Hiking with a Newborn – 10 Things I Wish I Knew

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Congratulations! You’ve made it through the endless trips to the bathroom, excruciating heartburn, tiny fists punching your ribcage, and the many other delights of pregnancy. Now you’re wondering about getting back into hiking with your little one. This guide is for parents (moms or dads!) wanting to start hiking with their newborn (0-3 months old). Getting my little one outside was one of the greatest joys of the postpartum time, but it was very daunting to start out. In this post, I’m sharing all of the things I wish I had known before getting out there, along with some of my essential gear.

First weekend trip with baby at 7 weeks old

Disclaimer: I’m not a medical professional, so always check with your doctor first to make sure that hiking is still considered safe, especially if you have any complications. 

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase something. I have only shared links for items I have personally tested and would recommend. All income I may receive goes back into hosting and running this site!

General Tips for hiking with kids of any age:

  • Choose the right hike. Keep your kids’ abilities in mind and start small before building to longer hikes.
  • Be flexible and know when to quit a hike that isn’t working.
  • Keep everyone fed and hydrated. Pack more snacks and water than you think you need. Take care of kids’ needs, but also make sure you are staying hydrated and fed enough so that you can care for everyone.
  • Always let someone else know where you are
  • Keep an eye on the weather

Hiking with a Newborn

Baby’s first hike, a short local hike on a mostly flat path
  1. Let Yourself Heal

If you are a birthing parent, no matter how you delivered, your body went through something massive, and it might take a while until you’re ready to hit the trails again. Most physicians suggest waiting until 6 weeks postpartum before getting back into exercise, but you may need more or less! Stay in communication with your doctor and stop any exercise if something doesn’t feel right. In the first few weeks, focus on gentle stretches and short walks to build up your strength again. I was definitely guilty of getting out there a bit too early and had some rough back and hip pain as a result!

  1. Practice Babywearing

Babywearing is key to getting out on the trails with your newborn. There are so many different options for wearing your baby, including wraps, ring slings, and structured carriers. Personally, I found a structured carrier to be the best option for hiking. I used the Ergobaby Embrace, a knit carrier specifically made for newborns, but can be used up to 25lbs. I liked this carrier because it was easy to get on and off, adjustable for both parents to wear, and machine washable.

It can take a little while for both you and the baby to get used to babywearing, so practice around your house and on short walks before heading to the woods. It took me a while to get the hang of putting the carrier on myself! Make sure to follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions for proper wearing so that you and your baby are safe. You should always be able to see baby’s nose and be able to kiss their head. Their legs should be in an “M” shape, and the bottom strap should sit on your natural waist (across your belly button).

TIP – Baby carriers can get expensive! Check your local kids’ consignment stores, Facebook marketplace, and Buy Nothing groups to get some options to practice with!

Don’t be discouraged if your baby is fussy the first few times in the carrier. Just like the stroller and car seat, it can take some time for your baby to get used to the feeling of being in the carrier. Keep testing it out with short walks and figure out what your baby needs to be comfortable.

  1. Manage Body Temperature

Babies are mini furnaces. Seriously, it is shocking how warm they are, especially when strapped to your chest! You will have to dress and layer differently than you typically would if only hiking with a backpack. In the summer, make sure to wear light, breathable layers on both you and the little one. In the winter, wear one less layer than you typically would (but keep baby nice and warm). Be aware of your own temperature and make sure to take breaks to cool off or warm up if needed.

I had my baby in the summer, and I was so shocked at how sweaty I got hiking with her! I always ended up hiking while holding our stroller fan, which kept us both cool and kept the bugs off (bonus!)

Even in the summer, keep baby’s screen protected from the sun.
  1. Hydration is Key

I’m a pretty seasoned hiker, so packing water for a hike is nothing new. But oh man, was I unprepared for how much water you have to drink while breastfeeding. Now, combine that with a tiny furnace on your chest and the summer heat. Yeah, I learned pretty quickly to bring twice as much water as I usually do, plus extra in the car for after the hike. Just remember that more water = more weight. Water in a hydration bladder makes it easy to take sips as you go!

