The best walks and hikes around Pittsburgh

The Duck Hollow Trail in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, offers a delightful and easy hiking experience, perfect for a relaxed outing. This 3.0-mile (4.8 km) route, with a minimal 30 feet (9 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 12 minutes to complete, making it ideal for families and beginners. You'll follow a mostly paved path alongside the Monongahela River, enjoying serene, tree-lined scenery and notable views of the Homestead Grays Bridge.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with accessible parking available at the trailhead. The trail is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your leashed companion. While the path is wide and well-maintained, be prepared as amenities like restrooms or drinking fountains might not be readily available along this particular stretch. It's a pleasant trail to explore during any season, offering a peaceful escape.

Part of the larger Three Rivers Heritage Trail network, the Duck Hollow Trail utilizes former railroad rights-of-way, explaining its gentle grade and easy hiking difficulty. This secluded route provides a unique glimpse into Pittsburgh's industrial past while offering a quiet natural setting. It's a great option if you're looking for a tranquil walk with natural features and river viewpoints, away from the city's hustle.

The Beechview Seldom Seen Greenway Trail offers a surprising urban escape, winding through a wooded gorge along Sawmill Run. You'll encounter the historic Seldom Seen Arch, a beautiful brick tunnel, and a small waterfall cascading into a bluish-gray slate gorge, creating a unique atmosphere. While the main path is generally flat and easy, exploring off-trail can lead to steep climbs and creek crossings, making it a varied experience for a short outing.

This easy 0.8-mile (1.2 km) hike with only 18 feet (6 metres) of elevation gain can be completed in about 18 minutes, making it ideal for a quick nature fix. Be aware that some less-maintained sections might have hazards like broken glass or require you to get your feet wet crossing creeks, so choose your footwear accordingly. Parking is typically available nearby, and it's a great spot for a spontaneous visit.

What makes this trail truly stand out are its historical remnants, including scattered broken ceramics from a former German village and abandoned, graffiti-covered railroad tracks that offer unique photo opportunities. Despite its urban setting, you might even spot some wildlife. It's a true hidden gem among Pittsburgh's urban hiking trails, blending natural beauty with fascinating glimpses into the city's past.

The Nine Mile Run Trail offers a surprisingly wild urban escape, winding through a restored natural area within Pittsburgh's Frick Park. You'll traverse smooth crushed gravel paths, some paved sections, and even raised wooden platforms over wetlands, all while following the meandering Nine Mile Run stream. Expect a diverse landscape of wooded corridors and open parkland, with the highlight being the expansive views of the Monongahela River and Homestead Grays Bridge from Duck Hollow.

This easy 3.6-mile (5.9 km) hike, with a minimal 104 feet (32 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hour and 31 minutes to complete. It's an ideal choice for a relaxed outing, suitable for all skill levels, including families and those new to hiking. The trail is generally flat, though a short, steep hill where it crosses the run adds a touch of variety. Parking is available at Frick Park, and the trail is best enjoyed during spring for lush greenery or fall for vibrant foliage.

What truly sets this trail apart is its incredible story of environmental restoration. Once a massive industrial slag dump, the area underwent one of the largest urban stream restorations in the United States, transforming it into a thriving ecosystem. Today, it's a vital habitat for diverse wildlife, including deer, ducks, and even beavers, making it a testament to successful ecological rehabilitation right in the heart of the city.

The Station Square Trail offers a delightful urban escape, tracing the Monongahela River with continuous, picturesque views of downtown Pittsburgh and Mount Washington. This easy 1.6-mile (2.5 km) hike, with a mere 23 feet (7 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 39 minutes to complete, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll. You'll walk on a mostly paved path, occasionally encountering charming, somewhat uneven brick sections, as you soak in the city's unique riverfront atmosphere.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is easily accessible near the lower entrance of the Duquesne Incline. It's a family-friendly and dog-friendly route (leashes required), with amenities like drinking fountains and bike repair tools available near the Pittsburgh Glasshouse. While generally smooth, be mindful of potential construction detours, especially around the Smithfield Street Bridge, which might temporarily reroute sections of the path.

This trail is a key segment of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, seamlessly integrating into Pittsburgh's urban environment while highlighting its rich industrial past. You'll pass historic landmarks like the Clinton Furnace, Pittsburgh's first successful pig iron furnace, offering a glimpse into the city's heritage. Its connectivity to the broader trail network, including the Great Allegheny Passage, makes it a great starting point for longer explorations or simply a pleasant way to experience the city's riverfront attractions.