Looking to do your part this Earth Day? Here are some sustainability tips to make your next adventure more eco-friendly. Remember: you don’t have to make big changes to have an impact! Try adopting one or two of these suggestions on your next hike and see how it goes!
Pack Out Trash – Make sure to always pack out your trash, including pet waste, compostables, and food wrappers, especially in areas where trash cans might not get emptied very often. I like to carry a trash bag in my hiking bag to also pick up any trash I see along the trail.
Carpool to Trailhead – If hiking with a group, try to reduce fuel use by carpooling to the trailhead. Bonus, you won’t take up as much space in the parking lot and be less likely to park outside of designated areas
Be a hiking steward – Recreate responsibly! Only park in designated areas and stay on marked trails. Don’t pick wildflowers and let animals be wild. Remember to always Leave No Trace!
Educate Others – When hiking with new (and sometimes even experienced hikers) help them to understand how to be more sustainable hikers and gently remind others of the principles of leave no trace.
Avoid single-use plastics – Whenever possible, try to avoid using wrappers or baggies that you immediately throw away. Opt for reusable sealable bags for snacks, bring water in a metal bottle or hydration pack, and dry bags for keeping electronics and gear dry. Or even just make sure to keep reusing a ziploc baggie!
Repair Gear or Shop Secondhand – As much as we love new gear, sometimes all we need is to repair a tear or get a new zipper. Or if you really need to replace something, try to get it secondhand or check your local Buy Nothing groups. And make sure to donate or recycle old gear!
Shop Local – Another gear one, always shop local for all your hiking needs! Not only does this support the local economy, but you can also have a better sense of where your products are coming from and choose to support businesses that invest in sustainable practices. Plus, it cuts back on shipping materials!
Let’s work together to preserve this beautiful planet for generations to come! Each person can do something small to make a difference this Earth Day!
Can you can a more classic combo than Frick Park & East End? When I think of summer, I think of meandering through Frick Park, with no true destination in mind followed by a crisp beer on the patio of East End Brewing. I suggest parking near the Frick Museum and taking Tranquil Trail all the way to the Nine Mile Run boardwalk. Once you reach Commercial Street, you can either turn around and retrace your steps or wind through some of the wooded trails like Falls Ravine, Riverview, and Clayton. After you’re satisfied, drive over to East End Brewing for a crisp brew and a deep-dish pizza.
This loop is the best of urban hiking! It starts out on the wooded Emerald View trail, meandering around Mt. Washington, then pops you out right at the overlook! From there, enjoy walking along Grandview Ave and then back through the historic neighbors of Mt. Washington. If you’re feeling extra frisky, you can even continue along the Grandview park section of the Emerald View trail. Or stop for a rest and treat at the Shiloh Street shops! The world is your oyster with this one. One big recommendation though is to end your excursion with a visit to Inner Groove’s Allentown taproom! They’ve got awesome beer, bar games, and an outdoor patio. What more could you want?
Riverview Park is a large 260-acre park in the North Side of Pittsburgh. It is a refreshing greenspace tucked into the busy Northside neighborhoods. There are wooded hiking trails, a pool, pavilions, a visitor’s center, and ballfields. But probably the most well known feature of the park is the Allegheny Observatory. There are many intersecting trails in the park, so I recommend having a route planned or downloading a map. This loop on AllTrails is a great way to see most of the park’s highlights. Afterward, check out the cozy taproom and patio at Late Addition Brewing + Blending on Western Ave for unique takes on traditional brews.
Allegheny Cemetery isn’t your typical hike but if you’re looking for an urban walk, I highly suggest you check it out! Before heading out, download the cemetery’s app/website for a self-guided tour that takes you to various notable graves with a brief history of the person. We learned so much about local history and got to take in the beauty of the cemetery grounds. Your walk can be as long or as short as you want, but afterwards, be sure to walk across the street to Coven Brewing! Take a seat outside, grab something from the food truck and enjoy a delicious brew. Coven is sure to be a new favorite! If you’re in the mood for an urban history hike and hop, this one’s for you!
I’ve been hiking and running in Schenley Park since my college days at Pitt. It’s a popular city park in the Oakland neighborhood near Pitt and CMU’s campuses. There are miles of single and double track trail with a lovely pond in the center. My favorite trail is the newly named Ponticulus Trail, which runs between the Upper and Lower Panther Hollow trails and is so beautiful. Afterward, you can head across the Greenfield Bridge to the Mondays Brewing Taproom in Greenfield. The newly opened space boasts tons of seating, a taplist of their own beers and some other Pittsburgh favorites, and a tasty menu from Smashed N’ Fried.
