{"id":316,"date":"2012-06-30T18:06:15","date_gmt":"2012-06-30T18:06:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.websitefix.net\/clients\/Generic\/?page_id=316"},"modified":"2019-01-07T18:36:16","modified_gmt":"2019-01-07T18:36:16","slug":"parks-nature","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Pittsburgh3\/?page_id=316","title":{"rendered":"Parks & Nature"},"content":{"rendered":"

SPORTS & RECREATION \/ PARKS & NATURE
\n<\/strong>
\nGreater 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:
\n
\nDepartment of Conservation & Natural Resources
\n<\/strong>Harrisburg 888-PA-PARKS
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us<\/a><\/p>\n

State Parks & Forests<\/strong><\/p>\n


\n<\/strong> Allegheny National Forest
\n<\/strong>Warren 814-723-5150
\nwww.fs.fed.us\/r9\/forests\/allegheny<\/a>
\nCovering 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.<\/p>\n

Blue Knob State Park
\n<\/strong>Imler 814-276-3576
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks\/findapark\/blueknob\/index.htm<\/a>
\nQuiet 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.
\n
\nCanoe Creek State Park
\n<\/strong>Hollidaysburg 814-695-6807
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks\/findapark\/canoecreek\/index.htm<\/a>
\nForests and old farm fields dominate the landscape; the 155-acre lake attracts abundant waterfowl and is a haven for anglers. <\/strong><\/p>\n


\n<\/strong> Forbes State Forest
\n<\/strong>Laughlintown 724-238-1200
\nhttp:\/\/dcnr.state.pa.us\/forestry\/stateforests\/forbes\/index.htm<\/a>
\nMost 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.
\n
\nJennings Environmental Education Center
\n<\/strong>Slippery Rock 724-794-6011
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks\/findapark\/jennings\/index.htm<\/a>
\nEstablished to conserve a beautiful prairie flower known as the blazing star, the center offers interpretative programs.
\n
\nKooser State Park
\n<\/strong>Somerset 814-445-8673
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks\/findapark\/kooser<\/a>
\nPicturesque cabins, beach, and campsites are set against the backdrop of natural beauty bounded by Forbes State Forest.
\n
\nKeystone State Park
\n<\/strong>Derry 724-668-2939
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks\/findapark\/keystone\/index.htm<\/a>
\nPopular for family vacations, the park offers camping, cabin rentals, multi-purpose trails, a lake and a swimming beach.
\n
\nLaurel Hill State Park
\n<\/strong>Somerset 814-445-7725
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks\/findapark\/laurelhill\/index.htm<\/a>
\nAnchored 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.
\n
\nLaurel Ridge State Park
\n<\/strong>Rockwood 724-455-3744
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks\/findapark\/laurelridge\/index.htm<\/a>
\nStretching 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.
\n
\nLinn Run, Laurel Mountain, Laurel Summit
\n<\/strong>Rector 724-238-6623
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks\/findapark\/laurelsummit\/index.htm<\/a>
\nHighlighted 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n


\n<\/strong> McConnell’s Mill State Park
\n<\/strong>Portersville 724-368-8091
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks\/findapark\/mcconnellsmill<\/a>
\nStriking 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.
\n
\nMoraine State Park
\n<\/strong>Portersville 412-368-8811
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks\/findapark\/moraine<\/a>
\nFeatures 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.<\/p>\n

Monongehela National Forest
\n<\/strong>Elkins 304-636-1800
\nwww.fs.fed.us\/r9\/mnf<\/a>
\nThis 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.<\/p>\n

Ohiopyle State Park
\n<\/strong>Ohiopyle 724-329-8591
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks\/findapark\/ohiopyle\/index.htm<\/a>
\nOver 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.<\/p>\n

Point State Park
\n<\/strong>Pittsburgh 412-471-0235
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks\/findapark\/point<\/a>
\nAt the tip of the Golden Triangle in downtown Pittsburgh, the park features a water fountain, riverfront promenades, dramatic vistas, and historic attractions.
\n
\nRaccoon Creek State Park
\n<\/strong>Hookstown 724-899-2200
\nhttp:\/\/dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks\/findapark\/raccooncreek\/index.htm<\/a>
\nOne 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.
\n
\nRyerson Station State Park
\n<\/strong>Wind Ridge 724-428-4254
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks\/findapark\/ryersonstation\/index.htm<\/a>
\nExpansive 1,164-acre park features 62-acre lake; cross-country skiing is permitted on the hiking trail system and open areas.
\n
\nYellow Creek State Park
\n<\/strong>Penn Run 724-357-7913
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks\/findapark\/yellowcreek\/index.htm<\/a>
\nRolling terrain provides easy walking trails for all ages and athletic abilities; picnic areas enjoy a picturesque lake vista.
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Trails & Natural Wonders<\/p>\n

<\/strong> Allegheny Observatory
\n<\/strong>159 Riverview Park Avenue
\nPittsburgh 412-321-2400
\nwww.pitt.edu\/~aobsvtry<\/a>
\nLocated in Riverview Park, one of the world’s major astronomical research institutions offers tours and educational programs.
\n
\nBeachwood Farms Nature Reserve
\n<\/strong>614 Dorseyville Road
\nFox Chapel 412-963-6100
\n<\/a>www.aswp.org <\/a>
\nOrientation programs and children\u2019s activities sponsored by Audubon Society enjoy 120 acres of scenic beauty and trails.<\/p>\n