Nurse or give a bottle frequently so that your baby also stays hydrated. Since breastmilk or formula is their only source of liquids, they can dehydrate very quickly when outside in the heat!

  1. Feeling Shady

Babies can’t wear sunscreen. WHAT! I had no idea that doctors recommend avoiding sunscreen until babies are 6 months old. So, to hike with a newborn, make sure that their sensitive skin stays out of direct sunlight. Opt for trails that have plenty of tree cover. Dress your baby with long sleeves and pants, opting for non-cotton fabrics where possible. Make sure they have booties or socks and a sun hat. I also tried to wear a hat with a brim to cast more shadow. Pro tip – attach baby’s sunhat to a pacifier clip and clip to the baby carrier so it can’t blow away!

  1. Diaper Bag Essentials

It’s likely that your diaper bag has gotten pretty hefty with every possible thing you might need. But you’ll want to have a slimmed-down version for your hike. Carrying water and baby is already heavy enough, so just pack the essentials: a foldable changing pad, diapers, wipes (put a few in a sealable bag), a bag for dirty diapers/clothes, and an extra outfit. Pretty much anything else can just stay in your diaper bag in the car! My little one loved a pacifier, so I brought that on a clippy string too.

  1. Have a Potty Plan

I did a lot of solo hiking with my newborn, and it was the most wonderful bonding experience. It’s still one of the things I miss the most about my maternity leave. However, one of the hardest things for me to figure out was actually how to go to the bathroom! Seriously, one of the things you don’t realize until you’re alone with a baby is how difficult it is for you to relieve yourself if you don’t have access to a family restroom or someone to hand the baby to.

Instead of an expensive carrier cover, tie a shirt around your core for an easily removable layer. Wear a raincoat backwards for rain coverage!

For me, my pee funnel became my best friend. Is it easy to pee while babywearing? Not at all! But it’s better than being limited to only parks that have family restrooms or very short hikes! I also tried to wear clothing that was easy to pull down (ahem, NOT leggings). Do not be tempted to avoid the potty problem by not drinking any water! The last thing you want is to be dehydrated while hiking with a newborn, especially if you are on your own.

  1. The Right Hike

Your first few hikes out with baby aren’t the time to test your limits. Start with an easy hike, maybe something that you’re familiar with. Try to start short and work up your endurance. Try not to feel discouraged if it seems like you’ve lost all of your fitness! It’ll come back with time. Consider also trying a local hike so if things don’t go well, you can easily bail and head home.

  1. Babies Need Breaks and So Do You!

Take plenty of breaks on the trail and give your little one time out of the carrier to stretch and cool off. Depending on the temperatures, I try to take a break at least once an hour to do a diaper change, nurse, and just get a change of scenery. Often, even if my baby was fussing and crying, taking a break reset the clock and gave us another long stretch of carrier time. And something even another nap! These breaks are also a great time to check in with yourself to make sure your needs are met. Have a snack, drink some water, and decide if you need to change your route or take a layer on or off. Hiking with a newborn is not the time to be breaking any trail records, so embrace a slower pace and be kind to yourself.

  1. Bad Hikes

After getting outside with my newborn quite a lot, I was feeling pretty confident! She was generally a pretty happy baby and liked being outside. So, I thought we could tackle a longer hike with a friend. Whether it was colder temperatures or just an off day, my sweet girl screamed for at least 2 miles of that hike. I felt horrible for her and embarrassed by the looks strangers on the trail gave me. By the end of the hike, I felt like a failure and worried that our days of hiking were over.

BUT. We went out again the next weekend, and things were fine! Sometimes, it’s just an off day. Don’t let one bad hike make you think hiking with your kiddo isn’t going to happen. Keep practicing and keep being flexible. It’s hard to get out there in the early days, but it’s so worth it in the long run!

Looking for more adventures in Pennsylvania and beyond? Check out my new book: Beer Hiking Pennsylvania and New Jersey

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Clear Creek State Forest & Trails to Ales

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Franklin, PA

Travel north of Pittsburgh to the Kennerdell Tract of Clear Creek State Forest to tackle this beautiful loop on a ridge over the Allegheny River. The hike features towering hemlock trees, a stunning overlook, and stream cascades, all of which make it a great hike to tackle during the winter season. Afterward, venture to the town of Franklin to grab a brew and a bite at Trails to Ales. With a cozy taproom and delicious food, you’re sure to stay a while!