This list is ever growing! Stay tuned as I explore more of the hikes and breweries in Pittsburgh!
One of the things that I love about hiking is that you don’t have to have a ton of gear to get outside! Shoes and a water bottle and you’re on your way! However, there is a lot of gear that makes hiking more safe and more enjoyable. While you can always shop at your local outdoor store or places like REI, also think about thrift stores, consignments, or even local Buy Nothing groups. Being safe outdoors doesn’t have to cost a fortune!
Disclosure: 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!
When it comes to hiking clothes, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The most important thing is your own comfort! A few general rules for clothing are to avoid cotton (it holds moisture so it can leave you very sweaty or cold), layer up, wear sturdy shoes, and protect from the elements (sun, rain, cold, etc).
If you’re looking to upgrade or invest in your hiking wardrobe, consider replacing key items with fabrics like merino wool, polyester, or nylon, which all are naturally moisture-wicking and will keep you more comfortable. Consider layers that have additional UV protection if you hike in sunny regions! Also, invest in good outer layers like a raincoat and winter coat to protect you from the elements. Remember to always check weather conditions before heading out and plan your gear accordingly.
Shoes
What you wear on your feet can really make or break a hike. While you definitely can get a lot of miles in tennis shoes, investing in trail shoes offers more traction and support. I’ve been a Merrell supporter since my first pair of hiking boots and I’ll probably never look back! I have weak ankles so I really like the higher fit of the Merrell Moabs which helps stabilize my ankle on uneven trails. The downside to hiking boots is that they can get heavy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider trail runners. I love my Hoka Speedgoats and have never fallen wearing them! If I’m doing an easy hike in the summer or I know there’s going to be stream crossing or a chance to go swimming, I’ll pack my Teva sandals. These are also great for leaving in the car to change into after a hike.
Merrell Moab Boots
Hoka Speedgoats
Teva Sandals
Socks
Anyone who has ever suffered from blisters knows that shoes are only as good as the socks you wear under them. The best socks for hiking are made of merino wool, which is quick-drying and warm. Seriously do not go with cotton socks! I love my Darntough crew socks not just because they come in cute designs but also because they keep my feet cozy in the winter and dry in the summer. They also last for ages. My first pair has lasted over 6 years! My second favorite brand is Smartwool, which I really like for my trail runners. These Smartwool ankle socks are lightweight but fast-drying and never slip down while I’m jogging.
Darntough Socks
Smartwool Socks
Clothing
You definitely don’t need specialized clothing to get into hiking. For years, I just wore regular gym clothes or comfy leggings or sweats. But if you’re starting to do a lot more hiking, it’s worth investing in a couple key pieces
Shirts – I love my REI Sahara shirt, it’s my go-to for warmer weather. I also use the REI Active Pursuits long sleeve shirt as a base layer year round. Both of these shirts have held up through major hikes and runs and I would definitely buy them again.
Pants – For years, Prana has been my go-to brand for hiking pants and shorts. They are pricey but the quality is so good and I really like that they dry very quickly and the pants are roomy enough to allow for leggings underneath on super cold days. The short never ride up and even on long hikes, I haven’t had chafing.
Leggings – Sometimes I prefer to hike in leggings or wear them under my other pants in winter. You don’t need specialized hiking leggings, but if you can, try to invest in non-cotton exercise leggings. I found these Swiftland Running Tights on clearance at REI and they’ve been my favorite hiking leggings.
Sahara Shirt
Active Pursuits Long Sleeve
Prana Hiking Pants
Prana Shorts
Swiftland Leggings
Outer Layers—No matter where you’re hiking, having the right layers is important. They keep you warm, protect you from the sun, and shield you from rain. I always pack extra layers when I’m out in the woods, as you never know how the weather might fluctuate.
Light jacket/Sun shade – During the summer, I always pack a lightweight fleece, sweatshirt, or windbreaker. I also almost always have my REI rain jacket, which I sized up so I can wear a fleece underneath it. I also picked up a Marmot rain jacket which I love for running or intense hikes because it has armpit zippers to help let out some of your body heat!
