close to downtown. Close to Pitt campus, there’s often a lot of students using these trails. The
Panther Hollow Loop
is a good one for a quick 1.9 miles, hitting the park’s best spots. If you’re looking for something longer, try the five mile
Double Loop
.
Psst. If you like the outdoors but the Pittsburgh climate is not to your liking when you’re visiting (and trust me, I get it), you can visit the
Phipps Conservatory
. This conservatory showcases thousands of different plants and can be a lovely respite from the gray of Pittsburgh winters.
Looking for something other than hiking to do in Pittsburgh? Check out
Viator's list of awesome tours in Pittsburgh
! My personal favorite is the
Wigle Whiskey Tour
, which is an amazing tour of a whiskey distillery in the Strip District!
Best Hikes 15 Minutes from Pittsburgh
Frick Park
The truth is: you don’t even have to leave the city to find a great hike.
Frick Park
is Pittsburgh’s most famous park. My favorite trail is Nine Mile Run or Falls Ravine, which is a great place to see flowers in the spring. Remember that dogs are not allowed off leash in city parks including Frick, other than the designated Off Leash Area, back behind Blue Slide park.
Churchill Valley Greenway
Looking for your hike to have that apocalyptic feel of a zombie movie? Check out Churchill Valley Greenway, a former country club that has been acquired by the Allegheny Land Trust. Wander around the former golf greens in a beautiful meadow and forest. Be aware – the trails are “community-forged” so are best for hikers with a sense of adventure! Click the section heading for more detail!
A sunny afternoon looking out over what used to be a golf green!
Fall Run
Did you know that there’s a waterfall only fifteen minutes from downtown Pittsburgh? Yup! Located at Fall Run Park, you don’t even have to hike that far to see it – t
he trail is only 1.4 miles long
. This trail gets CROWDED so get there early. It’s beautiful in any season, but I particularly love how the waterfall looks when its frozen.
Best Hikes 20 Minutes from Pittsburgh
Beachwood Farms
Beachwood Farms Nature Reserve, managed by the Audubon Society, has 134 acres with over five miles of walk trails and a nature center that conducts environmental education. I like the
2.3 mile outer loop trail
as it showcases the entire reserve and is slightly less crowded than the inner trails. Note that Beachwood Farms does NOT allow dogs, so leave your furry friends at home for this one.
Need a hike where you can take your dog? Check out my list of
Best Dog Friendly Hikes Near Pittsburgh
!
Hartwood Acres
At over 600 acres, Hartwood Acres has hiking AND free concerts every Sunday evening from June to August.
This short loop
takes you past the amphitheater and off leash dog area, while also making sure you have time in the woods.
Scenes from a fall photoshoot in Hartwood Acres
Best Hikes 30 Minutes from Pittsburgh
North Park
North Park has a ton of options for hikes close to Pittsburgh. If you like something easy and paved, try the five mile
North Park Lake loop
that has great views of all angles of North Park’s lake. If you want something less crowded and more woodsy, check out
this six mile segment
of the Rachel Carson Trail that starts at North Park. (For more information about the Rachel Carson Trail, check out
this post about the trail
or
this post about the challenge!
)
Hiking with sunrise on the Rachel Carson Trail (segment from the ice rink to goldfish)
Dead Man’s Hollow Conservation Area
Into history, hiking, and the potential for being haunted? Check out Dead Man’s Hollow Conservation Area in McKeesport, PA. Thirty-five minutes from Pittsburgh, this area is the home of an abandoned pipe factory. Visitors can check out the 1.9 mile Cool Spirit Trail or the 5.6 mile Witch Hazel Trail among many others
.
Remains of the abandoned pipe factory at Dead Man’s Hollow
White Oak Park
If you’re look for seclusion, White Oak is the way to go. This park, less popular than North Park and southeast of downtown, has never been crowded when I’ve visited. This
3.3 mile loop
is a good one, but beware if you are navigationally challenged! There are a lot of trails to follow and some of them lead to private property. AllTrails really helped us on this one.
Looking for something a little longer than a day hike? Check out my post on
Best Backpacking in Western Pennsylvania
!