THE HIKE: Allegheny Gorge and Dennison Overlook

Length: 4.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 650 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 2-2.5 hours
Trail use: Hiking, leashed pets

This trail crosses into state gamelands so please be aware and wear hunter orange during all hunting seasons. Check out this post for more information about hiking safety during hunting season.

Where to Park: 41.26884167688875, -79.87212916994663. Park at the end of Dewoody Road in Polk, PA. There’s a large dirt parking area that may be difficult for small, 2-wheel-drive vehicles to traverse. Avoid parking on Kennerdell Road in the small pull-off where parking may not be allowed.

View from the Dennison Point Overlook

The Route: This route winds through dense forests, following a charming stream. There are several bridge crossings over the stream and a steep climb to an overlook of the Allegheny River. This route traverses the Kennerdell Tract of Clear Creek State Forest.

From the parking lot on Dewoody Road, cross back over Dewoody Road and start down the access road. Be aware that this section is part of State Gamelands 39. After about 1/4 mile, turn left to get on the Kennerdell Trail which is labeled with a trail sign and marked with yellow blazes. At about 1 mile, you’ll reach a trail junction. Bear to the left to get on Dennison Run Trail which is also marked with yellow blazes. This trail meanders slowly downhill alongside a trickling stream that gently cascades over moss-covered rocks. The surrounding hemlock trees make for a beautiful green expanse at all times of the year.

After just under a mile, you’ll reach the bottom of the hill where the stream meets up with Dennison Run. To the left is Goat Trail, which links up to a whole system of shared-use trails (biking, horseback riding, and hiking) as well as a roughly 10-ft unnamed waterfall that is stunning in the winter. To continue on the route, bear to the right to stay on Dennison Run Trail. From here, the trail is mostly flat, using rustic suspension bridges to frequently cross over the stream. After 0.5 miles, take the right Overlook Trail to head up the hill. This is the hardest climb of the hike, and where the bulk of the elevation gain is! You’re rewarded for your effort by reaching the Dennison Point Overlook, a soaring vista of the Allegheny River and the below town of Kennerdell.

After taking in the majestic views, turn to the left on the Overlook Trail to continue the loop. This section of the trail is flat and easy to traverse. After 0.5 miles, you’ll meet back up with the Kennerdell Trail. It will briefly skirt around a campground before returning to the same trail junction from the beginning of your hike. Now you just retrace your steps along the trail to the access road and finally back to the parking area.

Other Attractions: Drive to the nearby Kennerdell Overlook for a stunning view across the Allegheny River Gorge. There’s also the 29-mile Allegheny River Trail, a rail trail that runs through the over 3,000 ft long Kennerdell Tunnel

View from the Kennerdell Overlook, a short drive from the trailhead

THE BEER: Trails to Ales Brewery

Address: 1270 Liberty St, Franklin, PA 16323
Distance from Trail Head: 12 miles, 22 mins 
Website: https://trailstoalesbrewery.com/
Food?: Full Menu
Details: Parking lot, NA options, indoor seating only, no pets, kids food menu

Tucked onto the main drag of “Always Eventful” Franklin, PA is Trails to Ales Brewery. The bar & grill opened in 2017 and, since then, has been a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Franklin itself is a small, historic town, and that is clearly reflected in the Trails to Ales taproom. The exposed brick and tin ceiling harken to a prior era, while the rustic wooden bar creates a warmth and coziness. The Liberty Avenue taproom has a wide range of brews, including year-round favorites and seasonal specialties. They also have house-made hard seltzers and stock some canned NA beers.

After a day of hiking, the extensive food menu is sure to have something of interest. From pub appetizers to pizza to hot stone steak, you won’t be leaving hungry! If you’re looking for a unique experience, check out Trails to Ales II, the brewery’s newest location that also houses its production facility. The huge warehouse-style space is open on most weekends and has a large outdoor space, self-service taps, and live music. I only visited the original taproom, but would definitely check out the new location on my next visit!