Fleece/Mid-weight jacket – You can’t go wrong with the Trailmade Fleece from REI. It’s perfect for layering and it packs away very easily. Just remember that fleece doesn’t offer any wind protection! I also have a number of quarter-zip sweatshirts that I got from Marshalls or clothing swaps that are great for adding an extra layer.
Puffy Jacket
Heavy Duty Winter Jacket – I dragged my feet for years about getting a good winter coat. I just couldn’t get over the price! But I finally got this Stormhenge Jacket from REI and I haven’t been cold on a winter hike yet!
Rain Jacket
Stormhenge Jacket
Fleece Jacket
Hiking Gear
Hats
Headgear is essential for sun protection, warmth, or both! It’s pretty rare that I hike without a baseball cap to keep my hair back and sweat off my face. I almost always just wear whatever basic ballcap I have on hand, but recently, I also invested in a UV protection and moisture-wicking hat for running and it’s pretty sweet. For the winter, I just wear whatever knit beanie I have on hand. Usually repping a local brewery! If you want to upgrade, thermal reflective beanies are always nice to have.
Sunblocking and moisture-wicking ball cap
Thermal Beanie
Gloves
If you’re hiking in the winter, invest in a good pair of gloves. Get a pair that is moisture-wicking, waterproof, and has a touchscreen fingertip. Some of my hiking and running friends like to pair a Merino wool glove liner with mittens or heavier gloves!
Sunglasses
If you’re like me, you loose sunglasses all the time. That’s why I really like the Goodr sunglasses. They’re relatively cheap so I don’t feel bad about replacing them nearly every season (why am I like this). Plus there’s so many fun colors! Just make sure to store them in the cloth bag they come in as the polarized coating easily scratches off.
Goodr Sunglasses
Packs
Packs are a great way to carry all you might need for a day of hiking. Even if I’m not going out for too long, I usually have some sort of small bag to carry water, snacks, and first aid supplies. Patagonia makes a series of really fun colorful hip packs that are perfect for stashing a snack and a phone. For a slightly longer hike, I use an old Camelbak slouch bag. This is a similar newer version! I really like having a water bottle sleeve so I don’t have to carry it around. A small pack is perfect for shoving extra layers too. For an all day adventure, I love my Osprey daypack. I got the Skimmer 20 with a hydration pack on consignment, but I’ve also heard great things about the Daylite packs. I actually use my pack as a carry-on for travels because I’m always shocked at how much I can fit into it.
Patagonia Hip Pack
Osprey Skimmer 20 Pack
If you’re looking to get more into overnight backpacking, check out Tory’s Must-Have Backpacking Gear over at My Trails are Many.
Hydration
Staying hydrated while hiking is essential, no matter the time of year or the length of hike. Make sure to carry a water bottle or water reservoir with you whenever you hit the trails. It’s funny how many water brands have exploded over the years. I’m not loyal to any one brand, but I prefer a sealable, metal bottle. I’ll take the extra weight if it means having cool water on a hike! An easy, hands-free way to carry water is in a water reservoir in a hydration pack. These reservoir (sometimes called bladders) come in a variety of sizes. I have both a 1.5 liter and 2.5 liter. Just remember that water is heavy so plan accordingly based on the length of your hike and the weather. I’ve also gotten in the habit of bringing my 2.5-liter on vacation trips which means I never have to buy plastic water bottles!
Osprey 2.5L Hydration Reservior
Poles & Traction
Let’s talk hiking poles. For a long time, I thought poles were only for really difficult mountain hikes. But I finally invested in a pair and I don’t think I’d ever go back. They are so useful for extra stability and absorb pressure on your knees going up or downhill. I invested in a pair or collapsible Black Diamond poles that come with snow attachments. They come in a pair and usually my partner and I each use one. I like how lightweight they are and that they easily can slide into my daypack if I don’t need them.
If you live in an area that gets snow and ice in the winter, you’ll want to invest in traction devices for your shoes. While some people hammer nails right into their hiking boots (yes, seriously), I’d recommend getting microspikes that stretch over your shoes and can easily be removed. I have a knock-off branch of Yaktraks like these that I got from a previous job and they really get the job done. If you’re going to be doing a lot of icy hiking, these Kahtoola microspikes can’t be beaten. Remember to always check weather conditions before heading out and know when to turn around if conditions are unsafe!
Black Diamond Trekking poles
Yaktrax Traction
Kahtoola Spikes
Remember, there’s a lot of gear out there but you don’t need everything to enjoy a day in the woods! These are just some suggestions if you want to get more serious about your hiking addiction hobby. Have a favorite brand or notice a key thing I’m missing? Reach out and let me know!