Best Hikes 45 Minutes from Pittsburgh
McConnells Mill State Park
I love McConnells Mill and it is worth the drive. It feels so secluded and it’s hard to believe it’s so close to a major city. Try the
Kildoo Trail
for a 2.3 mile trail that runs along the creek. Don’t let the distance fool you though – it is moderately challenging. If you’re a beginner hiker, I’d save this one for a dry day in a warmer season. When icy, the trails here can be very slippery.
McConnell’s Mill on a beautiful fall day
Moraine State Park
Moraine State Park is about forty minutes from downtown Pittsburgh. While it’s most well known for Lake Arthur, this park also has some amazing hiking trails. Some of my favorites include the NCT/Glacier Trail and the Sunken Garden Trail.
Do you have any other favorite hikes near Pittsburgh? Let me know in the comments below!
Post updated April 6 2025 |
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# Best Hikes Near Pittsburgh
January 30, 2026
March 29, 2022
by [Tory (@torytalkstrails)](https://mytrailsaremany.com/author/mytrailsaremanygmail-com/ "View all posts by Tory (@torytalkstrails)")
**Looking to get outside near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania? Check out this list of trails within an hour of the city**
- [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/torytalkstrails)
- [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@torytalkstrails?_t=8hxFM2sFpVu&_r=1)
- [YouTube](https://youtube.com/@torytalkstrails)
- [Threads](https://www.threads.net/@torytalkstrails)
```
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. I only recommend things I've tried myself or that a trusted peer has recommended. Thanks in advance for supporting my work!
```
*Fall foliage in Frick is amazing*
```
Table of Contents Best Hikes 10 Minutes from Pittsburgh Best Hikes 15 Minutes from Pittsburgh Best Hikes 20 Minutes from Pittsburgh Best Hikes 30 Minutes from Pittsburgh Best Hikes 45 Minutes from Pittsburgh
```
Are you a busy day hiker who only wants to visit the best hikes near Pittsburgh? Me too\!
As a hiker with a full time job, I need to minimize my travel time to maximize my outdoor time! But I don’t want to do trails that stink just because I need to stay close to home. That means I generally look for the trails that are less than an hour away. That way I can get to the trail head, get my hike in, and go home without spending my whole day traveling.
**Read on for the best hikes close to Pittsburgh\!** All driving distances below are denoted from downtown Pittsburgh. If a header has a link, that means that I’ve created a guide specifically for that location. Happy hiking\!
```
As always, follow the principles of leave no trace when you're out exploring! Pack out all trash, leave wildlife alone, and generally leave it better than you found it - for more information visit the Leave No Trace Center.
```
```
Love Pennsylvania and can't get enough? Preorder my book, Scenic Natural Wonders of Pennsylvania, for detailed information about 84 amazing waterfalls, scenic overlooks, caves, and natural areas. Available April 15th!
```
## **Best Hikes 10 Minutes from Pittsburgh**
### **Emerald View Trail**
If you’re an out of town visitor with a busy schedule and you only have time for one hike, visit [**Emerald View Park**](https://pittsburghparks.org/explore-your-parks/regional-parks/emerald-view-park/). This park offers the BEST views of downtown Pittsburgh (known to locals as “dahntahn”). Take this trail for a **[2\.3 mile hike](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/pennsylvania/emerald-view-trail)** through wooded areas that will pop you out to some great river views. *(Note: I personally prefer to do this trail as an out and back as the second half of the loop takes you through more residential areas, which I wanted to avoid).*
If you’re with people who may not be able to manage a hike, you can park near the overlook and still get the same great views without the hike. This is a very urban-feeling hike, so if you’re looking to escape the city, keep reading\!
*Highly recommend visiting this park in winter when the views are best\!*
```
If you want to make sure you never lose a route, upgrade to AllTrails+. Then you can download trail maps to stay on trail even when you don't have service!
```
### **Schenley Park**
Schenley is another great option super close to downtown. Close to Pitt campus, there’s often a lot of students using these trails. The **[Panther Hollow Loop](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/pennsylvania/schenley-park-panther-hollow-trail?ref=result-card)** is a good one for a quick 1.9 miles, hitting the park’s best spots. If you’re looking for something longer, try the five mile **[Double Loop](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/pennsylvania/schenley-park-double-loop)**.