As evidenced by the brewery’s name, the business is a love letter to the great outdoors of Venango County. In fact, a percentage of the sales from their flagship beer, Holden’s Dream (a steam beer) goes to support the Allegheny Valley Trails Association. I love it when a brewery is passionate about their local trails!

Our Beer:

  • Allegheny River Fog – NEIPA – 5.8%
  • Mud Puppy Stour – Milk Chocolate Stout – 5.5%

Looking for more Hikes & Hops in Northwestern PA? Check out Erie Bluffs & Twisted Elk, Beartown Rocks & Mechanistic Brewing, Cook Forest & Lost in the Wilds Brewing, or Wolf Creek Narrows & Big Rail Brewing.

Looking for more adventures in Pennsylvania and beyond? Check out my new book: Beer Hiking Pennsylvania and New Jersey

Hiking During Hunting Season: Safety Tips

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Our public lands are utilized for a wide range of outdoor sports and activities. One of the most popular fall activities here in Pennsylvania is hunting. Because many public lands are shared-use areas, it’s important to know how to respectfully share the woods and be safe during this time of year. These tips are not intended to be comprehensive of all hunting regulations, so please visit the PA Game Commission’s website for details on hunting seasons.

Disclaimer: The dates and regulations shared here are specific to Pennsylvania. Be sure to check your local hunting regulations for specifics. Regulations may change year to year, so please do your research!

I am not a hunter, but I do support everyone’s right to recreate on our public lands! I enjoy hiking all year round, and that often means getting outside when hunters are also out in the woods. Here are some ways you can still get out on the trails while being respectful of other park-users and staying safe. Remember that hunters are strong advocates for public lands and are our allies in conservation!

Hunting supports wildlife conservation

The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s mission is to manage and protect wildlife and their habitats. The revenue generated from hunting and fishing licenses goes right back into land and habitat conservation. Sometimes people think that hunters and hikers are at odds, but I see us as partners in our love of the great outdoors!

Hunters Wear Orange and So Should You!

One of the best ways to stay safe on the trails is to wear fluorescent orange, also called blaze orange. This is a highly visible color and alerts others to your presence. In fact, in Pennsylvania, from November 16 to December 16, everyone recreating on State Gamelands must wear 250 square inches of blaze orange that can be seen on all sides. However, it’s a good idea to wear orange throughout the entire hunting season, wherever you are hiking. I like to wear an orange hoodie or a high-visibility vest! Make sure that you have orange for your pets too, and keep them leashed at all times.

Another good idea is to wear a bell or something that will make noise to alert nearby hunters to your presence. I also like to hike with friends, so the chatter keeps us from accidentally sneaking up on someone!

Tip: leave an orange vest in your car so that it’s always ready if you need it!

Consider Hiking in Other Locations

I never hike in State Gamelands during hiking season. There are so many other options for hikers, while hunters are restricted to those specific areas. So, it’s a good idea to leave the game lands to them.

Of Pennsylvania’s 124 state parks, 100 allow hunting in specific areas. I usually try to stick to the non-hunting areas when possible! Typically, hunting is not allowed in state parks on Sundays except on November 16, 23, and 30 for 2025. There are also lots of county and local parks that don’t allow hunting at all. These are great options for hiking during hunting season. Please note that some local parks have active deer management programs that may include archery. Always check the current regulations before heading out.

Looking for parks in Western PA that don’t allow hunting? Check out the Nine Allegheny County Parks, Dead Man’s Hollow, Boyce Mayview Park, Montour Woods Conservation Area, Riverview Park, and Duff Park

Don’t Hike at Dawn or Dusk

Wildlife is most active first thing in the morning and in the evening. So that’s when the hunters are out! Try to avoid hiking at this time when visibility is low.

Hunting Seasons Vary…

…but it’s your responsibility to stay informed! The most dangerous period is during firearm season. Regular firearm season for deer runs from November 30-December 16, 2025, in Pennsylvania. These dates may vary year to year! There are also special seasons for archery, small game, trapping, and more.

