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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.

Schenley Park & Monday’s Brewing (Greenfield)

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Pittsburgh, PA

We’re lucky to have a number of beautiful parks here in Pittsburgh! Schenley Park is one of my favorites because it has miles of wooded trails and stunning century-old stone bridges. It’s the perfect spot for hiking, running, relaxing, and a bunch of other outdoor activities. Plus, after soaking up nature, you can head right across the Greenfield Bridge to grab a pint and a bite to eat at Monday’s Brewing (yup, it’s open every Monday!)

THE HIKE: Schenley Park Loop

Length: 4.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 400 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 1.5-2 hours
Trail use: Hiking, biking, running

Where to Park: There’s plenty of street parking around Schenley Park. If you want to follow these trail directions, park along the road on Overlook Drive, which is free. Other places to park where you can pick up the trail are free parking at the Anderson Playground (the Dino Playground), or paid street parking by the Schenley Visitors Center. All of these locations have either a porta-potty or a full bathroom (Schenley Park Visitors Center).

The Route: There are miles of interweaving trails through Schenley, so you can easily do a short loop or extend for a much longer outing. This is one of my go-to loops that incorporates both the narrow wooded trails and the wider bridle trails and passes some of Schenley Park’s iconic features.

Start off on the Bridle Trail just off of Greenfield Road. Follow this wide trail as it curves around the cliffside overlooking the Parkway. This is a popular trail and you’ll likely be sharing the way with runners, cyclists, and other groups. After following downhill for about 0.8 miles, you’ll encounter the first historic bridge of your hike. This bridge, along with several others in the park, was built in the 1930s by the Works Progress Administration during the Great Depression. At one mile into your trek, you’ll reach a trail junction. To the right is the swimming pool. Stay to the left, getting onto the Upper Panther Hollow Trail and passing under a bridge. After popping up on the other side of the bridge underpass, the Anderson playground will be to your right, along with a water fountain and a porta-potty.

Continue along the Upper Panther Hollow Trail, another very wide path, as it passes under another bridge and follows along the curve of a hillside. At 1.8 miles, take a narrow path to the left as it leads down into the hollow. To the right is one of the stunning 1908 historic bridges that are iconic to the park. Continue straight, up the hillside and over another wide path. To the left is a large rock, whimsically painted like a sitting bird. Continue straight ahead onto a cobblestone slope, now getting on the Steve Falconi Trail. Continue along this single-track trail. This natural path is less busy than previous trails but is also more rustic. At 2.7 miles, the trail lets out beside a pavilion and West Circuit Road. Straight ahead is the historic Westinghouse Memorial Fountain. Continue along the road briefly, rounding the bend to the left to walk along the sidewalk along Schenley Drive. After 0.1 mile, the quaint building to your left is the Schenley Park Visitor’s Center. This is a great spot to grab a bite to eat, learn more about the park, or just use the restroom.

To continue your route, follow the cobblestone path behind the building back down into the park. Take the stone stairs that descend into the woods. In the early spring, these stairs are surrounded by bluebells. Cross over the Lower Panther Hollow Trail and keep heading down the stairs. To your right is the other of the stunning 1908 bridges. At the bottom of the stairs, turn right onto the unnamed trail and follow through some wetlands and a small pond. In several hundred feet, the trail opens up onto the Panther Hollow Lake, a popular spot for fishing and relaxing. Follow the trail as it circumnavigates the lake. Now on the Hollow Run Trail, bear slightly right to continue away from the lake and along a small stream. At 3.6 miles, the trail curves up and reaches a junction. Turn right to get on the narrow path that leads along the stream. On maps, this is also called the Hollow Run Trail, but in person, it has a sign for the Ponticulus Trail. This is an incredibly beautiful trail that meanders along the stream deep in the hollow and is less busy than the rest of the park. It’s a great place for seeing wildflowers and amphibians. Finally, the trail ends in stairs that lead up to Barlett Street. Turn right and follow along Bartlett Street for 0.2 miles to complete your loop.

This is just one of the many route options in the park!

Other Attractions: Schenley Park has a lot to offer! Some other spots that may interest you outside of hiking are the very cool and newly renovated Anderson Playground, the ever-popular disc golf course, numerous picnic pavilions, sporting fields, a swimming pool, and more! Just outside of the park are the stunning Phipps Conservatory, which has a free outdoor garden to walk through, and the Bob O’Connor Golf Course, an affordable 9-hole course open to all.