Psst. If you like the outdoors but the Pittsburgh climate is not to your liking when you’re visiting (and trust me, I get it), you can visit the [**Phipps Conservatory**](https://www.phipps.conservatory.org/). This conservatory showcases thousands of different plants and can be a lovely respite from the gray of Pittsburgh winters.
```
Looking for something other than hiking to do in Pittsburgh? Check out Viator's list of awesome tours in Pittsburgh! My personal favorite is the Wigle Whiskey Tour, which is an amazing tour of a whiskey distillery in the Strip District!
```
## **Best Hikes 15 Minutes from Pittsburgh**
### **[Frick Park](https://mytrailsaremany.com/frick-park-trails/)**
The truth is: you don’t even have to leave the city to find a great hike. **[Frick Park](https://mytrailsaremany.com/frick-park-trails/)** is Pittsburgh’s most famous park. My favorite trail is Nine Mile Run or Falls Ravine, which is a great place to see flowers in the spring. Remember that dogs are not allowed off leash in city parks including Frick, other than the designated Off Leash Area, back behind Blue Slide park.
### [**Churchill Valley Greenway**](https://mytrailsaremany.com/churchill-valley-greenway-trails/)
Looking for your hike to have that apocalyptic feel of a zombie movie? Check out Churchill Valley Greenway, a former country club that has been acquired by the Allegheny Land Trust. Wander around the former golf greens in a beautiful meadow and forest. Be aware – the trails are “community-forged” so are best for hikers with a sense of adventure! Click the section heading for more detail\!
*A sunny afternoon looking out over what used to be a golf green\!*
### **[Fall Run](https://mytrailsaremany.com/fall-run-park-pittsburghs-closest-waterfall/)**
Did you know that there’s a waterfall only fifteen minutes from downtown Pittsburgh? Yup! Located at Fall Run Park, you don’t even have to hike that far to see it – t**[he trail is only 1.4 miles long](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/pennsylvania/fall-run-trail)**. This trail gets CROWDED so get there early. It’s beautiful in any season, but I particularly love how the waterfall looks when its frozen.
```
Love the idea of visiting a waterfall and want to see more? Check out my post on the Best Waterfalls near Pittsburgh!
```
## **Best Hikes 20 Minutes from Pittsburgh**
### **Beachwood Farms**
Beachwood Farms Nature Reserve, managed by the Audubon Society, has 134 acres with over five miles of walk trails and a nature center that conducts environmental education. I like the **[2\.3 mile outer loop trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/pennsylvania/beechwood-farms-long-loop)** as it showcases the entire reserve and is slightly less crowded than the inner trails. Note that Beachwood Farms does NOT allow dogs, so leave your furry friends at home for this one.
```
Need a hike where you can take your dog? Check out my list of Best Dog Friendly Hikes Near Pittsburgh!
```
### **[Hartwood Acres](https://mytrailsaremany.com/hiking-at-hartwood-acres/)**
At over 600 acres, Hartwood Acres has hiking AND free concerts every Sunday evening from June to August. **[This short loop](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/pennsylvania/hartwood-acres-yellow-trail-loop?ref=result-card)** takes you past the amphitheater and off leash dog area, while also making sure you have time in the woods.
*Scenes from a fall photoshoot in Hartwood Acres*
## **Best Hikes 30 Minutes from Pittsburgh**
### [**North Park**](https://mytrailsaremany.com/north-park-trails/)
North Park has a ton of options for hikes close to Pittsburgh. If you like something easy and paved, try the five mile **[North Park Lake loop](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/pennsylvania/north-park-lake-shore-loop-trail?ref=result-card)** that has great views of all angles of North Park’s lake. If you want something less crowded and more woodsy, check out **[this six mile segment](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/pennsylvania/rachel-carson-trail-north-park-to-rt-8?ref=result-card)** of the Rachel Carson Trail that starts at North Park. (For more information about the Rachel Carson Trail, check out **[this post about the trail](https://mytrailsaremany.com/hikers-guide-to-the-rachel-carson-trail/)** or **[this post about the challenge\!](https://mytrailsaremany.com/prepping-for-the-rachel-carson-trail-challenge/)**)
*Hiking with sunrise on the Rachel Carson Trail (segment from the ice rink to goldfish)*
### **[Dead Man’s Hollow Conservation Area](https://mytrailsaremany.com/dead-mans-hollow-pittsburgh-spooky-hike/)**
Into history, hiking, and the potential for being haunted? Check out Dead Man’s Hollow Conservation Area in McKeesport, PA. Thirty-five minutes from Pittsburgh, this area is the home of an abandoned pipe factory. Visitors can check out the 1.9 mile Cool Spirit Trail or the 5.6 mile Witch Hazel Trail among many others**.**
*Remains of the abandoned pipe factory at Dead Man’s Hollow*
### **White Oak Park**
If you’re look for seclusion, White Oak is the way to go. This park, less popular than North Park and southeast of downtown, has never been crowded when I’ve visited. This [**3\.3 mile loop**](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/pennsylvania/white-oak-park-trail?ref=result-card) is a good one, but beware if you are navigationally challenged! There are a lot of trails to follow and some of them lead to private property. AllTrails really helped us on this one.