Frick Woods Nature Reserve
\n<\/strong>2005 Beechwood Boulevard
\nPittsburgh 412-422-6538
\nhttp:\/\/pittsburghpa.gov\/citiparks\/fec<\/a>
\nLearn 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.
\n
\nTwin Lakes Nature Center
\n<\/strong>Twin Lakes County Park
\nGreensburg 724-836-1240
\nwww.co.westmoreland.pa.us<\/a>
\nNature trail system includes the award-winning Painted Turtle Handicapped Accessible Trail. Group nature walks and educational programs are available.
\n
\nLaurel Highlands Hiking Trail
\n<\/strong>Rockwood 724-455-3744
\nhttp:\/\/dcnr.state.pa.us\/stateparks\/lhht\/index.htm<\/a>
\nHiking, 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.
\n
\nLaurel Caverns
\n<\/strong>200 Caverns Park Road
\nFarmington 724-438-3003
\nwww.laurelhighlands.org\/listings\/Laurel-Caverns-Inc-\/281<\/a>
\nThis 430-acre geological park features Pennsylvania’s largest cave is conveniently located just 50 miles south of Pittsburgh on Route 40.<\/p>\n

Charles F. Lewis Natural Area
\n<\/strong>Route 403
\nJohnstown 814-472-1862
\nwww.dcnr.state.pa.us\/forestry<\/a>
\nScenic waterfalls and a marked but primitive trail highlight this memorial to the late Dr. Charles F. Lewis, a noted conservationist in western Pennsylvania.
\n
\nLoyalhanna Nature Trail
\n<\/strong>Ligonier 724-238-7560
\nwww.loyalhannawatershed.org\/natureTrail.asp<\/a>
\nLocated just west of Ligonier, this one-mile creekside trail features a parking lot accessible from the eastbound lane of US 30.
\n
\nPhipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
\n<\/strong>Schenley Drive
\nPittsburgh 412-622-6915
\nwww.phipps.conservatory.org<\/a>
\nVictorian glasshouse features acres of indoor and outdoor display rooms filled with plants, flowers, and butterflies.<\/p>\n

PW&S Railroad Mountain Bike Trail
\n<\/strong>Ligonier 724-238-7560
\nwww.visitpa.com\/pa-biking\/pw-s-railroad-bike-trail<\/a>
\nIn 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.
\n
\nRodef Shalom Biblical Botanical Garden
\n<\/strong>4905 Fifth Avenue
\nPittsburgh 412-621-6566
\nwww.rodefshalom.org<\/a>
\nFeatures the world of ancient Israel in Pennsylvania\u2019s only biblical botanical garden.<\/p>\n

The Youghiogheny River Trail
\n<\/strong>724-872-5586
\nwww.youghrivertrail.com<\/a>
\nEnjoy 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.<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh Citiparks
\n<\/strong>
\nThe 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:<\/p>\n

City Parks & Recreation
\n<\/strong>414 Grant Street
\nPittsburgh 412-255-2539
\nhttp:\/\/pittsburghpa.gov\/citiparks<\/a><\/p>\n

County Park Information
\n<\/strong>
\nAllegheny County Parks
\n<\/strong>412-350-7275
\nwww.alleghenycounty.us\/parks\/index.aspx<\/a><\/p>\n

Armstrong County Parks
\n<\/strong>724-548-1067
\nhttp:\/\/armstrongcounty.com\/members\/parks-township<\/a><\/p>\n

Beaver County Parks
\n<\/strong>724-846-5600
\nwww.beavercountypa.gov\/parks-recreation-mission<\/a><\/p>\n

Butler County Parks
\n<\/strong>724-284-5383
\nwww.co.butler.pa.us\/Parks-and-Recreation<\/a><\/p>\n

Cambria County Parks
\n<\/strong>814-472-2120
\nwww.cambriacountypa.gov\/conservation-and-recreation.aspx<\/a><\/p>\n

Fayette County Parks
\n<\/strong>724-329-1560
\nwww.co.fayette.pa.us\/ParksandTrails\/Pages\/default.aspx<\/a><\/p>\n

Greene County Parks
\n<\/strong>724-852-5323
\nwww.co.greene.pa.us\/secured\/gc2\/depts\/rec\/index.htm<\/a><\/p>\n

Indiana County Parks
\n<\/strong>724-463-8636
\nwww.indianacountyparks.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Somerset County Parks
\n<\/strong>814-443-9992
\nwww.discoverourtown.com\/PA\/Somerset\/Recreation-997.html<\/a><\/p>\n

Washington County Parks
\n<\/strong>724-228-6867
\nwww.co.washington.pa.us\/index.aspx?nid=164<\/a><\/p>\n

Westmoreland County Parks
\n<\/strong>724-830-3951
\nwww.co.westmoreland.pa.us<\/a><\/p>\n

Additional Websites
\n<\/strong>
\nAllegheny Trail Alliance
\n<\/strong>www.atatrail.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Pennsylvania State Forests
\n<\/strong>www.dcnr.state.pa.us\/forestry<\/a><\/p>\n

Laurel Highlands Trail Guide
\n<\/strong>www.laurelhighlands.org<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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 & […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Pittsburgh3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Pittsburgh3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Pittsburgh3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Pittsburgh3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Pittsburgh3\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=316"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Pittsburgh3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":672,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Pittsburgh3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316\/revisions\/672"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Pittsburgh3\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=316"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}