THE BEER: Mondays Brewing Taproom (Greenfield)

Address: 563 Greenfield Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15207
Distance from Trail Head: 0.6 miles, 2 mins 
Website: https://mondays.beer/
Food?: Full Menu, operated by Smashed & Fried
Details: Street parking, wine and cocktails, NA options, indoor seating only, no pets

A guarantee at Mondays Brewing? You can always get a good beer on Monday! Monday’s Brewing originally opened in Peters Township in October 2020. They managed to find their footing during a difficult time in the service industry and have grown enough to open a second location. They found the perfect spot in Greenfield in the former Hough’s Taproom, a long-standing staple of the neighborhood. The huge taproom allows Mondays to grow in ways that their cozy Peters Township bar can’t. They have a full kitchen operated by Smashed & Fried, offering a menu of burgers, BBQ, and seafood.

Anchoring the space is a huge U-shaped bar where the Mondays team serves up 20 taps of their own brews along with some sampling of other local breweries. They are also fully stocked with locally made ciders, wine, seltzers, mead, and spirits. There are even some locally made soda and ginger beer options for the non-boozy.

Mondays is a great addition to the Greenfield neighborhood and we can’t wait to see where they go from here!

Our Beer:

  • Plaza Beer – Dark Mexi Lager – 5%
  • Lawnmower Beer – Pilsner – 5%

Looking for more Hikes & Hops in Pittsburgh? Check out Settler’s Cabin & Altered Genius Trailside, Dead Man’s Hollow & Firewhistle Brewing, North Park & Cinderlands Taproom, and Best Hikes & Hops in Pittsburgh!

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

A Day in McConnells Mill State Park

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McConnells Mills State Park spans over 2,500 acres of the Slippery Rock Gorge, a National Natural Landmark. With stunning rock formations, waterfalls, and a picturesque gristmill and covered bridge, this park is worth the drive to Lawrence County, PA. Whether you’re looking to hike the day away or for an outdoorsy spot to bring the whole family, a trip to McConnells Mill is beautiful at any time of year.

  1. Know Before You Go
  2. How to get to McConnells Mill
  3. Hiking in McConnells Mill
    1. Easy Hikes
    2. Moderate Hikes
    3. Difficult Hikes
  4. Other Things to Do
    1. Gristmill Tour
    2. Geology Trail (Driving & Hiking)
    3. White Water Boating
    4. Picnicking
    5. Rock Climbing
  5. Nearby Attractions

Know Before You Go

  1. Free Entry – PA State Parks and Forests are free for all visitors!
  2. 40 miles North of Pittsburgh – but not reachable by public transportation.
  3. Navigation – cell service can be spotty, so download trail and driving maps before leaving home
  4. Pet Friendly – leashed dogs are welcome on all trails. Check below for trail difficulty
  5. No Swimming – Swimming is prohibited at the park due to rocks and rapids
  6. Hunting – Some areas are open to hunting, so always wear orange during hunting season! Check the PA Game Commission for more information about hunting seasons.
  7. Accessibility – Handicap parking is available at the historic gristmill. Please note that there are no ADA-accessible trails or facilities available. Call the park office to confirm accessibility for tours of the mill.
  8. Weather – The park area is often colder than the surrounding areas and is prone to icy conditions. Check conditions before heading out and wear proper gear.

How to get to McConnells Mill

There are a few different parking areas for accessing trailheads at the park. The main parking area is the Kildoo Picnic Area. The park is approximately 40 miles north of Pittsburgh on I-79. Take the exit for PA-488, then get onto US-19N. Then follow Kildoo Road (T316) to the parking lot.

Hiking in McConnells Mill

There are over 11 miles of trail in McConnells Mill, including 7.5 miles of the North County Trail. You can combine trails to make a loop or stick to out-and-back trails. This park has plenty to see without a long hike, so it’s a great spot for families or new hikers. The hardest trail is the Slippery Rock Gorge Trail, which only experienced hikers should tackle. See below for a breakdown of the park’s trails!

Easy Hikes

  • Alpha Pass Trail (1.0 miles, out-and-back) – Start at the gristmill and head to the right on the blue-blazed Alpha Pass. The trail is fairly flat and even, but can be icy in the winter. Be aware that the creek is fast-running and not open for swimming. Leads to Alpha Falls, the tallest waterfall in the park, although best visited after a rainy spell.
  • Hells Hollow Trail (1.0 miles, out-and-back) – Start at the Schaffer Run Road parking lot. It’s an easy 0.5 miles out and back. The most difficult part is the final staircase down to the falls. The stairs end in the creek, and you’ll have to step over stones for the best view of the falls. Be aware that this can be difficult in the Spring when the water is high.
Frozen Alpha Falls
Hell’s Hollow Falls

Moderate Hikes

  • Kildoo Trail (2.0 miles, loop) – This is my favorite loop in the park. It also starts at the Mill and begins by following along the marked Kildoo Trail to the left of the Mill. This trail hugs the creek and is rocky and full of little waterfalls and runoff streams. It’s very beautiful, but new hikers might find the rocky terrain difficult. After about a mile, reach Eckert Bridge and cross over towards the Slippery Rock Gorge Trail. Bear to the right to hike alongside the opposite side of the creek. This side is higher up and slightly more rocky, but it makes for an exciting challenge. Finally, you’ll close the loop by crossing through the covered bridge.
  • Breckneck Falls (0.5 miles, out-and-back) – Another short hike to see a lesser-known waterfall in the park. Turn to the left from Eckert Bridge to start on the Breakneck Falls trail. It’s an easy hike with a very shallow stream crossing. The only difficult section is right at the mid-point to access the falls
Along the Kildoo Trail