Clear Creek State Forest & Trails to Ales

Franklin, PA Travel north of Pittsburgh to the Kennerdell Tract of Clear Creek State Forest to tackle this beautiful loop on a ridge over the Allegheny River. The hike features towering hemlock trees, a stunning overlook, and stream cascades, all of which make it a great hike to tackle during the winter season. Afterward, venture…

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Hiking During Hunting Season: Safety Tips

In Pennsylvania, it’s crucial for outdoor enthusiasts to respect shared public lands during hunting season. Wearing blaze orange, hiking in non-hunting areas, and staying informed on regulations enhance safety for all users.

hikesandhopsblog's avatar by hikesandhopsblog

The Nine Allegheny County Parks

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Did you know that here in Allegheny County, PA there are nine amazing regional parks? These parks are completely free and offer over 12,000 acres of recreational land managed by the county. From wave pools to amphitheaters, hiking trails to working farms, there’s so much to explore in your Allegheny County Parks.

I’ve visited each of the parks and will be updating this page with information about my favorite trails and recreation areas at each of them. While the parks are maintained by the County, the Allegheny County Parks Foundation does the heavy lifting, behind-the-scenes work to support these vital green spaces. To learn more about them and to support your parks, visit their website.

Settler’s Cabin

Location: 608 Ridge Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15205

Highlights: Hiking trails, waterfall, wave pool, pavilions, dog park, dek hockey field, playgrounds, connector trail to the Panhandle rail trail

Featured Trail: Park at Tomahawk shelter to access the Waterfall Trail! You’ll start on the Blue Trail, leading through a dense pine grove. Stay on Blue until it connects with the Green trail heading down a hillside. At the bottom of the hill is the roughly 5-ft tall waterfall. You can continue on the Green trail away from the waterfall along the stream and it will eventually meet up with the Red Trail. This loop back to connect with the Blue Trail, making a pleasant 2.5ish mile loop.

Check out Settler’s Cabin & Altered Genius Trailside

Round Hill

Location: 651 Round Hill Rd, Elizabeth, PA 15037

Highlights: Exhibition farm with tours, spray park, playgrounds, hiking trails,

Featured Trail: The Red Trail leads through open meadows and alongside a wooded creek. You can begin the trail at the Harmony House shelter or take the Yellow Trail from the main parking lot by the duck pond to connect to the Red Trail. At times the trail can be difficult to follow so it’s best to have a map handy! Make sure to add on a walk through the farm to see the animals at the end!

South Park

Location: 3730 Buffalo Dr, South Park Township, PA 15129

Highlights: Game preserve, wave pool, ice rink, hiking trails, sports fields, dog park, Oliver Miller Homestead, South Park Theatre (free concerts!), playgrounds, golf course, connector trail to Montour rail trail

Featured Trail: Park at the Oliver Miller Homestead and Cascades lot to hike the Vale of Cashmere Trail. To begin, cross over East Park Drive towards Grant Grove shelter. To your right, the trail begins in a small meadow. This narrow trail eventually heads into the woods along a small stream. Eventually you’ll find the Vale of Cashmere, a 100-year-old water feature from when the park was first created. Past the feature, you can pick up the Buffalo Ridge Trail and keep making right turns along it to make your way back to the Oliver Miller Homestead. Make sure to stop at the Cascades to see a modern-day version of a water feature!

Check out South Park & Spoonwood Brewing

White Oak Park

Location: 3 Muse Ln, White Oak, PA 15131

Highlights: Ballfields, hiking trails, wildflowers, dog park, playgrounds

Featured Trail: Park at the Wedding Garden off Sylvan Drive to get on the Green Trail. Some maps call this the Pet Haven Trail or Rainbow Trail. You’ll follow the Green blazes for a roughly 2.5 mile loop of the west section of the park. The trail is sometimes difficult to see, so follow your route on the Allegheny County Parks app or AllTrails. This is a great trail for solitude and has an abundance of both spring and fall wildflowers!

Check out White Oak Park & Wye Beer Co.

