SPORTS & RECREATION / PARKS & NATURE
Greater Pittsburgh enjoys a kaleidoscope of local, county, and state parks as well as game lands and preserves. For general information or reservations for campsites, cabins, or picnic pavilions for any of the state parks, contact:
Department of Conservation & Natural Resources
Harrisburg 888-PA-PARKS
www.dcnr.state.pa.us
State Parks & Forests
Allegheny National Forest
Warren 814-723-5150
www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/allegheny
Covering Warren, McKean, Elk, and Forest Counties, the Allegheny National Forest encompasses over 513,000 acres and is located within easy driving distance of several metropolitan areas in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Ontario, Canada.
Blue Knob State Park
Imler 814-276-3576
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/blueknob/index.htm
Quiet and refreshing mountains and streams offer excellent trout fishing; boasts highest peak in the state with views up to 42 miles. Cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and downhill skiing are all available.
Canoe Creek State Park
Hollidaysburg 814-695-6807
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/canoecreek/index.htm
Forests and old farm fields dominate the landscape; the 155-acre lake attracts abundant waterfowl and is a haven for anglers.
Forbes State Forest
Laughlintown 724-238-1200
http://dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/stateforests/forbes/index.htm
Most of Forbes State Forest lies along Laurel Ridge, providing a favorite recreational destination for residents of Greater Pittsburgh. Millions of visitors enjoy the six state parks and pristine forest for hiking, biking, swimming, boating, fishing, camping, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and picnicking.
Jennings Environmental Education Center
Slippery Rock 724-794-6011
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/jennings/index.htm
Established to conserve a beautiful prairie flower known as the blazing star, the center offers interpretative programs.
Kooser State Park
Somerset 814-445-8673
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/kooser
Picturesque cabins, beach, and campsites are set against the backdrop of natural beauty bounded by Forbes State Forest.
Keystone State Park
Derry 724-668-2939
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/keystone/index.htm
Popular for family vacations, the park offers camping, cabin rentals, multi-purpose trails, a lake and a swimming beach.
Laurel Hill State Park
Somerset 814-445-7725
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/laurelhill/index.htm
Anchored by the 63-acre Laurel Hill Lake, the park is surrounded by thousands of acres of pristine forest lands. Trail system invites hiking and nature observation.
Laurel Ridge State Park
Rockwood 724-455-3744
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/laurelridge/index.htm
Stretching from Laurel Mountain and the scenic Yougiogheny River at Ohiopyle to the Conemaugh Gorge near Johnstown, the park spans five counties and includes the popular Laurel Highlands Trail.
Linn Run, Laurel Mountain, Laurel Summit
Rector 724-238-6623
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/laurelsummit/index.htm
Highlighted by Laurel Mountain Ski Area, the Laurel Mountain State Park’s 493 acres combines with the 612 acres of Linn Run State Park to provide vast recreational opportunities including fishing and camping. The six-acre Laurel Summit State Park reaches an elevation of 2,739 feet for a cool retreat.
McConnell’s Mill State Park
Portersville 724-368-8091
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/mcconnellsmill
Striking scenery and the deep gorge of the Slippery Rock Creek makes the park ideal for hiking, whitewater boating, and rock climbing. Includes restored rolling gristmill and covered bridge.
Moraine State Park
Portersville 412-368-8811
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/moraine
Features 3,225-acre Lake Arthur and warm water fishery that encourages sailing and boating. Other highlights are Frank Preston Conservation Area and seven-mile paved lakeside bike trail.
Monongehela National Forest
Elkins 304-636-1800
www.fs.fed.us/r9/mnf
This vast forest sprawls over 909,000 acres in 10 counties in West Virginia, making it the fourth largest national forest in 20 northeastern states. This recreational paradise is located with a day’s drive from one-third of the nation’s population.
Ohiopyle State Park
Ohiopyle 724-329-8591
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/ohiopyle/index.htm
Over 14 miles of the Youghiogheny River Gorge thunders though the heart of Ohiopyle. The famous Lower Yough below the scenic Ohiopyle Falls offers some of the East’s finest whitewater rafting. Hikers or bikers can traverse the 28-mile river trail.
Point State Park
Pittsburgh 412-471-0235
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/point
At the tip of the Golden Triangle in downtown Pittsburgh, the park features a water fountain, riverfront promenades, dramatic vistas, and historic attractions.
Raccoon Creek State Park
Hookstown 724-899-2200
http://dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/raccooncreek/index.htm
One of the state’s largest and most beautiful park features a 100-acre lake for fishing and boating. The Raccoon Creek Wildflower Preserve is a botanical wonderland. Also encompassed in the park is Hillman State Park with hiking trails and seasonal hunting.
Ryerson Station State Park
Wind Ridge 724-428-4254
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/ryersonstation/index.htm
Expansive 1,164-acre park features 62-acre lake; cross-country skiing is permitted on the hiking trail system and open areas.