Difficult Hikes

  • Slippery Rock Gorge Trail (6.2 miles, one-way) – This one-way (also called point-to-point) trail spans the length of the park, following along Hell Run until it meets up with Slippery Rock Creek. It is a rugged, difficult hike leading through the natural beauty of the Slippery Rock Gorge National Natural Landmark. If only going one way, you’ll need two cars, leaving one at the Schaffer Run parking lot and the other at the Kildoo Picnic Area lot. Starting at the Schaffer Run Lot, follow the signs for the Slippery Rock Gorge Trail (blue blaze). Along the trail, you’ll encounter old-growth forests, a natural landbridge, hidden waterfalls, and stream crossings. The trail leads all the way to the covered bridge and gristmill. For a real challenge, try this as an out-and-back, adding in the Kildoo Trail for a loop at the halfway point before heading back along the Slippery Rock Gorge Trail. If tackling the whole trail, make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, and give yourself ample time to complete. When a friend and I tackled the full out-and-back, it took the better part of 5 hours.

Other Things to Do

Gristmill Tour

A 19th-century gristmill is a key feature of the park. For decades, this mill served as a hub of the community where farmers brought their grains to be milled into flour. The mill eventually closed in the 1920s and was eventually transferred to the state for long-term preservation. Today, you can tour the mill and learn more about how it used the creek waters to grind grains.

The historic gristmill is open for tours on select days during the summer season. It’s usually open from 10:30-3:30 Wednesday thru Sunday, starting on Memorial Day. But make sure to call the park office for more details and to confirm opening times.

Geology Trail (Driving & Hiking)

The region that encompasses McConnells Mill State Park has a fascinating geological history. Follow along the Trail of Geology in McConnells Mill and nearby Moraine State Parks for a fascinating explanation of the rock and water features in the area. Stops 1-6 are located in McConnells Mill and can also be accessed by hiking!

White Water Boating

There are no rentals at McConnells Mill, but there are several points to launch personal crafts. Depending on the water level and season, the creek is rated as a Class II to IV river. The rapids can be quite dangerous and should only be attempted by experienced boaters. Also, boats are not allowed over the dam, so all boaters must exit the creek and return no less than 50 feet downstream. For more information about whitewater boating and safety, visit the State Park’s website.

Stairs from Kildoo Picnic Area to the Mill and trailheads

Picnicking

There’s no overnight accommodations at McConnells Mill State Park, but there is a large picnic area at the Kildoo parking area with picnic tables, charcoal grills, bathroom facilities, and a field for playing. There’s also an ADA-accessible pavilion that can be reserved. This is a great spot to have lunch after exploring!

Rock Climbing

McConnells Mill is one of only four state parks in PA that allow rock climbing! There are two designated climbing areas: Rim Road and Breakneck Bridge. If going climbing, please exercise extreme caution. The routes should only be tackled by experienced climbers.

Nearby Attractions

Want to know what else to do near McConnells Mills State Park? If you’re craving more outdoor time, check out nearby Moraine State Park for swimming, boating, biking, and more, and Jennings Environmental Center for hiking, birding, and environmental education.

If you’re looking to revive with a brew and bite, head into the nearby towns of Zelienople and Harmony for a plethora of food options. For brewpubs, you can check out Union Brothers Brewing, ShuBrew, or The Harmony Inn (operated by North Country Brewing). If a treat or a coffee is more your speed, stop by Lagerhaus Bakery, Wunderbar Coffee and Crepes, or Neff Haus Ice Cream to satisfy your sweet tooth!

For more hiking adventures in Western PA, check out my guide to Waterfalls within an Hour of Pittsburgh and Best Hikes & Hops in Pittsburgh. For all of my adventures in Pennsylvania, head here!

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

Hiking While Pregnant: A Guide for Moms-to-Be

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Beach hike in Puerto Rico at 25 weeks pregnant

Finding out that you’re expecting can usher in a whole range of emotions. Excitement, anxiety, fear, elation. But one thing you might worry about is if you’ll still be able to do your favorite activities. Well, expecting a new family member doesn’t mean your hiking days are done! Your body goes through some major changes throughout pregnancy, but there are plenty of ways to modify your activity so you can still safely hit the trails. In fact, exercising through pregnancy is usually recommended!

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!

These are some tips for getting out there while pregnant! Please remember that everyone’s experience is different, and you should only keep hiking if you feel comfortable and your doctor gives the thumbs up. 