North Park

Location: 303 Pearce Mill Rd, Allison Park, PA 15101

Highlights: Huge pool, lake with boating, kayak rentals, and fishing, hiking trails, ballfields, nature center, golf course, ice rink

Featured Trail: The Rachel Carson Trail runs through North Park and is, in my opinion, one of the prettiest sections of the long-distance trail. Start at the Harmar Pavilion and head to the right on the yellow-blazed trail for some steep hills, fun rock scrambles, and several creek crossings.

Check out North Park & Cinderlands Taproom

Deer Lakes Park

Location: 1090 Baileys Run Rd, Tarentum, PA 15084

Highlights: Hiking Trails, spray park, Wagman Observatory, disc golf, ballfields, fishing

Featured Trail: Check out the featured trails on the Allegheny County Park Foundation’s webpage! I visited this park as part of a trail running day where we did sections of all the trails in the park for a large 10 mile loop. The trails were wooded and we hardly saw another person! In the summer, be sure to end your hike at the spray park to cool off!

Boyce Park

Location: 675 Old Frankstown Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15239

Highlights: Wave pool, winter sports (skiing, snowboarding, tubing), hiking trails, sports fields, hiking trails, pavilions, dog park

Features Trail: Yellow Trail (also called Log House Trail). Park at the Carpenter Log House off of Pierson Run Road. Follow the Yellow blazes into the woods for a 1.2-mile trek that leads through open fields and wooded trail. Excellent for fall colors!

Harrison Hills Park

Location: 5200 Freeport Rd, Natrona Heights, PA 15065

Highlights: Hiking trails (including river vistas), nature center, dog park, ballfields, playgrounds,

Featured Trail: The 5-mile Red Trail leads you through a loop of the highlights of this park. You’ll pass through a rocky gorge, wetlands with a bird blind for wildlife viewing, and the stunning overlook above the Allegheny River. The trail is challenging but well worth it! There are several places to park to start the trail but I parked at the lot near Cottontail and Chipmunk Drives.

Hartwood Acres Park

Location: 200 Hartwood Acres, Pittsburgh, PA 15238

Highlights: Sculpture garden, Mansion tours and special programs, hiking trails, amphitheatre (free concerts!), dog park

Featured Trail: The Paved Trail is an accessible path that winds through the heart of the park. It passes by the Mansion area, allowing hikers to add on a stroll through the Sculpture Garden to their excursion. Following the path leads towards the Amphitheatre, where one can also see the wildflower meadow (note the mown paths here are not wheelchair-friendly).

Check out 10 Things to do at Hartwood Acres Park

Top 10 Activities at Hartwood Acres Park

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Hartwood Acres is one of nine county parks managed by Allegheny County. Located north of Pittsburgh, the 630-acre estate spans Hampton and Indiana counties. Best known for its Tudor-revival 1929 mansion, the park also boasts miles of multi-purpose trails, an amphitheater, formal gardens, and a dog park.

Keep reading for some ideas on how to spend a day at this beautiful park!

Quick Tips about Visiting

Location: From Pittsburgh, head North on Route 28, then take Exit 5B for PA 8N. Make a right onto Saxonburg Road and continue for 4.5 miles. The entrance road to the park will be on your left.

Parking: 4100 Middle Rd, Allison Park, PA 15101 (Amphitheatre)
200 Hartwood Acres, Pittsburgh, PA 15238 (Mansion)

Free to visit!

History of Hartwood Acres

Hartwood Acres was formerly the estate of the philanthropic Lawrence family. Mary Lawrence, the daughter of a U.S. Senator, purchased the land for her home. She and her husband were inspired by the Tudor homes of Oxfordshire and built Hartwood Manor in 1929. The estate also included horse stables, an equestrian showcase area, and wooded riding trails. Mary sold 400 acres of her estate to Allegheny County in 1969 with the understanding that Mary could remain living in the manor until her death. The park opened to the public in 1976.

10 Things to Do at Hartwood Acres

Tour the Sculpture Garden

In the grounds surrounding the mansion are 14 large-scale abstract sculptures. This public art collection was recently revitalized and connected by a paved path. There’s also new signage about the pieces and the artists, as well as a QR code to listen to an audio tour. This is a totally free activity and is completely self-paced. Great for hikers and art-lovers alike!