Yellow Creek State Park
Penn Run 724-357-7913
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/yellowcreek/index.htm
Rolling terrain provides easy walking trails for all ages and athletic abilities; picnic areas enjoy a picturesque lake vista.
Trails & Natural Wonders
Allegheny Observatory
159 Riverview Park Avenue
Pittsburgh 412-321-2400
www.pitt.edu/~aobsvtry
Located in Riverview Park, one of the world’s major astronomical research institutions offers tours and educational programs.
Beachwood Farms Nature Reserve
614 Dorseyville Road
Fox Chapel 412-963-6100
www.aswp.org
Orientation programs and children’s activities sponsored by Audubon Society enjoy 120 acres of scenic beauty and trails.
Frick Woods Nature Reserve
2005 Beechwood Boulevard
Pittsburgh 412-422-6538
http://pittsburghpa.gov/citiparks/fec
Learn more about local wildlife at this home for thousands of squirrels. The 150-acre reserve offers trails and a variety of gardens filled with native plants.
Twin Lakes Nature Center
Twin Lakes County Park
Greensburg 724-836-1240
www.co.westmoreland.pa.us
Nature trail system includes the award-winning Painted Turtle Handicapped Accessible Trail. Group nature walks and educational programs are available.
Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail
Rockwood 724-455-3744
http://dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/lhht/index.htm
Hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing is available on a 70-mile trail that includes overnight areas with shelters, space for tents, comfort stations, and water sources.
Laurel Caverns
200 Caverns Park Road
Farmington 724-438-3003
www.laurelhighlands.org/listings/Laurel-Caverns-Inc-/281
This 430-acre geological park features Pennsylvania’s largest cave is conveniently located just 50 miles south of Pittsburgh on Route 40.
Charles F. Lewis Natural Area
Route 403
Johnstown 814-472-1862
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry
Scenic waterfalls and a marked but primitive trail highlight this memorial to the late Dr. Charles F. Lewis, a noted conservationist in western Pennsylvania.
Loyalhanna Nature Trail
Ligonier 724-238-7560
www.loyalhannawatershed.org/natureTrail.asp
Located just west of Ligonier, this one-mile creekside trail features a parking lot accessible from the eastbound lane of US 30.
Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Schenley Drive
Pittsburgh 412-622-6915
www.phipps.conservatory.org
Victorian glasshouse features acres of indoor and outdoor display rooms filled with plants, flowers, and butterflies.
PW&S Railroad Mountain Bike Trail
Ligonier 724-238-7560
www.visitpa.com/pa-biking/pw-s-railroad-bike-trail
In Forbes State Forest surrounded by the alpine splendor of Laurel Hill Mountain is a 37-mile network of 4 interconnecting loops along the Pittsburgh, Westmoreland and Somerset Railroad Line.
Rodef Shalom Biblical Botanical Garden
4905 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh 412-621-6566
www.rodefshalom.org
Features the world of ancient Israel in Pennsylvania’s only biblical botanical garden.
The Youghiogheny River Trail
724-872-5586
www.youghrivertrail.com
Enjoy a safe place to bicycle, walk. jog, snowshoe and cross-country ski on this 43-mile limestoned surfaced trail along the “railbanked” right-of-way of the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad between McKeesport and Connellsville.
Pittsburgh Citiparks
The City of Pittsburgh maintains more than 2,500 acres of green parkland in more than 200 community parks. Amenities include biking and walking trails, swimming, skating, playgrounds, picnic grounds, and golf courses. For information on individual parks and facilities, contact:
City Parks & Recreation
414 Grant Street
Pittsburgh 412-255-2539
http://pittsburghpa.gov/citiparks
County Park Information
Allegheny County Parks
412-350-7275
www.alleghenycounty.us/parks/index.aspx
Armstrong County Parks
724-548-1067
http://armstrongcounty.com/members/parks-township
Beaver County Parks
724-846-5600
www.beavercountypa.gov/parks-recreation-mission
Butler County Parks
724-284-5383
www.co.butler.pa.us/Parks-and-Recreation
Cambria County Parks
814-472-2120
www.cambriacountypa.gov/conservation-and-recreation.aspx
Fayette County Parks
724-329-1560
www.co.fayette.pa.us/ParksandTrails/Pages/default.aspx
Greene County Parks
724-852-5323
www.co.greene.pa.us/secured/gc2/depts/rec/index.htm
Indiana County Parks
724-463-8636
www.indianacountyparks.org
Somerset County Parks
814-443-9992
www.discoverourtown.com/PA/Somerset/Recreation-997.html
Washington County Parks
724-228-6867
www.co.washington.pa.us/index.aspx?nid=164
Westmoreland County Parks
724-830-3951
www.co.westmoreland.pa.us
Additional Websites
Allegheny Trail Alliance
www.atatrail.org
Pennsylvania State Forests
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry
Laurel Highlands Trail Guide
www.laurelhighlands.org