10 Tips for Safe Hiking While Pregnant (All Trimesters)

  1. Stretch out first! 
Solo hike at 32 weeks

I used to roll out of my car and hit the trails. But it’s a good idea to take some time to stretch and loosen up your muscles and joints, especially while pregnant. It helps to avoid injury and reduces soreness. Plus, your back and joints will thank you! Remember, if anything starts to hurt or doesn’t feel right, call it quits or try an easier hike. 

  1. Embrace a slower pace on easier trails 

It’s not a race! With all that extra blood in your system and a little one pressing on your lungs, it’s a good idea to stick to trails with less elevation. Especially later in pregnancy when mobility is more difficult, stick with trails that you already know and feel comfortable with. 

  1. Pack Plenty of Water

Okay, I always suggest bringing water on a hike, but when you’re pregnant, bring even more! I also like to keep an extra bottle in the car for my drive home. I’ve been packing about twice as much water as I would on a normal hike. Better to have too much than to run out! Take sips throughout your hike and don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink. I always pack my hydration pack for hikes these days.

  1. Have a Pee Plan 

So with all that water, you’re definitely going to have to pee on the hike. Even if you’re someone who doesn’t usually feel the urge, make sure to have a game plan in case the water hits when you least expect. I highly recommend investing in a pee funnel. This is a cheap tube that allows you to pee while standing up and doesn’t require you to fully pull your pants down. It’s been a lifesaver on my pregnancy hikes! A pee cloth also helps clean up and doesn’t stay wet or smell.

  1. Hike with Trekking Poles

I’ve never been one to hike with trekking poles, but I’ve been converted. It’s incredible how much your balance changes while pregnant, even before you have a big belly. Between carrying more weight, relaxin loosening your joints, and early pregnancy dizziness, you’re bound to feel a little off balance. I found that hiking with poles helped steady me and made going uphill so much easier. Also, definitely opt for sturdy shoes with plenty of traction. 

Winter hike at 18 weeks. Poles were life-changing!
  1. Snack often 

Make sure to bring plenty of snacks! We all know snacking is one of the best parts of hiking, but remember that your body is burning a lot more calories and you’ll need to replace them faster. Plus you don’t want your blood sugar to dip and cause any additional dizziness

  1. Rest Often 

You will probably find yourself getting tired more easily. It can be frustrating to feel like you can’t do as much, but remember your body is working really hard to make that baby! Be kind to yourself and take frequent breaks. You’ll notice that your heart rate will increase faster than usual, and you may get overheated more easily (thanks blood). Just take it easy and remember you can always cut a hike short if needed. Never push yourself, especially if it’s sunny or the temperatures are high.

  1. Remember sunscreen and bug spray 

Being pregnant is already uncomfortable enough; don’t add bug bites and sunburn to the mix! Bring your sunscreen and bug spray and apply often! If you live in a hot, sunny climate, try to hike early in the day to avoid being out in the most intense sun.

9. Lighten the load

Hike and trailwork day at 26 weeks

It’s important to have everything you need for a hike, but make sure not to overpack or try to carry too heavy a pack. If you’re hiking with a partner or a group, see if others can take on some of the heavier items. You’re already carrying an extra load; you don’t need to add an extra heavy pack on top of that!

  1. Have a change of shoes in the car

You’ll thank me for this one. Have a pair of sandals or slides in the car to change into after your hike. The foot swell is real and nothing feels better than changing out of your boots and letting those toes breathe!

A final note: There’s a lot of pressure out there to be a #fitmom. Do your best to ignore these pressures (here’s looking at you social media) and only do what feels comfortable to you. While exercising is important, for me what made hiking throughout my pregnancy enjoyable was being able to recharge in nature, rather than getting in the miles. You never know how your body is going to react while growing a human. Real talk: Prior to my pregnancy, I had just finished a season of running more than I ever had in my life, even completing my very first ultramarathon. But by week 13, I was no longer able to run even a mile due to extreme pelvic girdle pain. Hiking became one of the only ways I could still comfortably enjoy nature. And even by the last few months of pregnancy, I couldn’t hike more than 2 miles. So, if you can, prioritize hiking for your mental health, rather than your physical one. And please remember to be kind to your body; it’s going through some stuff right now!

Looking for more hiking and gear tips? Check out my ultimate hiking gear guide to find all the things I personally recommend for a day on the trails

Best Hikes & Hops in Pittsburgh

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Looking for some hikes and brewery combos but want to stay within the City limits? This guide is for you!

  1. Frick Park & East End Brewing

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.

  1. Emerald View & Inner Groove

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?

  1. Riverview Park & Late Addition Brewing + Blending

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.

  1. Allegheny Cemetery & Coven Brewing

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!

  1. Schenley Park & Mondays Brewing (Greenfield)

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!

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