Tips for Saving on Gear
Gear is expensive. I’ve been building up my collection slowly and started out by only investing in a few key items. I’ve been able to save money by sourcing gear a few different ways:
Gear Swaps – my trail running group has seasonal gear swaps where we trade clothing and other gear that we no longer need. I’ve been able to get lots of clothes this way!
Consignment or Resale – Check your local outdoor shop for a consignment or resale section. REI locations have the Resupply used gear section where you can sometimes find great deals.
Sales – Shop strategically throughout the year to sale steep discounts! I always make sure to buy new running shoes or boots on Labor Day or Memorial Day when REI has the biggest discounts
Facebook Marketplace and Buy Nothing – It takes a bit more work, but I’ve seen some really good deals on gently used gear on Facebook! Just make sure to set up a time to check out the item and don’t go alone if you can help it.
Borrow first – For some major purchases, think about borrowing from a friend or renting from an outdoor store first. For my first backpacking trip, a friend lent me gear so that I could test things out
Ready to start planning your next adventure? Check out my recent hikes for inspiration! Happy hiking!
While the western side of the state isn’t exactly known for its waterfalls, there are actually a few you can visit within an hour of Pittsburgh! Ranging from a few feet to almost 50 feet high, these waterfalls are definitely worth a visit. Some can even be seen from the roadside without a long hike! Remember to always stay on trails and don’t venture beyond safety barriers. If visiting in the winter, spikes and trekking poles are a good idea. Now get out there and chase some waterfalls!
Did you know there’s a waterfall only 15 minutes from Downtown Pittsburgh? Check out Fall Run Park, a community park in Shaler Township. The 25-ft waterfall is only 0.5 miles from the parking lot along a wide path dotted with bridges over a creek. The narrow falls are best seen after rain and are particularly impressive during the winter when the water completely freezes. This is a popular spot, so you’re likely to meet other spectators along the way.
Settlers Cabin Waterfall (Robinson Township)
Settlers Cabin Park is one of the 9 county parks managed by Allegheny County. At only 17 minutes away from Downtown Pittsburgh, it’s perfect for an afternoon or even afterword visit. Among the miles of color-coded trails is this quaint waterfall. The quickest way to see it is to park at the dog park and get on the Green/Waterfall trail. Follow for only 0.5 miles to reach these 4-ft falls. While not the most impressive cascade, this is a charming trail and the falls are lovely after some rain. There are plenty of other trails to add if you want a longer route!
Montour Woods Falls (Moon Township)
Montour Woods is one of my favorite local hiking spots! There are miles of trails and opportunities to connect to Moon Park and the Montour Trail for even longer loops. But thankfully you don’t have to hike miles to see this cascade on Meeks Run. From the parking lot on Hassam Road, follow Meeks Run Trail for only 0.3 miles and you’ll encounter this delightful trickle. Unlike other local falls, this one flows strongly throughout the year.
Buttermilk Falls (Beaver Falls)
There are multiple Buttermilk Falls in Pennsylvania (and beyond) but here I’m talking about Buttermilk Falls Natural Area in Beaver Falls. Also called Homewood Falls, this roadside feature is only 35 minutes away from Pittsburgh (with tolls). There’s a small parking lot for about 5 cars at the trailhead, then its only a 0.2 mile walk to the falls. The impressive 30 foot drop spills out strongly over a rock edge, making for a waterfall that you can actually walk behind. In the winter, the falls can even freeze, for a truly incredible experience. The falls can also be viewed from a small parking lot on 1st Avenue, across the street from the Homewood Methodist Church. The view area is right beside the church, but for your safety, please don’t venture beyond the fence.
Frankfort Mineral Springs Waterfall (Burgettstown)
A trip to Raccoon Creek State Park is wonderful any time of year. There are many trails to explore and the wildflower preserve is beautiful in the spring and fall. And it can reached within 40 minutes from Downtown! But one of the most popular spots in the park is Frankfurt Mineral Springs. Right beside the mineral springs is a beautiful 10-foot waterfall. My absolute favorite time to visit is in late April when a field of white trilliums line the top of the waterfall. To get to the falls, park at the main park office and follow the Mineral Springs Trail. The round trip is only 1.2 miles and is an easy walk, although some of the rocks near the falls can get slippery when wet.