```
Looking for something a little longer than a day hike? Check out my post on Best Backpacking in Western Pennsylvania!
```
## **Best Hikes 45 Minutes from Pittsburgh**
### [**McConnells Mill State Park**](https://mytrailsaremany.com/mcconnells-mill-trails/)
I love McConnells Mill and it is worth the drive. It feels so secluded and it’s hard to believe it’s so close to a major city. Try the [**Kildoo Trail**](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/pennsylvania/kildoo-trail--2?ref=result-card) for a 2.3 mile trail that runs along the creek. Don’t let the distance fool you though – it is moderately challenging. If you’re a beginner hiker, I’d save this one for a dry day in a warmer season. When icy, the trails here can be very slippery.
*McConnell’s Mill on a beautiful fall day*
#### **[Moraine State Park](https://mytrailsaremany.com/moraine-state-park-hiking-trails/)**
Moraine State Park is about forty minutes from downtown Pittsburgh. While it’s most well known for Lake Arthur, this park also has some amazing hiking trails. Some of my favorites include the NCT/Glacier Trail and the Sunken Garden Trail.
```
Visited all the trails close to Pittsburgh? Check out some of these great Pennsylvania sites that are within a couple hours drive of Pittsburgh!
Cook Forest State Park Oil Creek State Park Rockland Tunnel
Ohiopyle State Park
```
**Do you have any other favorite hikes near Pittsburgh? Let me know in the comments below\!**
*Post updated April 6 2025*
Categories [Pennsylvania](https://mytrailsaremany.com/category/pennsylvania/)
Tags [Pennsylvania Trails](https://mytrailsaremany.com/tag/pennsylvania-trails/), [Pittsburgh Parks](https://mytrailsaremany.com/tag/pittsburgh-parks/), [Western PA](https://mytrailsaremany.com/tag/western-pa/)
[North Park Trails](https://mytrailsaremany.com/north-park-trails/)
[Marsh Creek State Park](https://mytrailsaremany.com/visiting-marsh-creek-state-park/)
### Leave a Comment [Cancel reply](https://mytrailsaremany.com/best-hikes-near-pittsburgh/#respond)
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#### **Recent Adventures**
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- [Best Flights from Pittsburgh for Every Month of the Year](https://mytrailsaremany.com/best-flights-from-pittsburgh-for-every-month-of-the-year/)
- [Best Hikes in Ann Arbor (And Where to Eat After)](https://mytrailsaremany.com/best-hikes-in-ann-arbor-and-where-to-eat-after/)
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Contact us! admin at mytrailsaremany.com
```
© My Trails Are Many 2026 |
| Readable Markdown | **Looking to get outside near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania? Check out this list of trails within an hour of the city**
```
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. I only recommend things I've tried myself or that a trusted peer has recommended. Thanks in advance for supporting my work!
```
*Fall foliage in Frick is amazing*
```
Table of Contents Best Hikes 10 Minutes from Pittsburgh Best Hikes 15 Minutes from Pittsburgh Best Hikes 20 Minutes from Pittsburgh Best Hikes 30 Minutes from Pittsburgh Best Hikes 45 Minutes from Pittsburgh
```
Are you a busy day hiker who only wants to visit the best hikes near Pittsburgh? Me too\!
As a hiker with a full time job, I need to minimize my travel time to maximize my outdoor time! But I don’t want to do trails that stink just because I need to stay close to home. That means I generally look for the trails that are less than an hour away. That way I can get to the trail head, get my hike in, and go home without spending my whole day traveling.
