How to Celebrate National Trails Day
The first Saturday in June is National Trails Day, which paired with the nice weather this weekend should be the perfect excuse for you to get out of the house, celebrate nature and enjoy some time in the great outdoors! The city of Pittsburgh and surrounding areas have some of the best places to hike, bike, and escape your daily routine! Check out the best trails in the area below. Spend a weekend at Ohiopyle State Park! One day will not be long enough to fully explore the park, waterways, and trails totaling almost 80 miles in all. Natural waterslides, whitewater rapids, mountain biking trails, and rock climbing areas round out the list of things to do. Consider camping overnight to experience all Ohiopyle has to offer! If you are a cyclist, you are going to want to check out the Great Allegheny Passage! This 150- mile trail soars over valleys, snakes around mountains, and skirts alongside three rivers on its nearly level path. You will be able to ride through Ohiopyle and the Laurel Mountains and then end up in Point State Park. This is one trail you won’t want to miss out on! If you want to stay in Pittsburgh this weekend the Three Rivers Heritage Trail is for you! Spanning 24 miles, this trail runs along both sides of the river and gives you great views of the city’s different neighborhoods. Whether you are going for a run or a long bike ride, this trail won’t disappoint! Enjoy your day biking, hiking, and swimming on your next trip to Moraine State Park. Lake Arthur is the centerpiece here, a massive body of water perfect for floating and fishing. Hikers can enjoy various treks, including the more difficult Glacier Ridge Trail. Moraine State Park offers a variety of different trails to hike for all skill sets. North Park has many great trails to offer. Whether you decide to run the 5-mile loop around the lake or head into the woods, you will not be disappointed! You could even make a day of it and hit the new Pro Bike and Run shop then head over to OTB Cafe and grab some takeout lunch! Experienced and well-conditioned hikers will enjoy the challenges presented by this 70-mile backpacking trail stretching from Laurel Mountain at Ohiopyle to the Conemaugh Gorge near Johnstown. This trail has a lot of different options for any level of hiking from beginner to expert. The Rachel Carson Trail spans 37.5 miles between Harrison Hills County Park in Northeast Allegheny County to North Park in north-central Allegheny County. The terrain is varied, including some paved roads and other areas that are steep and rugged. The trail will also lead you to the mansion at Hartwood Acres in Indiana Township and the Rachel Carson Homestead in Springdale.
This weekend, get out and enjoy some of the best trails Pennsylvania has to offer! Before you head out, pack a bag and download the All Trails App on your phone to stay up to date with open trails and ability levels. Another great app to use is Strava! Track your mileage and see what your friends are up to with the social features!