Free summer concerts at the Amphitheater

Every summer from June to August, there are free concerts at the Amphitheatre on Sundays. Bring a blanket, chair and a picnic and enjoy the sounds of a variety of music from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra to internationally known artists. Hozier even played a show here! There are also food trucks, beer, and wine tents to enjoy. The shows start at 7:30pm and you can find the full schedule here. Please remember to dispose of all trash after the show!

Go for a hike

There are miles of trails that weave throughout the wooded park. The trail markers aren’t always the most intuitive, so download a trail map or get the Allegheny County Park app to plan your route. Most trails start at either the Amphitheater or the Mansion. If you’re looking for a stroller or wheelchair accessible trail, both the Middle Road Trail (1.5 miles, Amphitheatre parking lot) and the Sculpture Garden Paths (0.5 miles, Mansion parking) are ADA-Accessible. There are also miles of natural trails that are shared usage (mountain bikes, hiking, horseback riding) so make sure to be aware and know when to yield to other trail users.

The Purple Trail (beginning across the street from the Mansion) is a great 2.25-mile hike through the peaceful woods of Hartwood Acres. You’ll stroll along a hillside of tall trees, getting some elevation and enjoying shade throughout. The hike takes about an hour and it offers plenty of chances to connect with other trails in the park. For a large loop of the entire park, follow this route from AllTrails.

Tour the historic mansion ($)

The Tudor-revival mansion is the heart of the park. Built in 1929, the mansion is open daily for tours of the building. You can learn more about the architecture and the family that once lived there. There is a fee for the tour and it’s best to call to make reservations. The grounds and gardens surrounding the mansion are free to walk around. The mansion hosts special tours during the holidays, including an evening candlelight tour.

Explore the wildflower meadow

Planted in 2019, the wildflower meadow used to be a mown lawn near the concert grounds. Now the 5-acre field is a pollinator’s dream, full of native flowers and grasses. The colorful array is not only beautiful to see but also provides ecological benefits like stormwater management and animal habitat. Find the meadow off Middle Road near the Amphitheatre.

Bike along the paths

Biking is welcome along the many trails at the park! Whether you want to stick to paved ways like the various park roads or the Middle Road Trail, or want to get adventurous by mountain biking on the natural trails, there are miles for you to explore. The natural trails range from easy to intermediate and offer some elevation changes and technical challenges. Just remember that the trails are multi-use so know when to yield to hikers and horses. Check out Trail Pittsburgh for more info about mountain biking in Hartwood Acres.

Enjoy a picnic

There’s nothing like dining al fresco! Especially when it’s as simple as throwing a blanket in a shady spot and unpacking a quick bite. Whether its just a quick snack or a full meal spread, there’s plenty of spots around the park to spread out and relax. Just be sure to always Leave No Trace and dispose of your trash properly! If you don’t feel like packing a lunch, consider grabbing a snack at one of the local coffee shops or cafes for your picnic!

Run wild at the dog park

Dogs are welcome on all the trails at the park but must remain leashed. The dog park is the one place where your beloved mutt can run free! The off-leash area is fenced in and has separate sections for large and small dogs. It’s a popular spot to end a walk in the woods with your pup and let them burn off some energy.

Winter fun

The fun doesn’t stop when the weather cools off! The trails at Hartwood Acres are also open for cross-country skiing in the winter. Lace up your boots, wax your skis, and enjoy the snow-covered views! Please note that there are no ski rentals available at the park.

Special Events ($)

Throughout the year, you can attend special events at the Hartwood Acres Mansion, including holiday candlelit tours and high tea. Keep an eye out on the Allegheny Parks social media for updates about special events. Make sure to book your tickets early, as these events are very popular! Keep up to date on daily programming and special events here.

Explore the other county parks! Check out some Hikes & Hops Settler’s Cabin & Altered Genius Trailside, North Park & Cinderlands Taproom, White Oak Park & Wye Beer Co, and South Park & Spoonwood.