**Read on for the best hikes close to Pittsburgh\!** All driving distances below are denoted from downtown Pittsburgh. If a header has a link, that means that I’ve created a guide specifically for that location. Happy hiking\!
```
As always, follow the principles of leave no trace when you're out exploring! Pack out all trash, leave wildlife alone, and generally leave it better than you found it - for more information visit the Leave No Trace Center.
```
```
Love Pennsylvania and can't get enough? Preorder my book, Scenic Natural Wonders of Pennsylvania, for detailed information about 84 amazing waterfalls, scenic overlooks, caves, and natural areas. Available April 15th!
```
## **Best Hikes 10 Minutes from Pittsburgh**
### **Emerald View Trail**
If you’re an out of town visitor with a busy schedule and you only have time for one hike, visit [**Emerald View Park**](https://pittsburghparks.org/explore-your-parks/regional-parks/emerald-view-park/). This park offers the BEST views of downtown Pittsburgh (known to locals as “dahntahn”). Take this trail for a **[2\.3 mile hike](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/pennsylvania/emerald-view-trail)** through wooded areas that will pop you out to some great river views. *(Note: I personally prefer to do this trail as an out and back as the second half of the loop takes you through more residential areas, which I wanted to avoid).*
If you’re with people who may not be able to manage a hike, you can park near the overlook and still get the same great views without the hike. This is a very urban-feeling hike, so if you’re looking to escape the city, keep reading\!
*Highly recommend visiting this park in winter when the views are best\!*
```
If you want to make sure you never lose a route, upgrade to AllTrails+. Then you can download trail maps to stay on trail even when you don't have service!
```
### **Schenley Park**
Schenley is another great option super close to downtown. Close to Pitt campus, there’s often a lot of students using these trails. The **[Panther Hollow Loop](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/pennsylvania/schenley-park-panther-hollow-trail?ref=result-card)** is a good one for a quick 1.9 miles, hitting the park’s best spots. If you’re looking for something longer, try the five mile **[Double Loop](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/pennsylvania/schenley-park-double-loop)**.
Psst. If you like the outdoors but the Pittsburgh climate is not to your liking when you’re visiting (and trust me, I get it), you can visit the [**Phipps Conservatory**](https://www.phipps.conservatory.org/). This conservatory showcases thousands of different plants and can be a lovely respite from the gray of Pittsburgh winters.
```
Looking for something other than hiking to do in Pittsburgh? Check out Viator's list of awesome tours in Pittsburgh! My personal favorite is the Wigle Whiskey Tour, which is an amazing tour of a whiskey distillery in the Strip District!
```
## **Best Hikes 15 Minutes from Pittsburgh**
### **[Frick Park](https://mytrailsaremany.com/frick-park-trails/)**
The truth is: you don’t even have to leave the city to find a great hike. **[Frick Park](https://mytrailsaremany.com/frick-park-trails/)** is Pittsburgh’s most famous park. My favorite trail is Nine Mile Run or Falls Ravine, which is a great place to see flowers in the spring. Remember that dogs are not allowed off leash in city parks including Frick, other than the designated Off Leash Area, back behind Blue Slide park.
### [**Churchill Valley Greenway**](https://mytrailsaremany.com/churchill-valley-greenway-trails/)
Looking for your hike to have that apocalyptic feel of a zombie movie? Check out Churchill Valley Greenway, a former country club that has been acquired by the Allegheny Land Trust. Wander around the former golf greens in a beautiful meadow and forest. Be aware – the trails are “community-forged” so are best for hikers with a sense of adventure! Click the section heading for more detail\!
*A sunny afternoon looking out over what used to be a golf green\!*
### **[Fall Run](https://mytrailsaremany.com/fall-run-park-pittsburghs-closest-waterfall/)**
Did you know that there’s a waterfall only fifteen minutes from downtown Pittsburgh? Yup! Located at Fall Run Park, you don’t even have to hike that far to see it – t**[he trail is only 1.4 miles long](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/pennsylvania/fall-run-trail)**. This trail gets CROWDED so get there early. It’s beautiful in any season, but I particularly love how the waterfall looks when its frozen.