Hells Hollow (Portersville)
Take a trip north of the city to McConnells Mill State Park for another impressive falls. At about 50 minutes, this is a bit further from town. But the beauty of McConnells Mill is well worth the drive! Hells Hollow is located on the west side of the park. Although its a popular spot, there is plenty of parking in the Schaffer Road lot. From the lot, its an easy 0.5 mile walk to the falls. The most difficult part is descending the stairs to visit the falls. They end in the waters of Hell Run and you have to step across some rocks to get the full effect of the falls. Beware that this can be dangerous when the water is high or icy.
Want more information about hiking at McConnells Mill? Check out my guide to Hells Hollow & Shubrew
Alpha Falls (Portersville)
You don’t even have to change parks to see this waterfall! Located on the other end of McConnells Mill, near the historic gristmill and covered bridge is the stunning Alpha Falls. To access the trailhead, park at the main park lot for the Kildoo picnic area on Kildoo Road. From there, follow the trail behind the bathrooms down along the hillside for 0.2 miles to reach the Mill. From the Mill, head to the right on Alpha Pass Trail. This rocky trail follows along Slippery Rock Creek through towering hemlock trees and little trickles of water runoff. After 0.5 miles, you’ll reach a 30-foot stream of water that cascades over a sheer rock face. The water flow is modest but makes for a peaceful sight and beautiful ice features in the fall.
There are several other seasonal waterfalls in the park, most of which can be seen along the Kildoo Trail Loop, a 2 mile loop around Slippery Rock Creek starting at the gristmill and heading to Eckert Road bridge and back.
Springfield Falls (Mercer)
Springfield Falls is the only waterfall I know of that you can enjoy a craft beer beside! That’s right, Cobblehaus at the Falls offers a truly stunning spot to view these falls in Mercer. At 55 minutes from town, it might seem like a long drive to visit a brewery, but the views here are definitely worth it. If you’re just looking to see the falls, you can access them from a small parking lot on Falls Road. The waterfall is technically located in State Game Lands 284, so be aware if visiting during hunting season. Its an easy 0.3 miles from the road to the falls, although the way down to the bottom can be a bit tricky.
Big Run Falls (New Castle)
Staying north of the city, we’re heading to New Castle for this next waterfall. Big Run Falls is tucked into the ruins of Cascade Park, a former amusement park, now turned local park. There’s a large parking lot on Highway 65. From there, follow along the park road, past the abandoned amusement park pavilions. On the left, there is a municipal garage. To the right is a gorge with a stream. The waterfall will be directly underneath you. Continue along the road to a picnic area with a better vantage point of the falls. Please enjoy the falls from here. Do not venture beyond the fence as the hillside is very steep and the landscape is delicate. You’ll also see the remaining track of a rollercoaster that once zoomed along the stream.
There are also several short trails in the park if you’d like to stay and explore!
Quaker Falls (Lawrence Co.)
The very last waterfall on my list and arguably one of the most impressive! Quaker Falls is tucked into the newly created Quaker Falls Recreation Area, located in Lawrence County just a few miles away from the Ohio border. There is a large parking lot and a newly built stairway down to a viewing platform for the falls. The impressive 50-foot cascade really took me by surprise when I visited! I didn’t even know that we had a fifty-foot waterfall on this side of the state. Back at the parking lot, there’s also a short walking trail along the top of the falls with interpretive signs about the history of the area that leads to a few other viewing platforms. Please be aware that any foraged trail down to the bottom of the falls is not recommended and hasn’t been cared for by the park organizers.
A guide to the best hikes and microbreweries in Pennsylvania and New Jersey
Beer-lovers and hiking enthusiasts, these 35 hikes through Pennsylvania and New Jersey are for you! Each carefully selected hike leads you through a stunning natural landscape and ends near a brewery or a brewpub where a local craft beer awaits you. This full-color guidebook features the best one- to six-hour beer hikes around the mountains, waterfalls, battlefields, beaches, and forests of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. It guides you from the watershed of the Delaware Valley to the grand expanse of the PA Wilds, and from the beaches of the Jersey Shore to the rocky hills of the Laurel Highlands.
Each trail description includes details on access, difficulty, duration, points of interest, and, at trail’s end, a recommended beer, with notes on its appearance, aroma, and taste. You’ll also get an inside look at the creative and passionate craftspeople behind the brewing process.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase something. All income I may receive goes back into hosting and running this site!
Hikes and Hops 