## **Best Hikes 20 Minutes from Pittsburgh**
### **Beachwood Farms**
Beachwood Farms Nature Reserve, managed by the Audubon Society, has 134 acres with over five miles of walk trails and a nature center that conducts environmental education. I like the **[2\.3 mile outer loop trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/pennsylvania/beechwood-farms-long-loop)** as it showcases the entire reserve and is slightly less crowded than the inner trails. Note that Beachwood Farms does NOT allow dogs, so leave your furry friends at home for this one.
```
Need a hike where you can take your dog? Check out my list of Best Dog Friendly Hikes Near Pittsburgh!
```
### **[Hartwood Acres](https://mytrailsaremany.com/hiking-at-hartwood-acres/)**
At over 600 acres, Hartwood Acres has hiking AND free concerts every Sunday evening from June to August. **[This short loop](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/pennsylvania/hartwood-acres-yellow-trail-loop?ref=result-card)** takes you past the amphitheater and off leash dog area, while also making sure you have time in the woods.
*Scenes from a fall photoshoot in Hartwood Acres*
## **Best Hikes 30 Minutes from Pittsburgh**
### [**North Park**](https://mytrailsaremany.com/north-park-trails/)
North Park has a ton of options for hikes close to Pittsburgh. If you like something easy and paved, try the five mile **[North Park Lake loop](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/pennsylvania/north-park-lake-shore-loop-trail?ref=result-card)** that has great views of all angles of North Park’s lake. If you want something less crowded and more woodsy, check out **[this six mile segment](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/pennsylvania/rachel-carson-trail-north-park-to-rt-8?ref=result-card)** of the Rachel Carson Trail that starts at North Park. (For more information about the Rachel Carson Trail, check out **[this post about the trail](https://mytrailsaremany.com/hikers-guide-to-the-rachel-carson-trail/)** or **[this post about the challenge\!](https://mytrailsaremany.com/prepping-for-the-rachel-carson-trail-challenge/)**)
*Hiking with sunrise on the Rachel Carson Trail (segment from the ice rink to goldfish)*
### **[Dead Man’s Hollow Conservation Area](https://mytrailsaremany.com/dead-mans-hollow-pittsburgh-spooky-hike/)**
Into history, hiking, and the potential for being haunted? Check out Dead Man’s Hollow Conservation Area in McKeesport, PA. Thirty-five minutes from Pittsburgh, this area is the home of an abandoned pipe factory. Visitors can check out the 1.9 mile Cool Spirit Trail or the 5.6 mile Witch Hazel Trail among many others**.**
*Remains of the abandoned pipe factory at Dead Man’s Hollow*
### **White Oak Park**
If you’re look for seclusion, White Oak is the way to go. This park, less popular than North Park and southeast of downtown, has never been crowded when I’ve visited. This [**3\.3 mile loop**](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/pennsylvania/white-oak-park-trail?ref=result-card) is a good one, but beware if you are navigationally challenged! There are a lot of trails to follow and some of them lead to private property. AllTrails really helped us on this one.
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Looking for something a little longer than a day hike? Check out my post on Best Backpacking in Western Pennsylvania!
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## **Best Hikes 45 Minutes from Pittsburgh**
### [**McConnells Mill State Park**](https://mytrailsaremany.com/mcconnells-mill-trails/)
I love McConnells Mill and it is worth the drive. It feels so secluded and it’s hard to believe it’s so close to a major city. Try the [**Kildoo Trail**](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/pennsylvania/kildoo-trail--2?ref=result-card) for a 2.3 mile trail that runs along the creek. Don’t let the distance fool you though – it is moderately challenging. If you’re a beginner hiker, I’d save this one for a dry day in a warmer season. When icy, the trails here can be very slippery.
*McConnell’s Mill on a beautiful fall day*
#### **[Moraine State Park](https://mytrailsaremany.com/moraine-state-park-hiking-trails/)**
Moraine State Park is about forty minutes from downtown Pittsburgh. While it’s most well known for Lake Arthur, this park also has some amazing hiking trails. Some of my favorites include the NCT/Glacier Trail and the Sunken Garden Trail.
**Do you have any other favorite hikes near Pittsburgh? Let me know in the comments below\!**
*Post updated April 6 2025* |
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