WITHIN AN HOUR OF HOME

Adventure is always within reach

"If you're lucky enough to be in the woods, you're lucky enough." - Unknown. My friend had a pillow with this saying written on it. I would always admire it when I visited, until eventually she gifted that pillow to me. I now recognize that this is one of those reusable, fill-in-the-blank type statements, used on widely produced signs and decorative items sold in home stores or rustic souvenir type shops. If you’re lucky enough to be in/at the...mountains, lake, beach, cottage, etc. ...you’re lucky enough. But, I still love that pillow, and I believe the saying to be true.

Obviously, I love to travel. To see new places and immerse myself in landscapes that are different from what I’m able to see day to day. While I often experience the wanderlust of what National Park, outdoor mecca or crunchy mountain town I’ll escape to next, it’s important to recognize and celebrate the parks and special green spaces that are right outside your front door (or, hopefully pretty close). These are the places where we train, dream, and gain inspiration. These are the places that allow the activities we love like hiking, biking, kayaking, trail running, rock climbing, etc. to be a part of our regular routine.

I’m a Pittsburgh-native, lucky to grow up with Frick Park just minutes from my back door. I grew up in the woods and stream there, and over the years it has been great to see Pittsburgh grow into a greener city, with increased outdoor businesses and amenities, and a community that values time spent outdoors. Here is a list of my go to places for catching that adventure vibe within an hour of home.

THE GO TO’S

Pittsburgh Parks

Frick, Schenley, Highland these are my number one go to’s, especially for a weekday escape to hike, run, or let Portland (my dog) get a little muddy. All 5-15 minutes from my front door with plenty of multi-use trails to explore.

Perfect for: Hiking, biking, mountain biking, running, trail running, dog walks, off leash dog areas, picnics, outdoor fitness stations, playgrounds

Highlights: Frick Environmental Center’s beautiful campus in Squirrel Hill provides resources, classes, and programming for visitors to the park. Highland Park’s reservoir walkway is a favorite place to walk or run around the water; beautiful flowers and a fountain, along with the park’s elaborate pillared entrance are additional highlights on every visit.

Build Your Adventure: Expand your adventure beyond the park by exploring the surrounding neighborhoods within walking distance for a bite to eat, drink, shop, or explore art and cultural attractions.

McConnell’s Mill State Park

I love this park! Giant rocks, moss and tall trees along a scenic creek give me the feeling of being far from home. Perfect for a short hike or a long day in the woods, this is always the first place that comes to mind when I’m asked, “where should we hike?” and the fact that the North Country Trail passes through the park is an added bonus. Nearly an hour from my front door, but always worth the drive.

Perfect for: Hiking, backpacking, dog walks, picnics, white water kayaking, rock climbing, hunting, fishing. Flat water kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding at Moraine State Park, nearby.

Highlights: The Covered Bridge, Mill and Dam are landmarks in this park, and the trail loop from the Covered Bridge to Eckert Bridge on the Kildoo Trail, looping back on the Slippery Rock Gorge Trail/North Country Trail is a popular hike. I also love the Hell’s Hollow end of the park for a longer hike.

Build Your Adventure: A stop for a meal or post hike victory beer at North Country Brewing in the college town of Slippery Rock, PA is almost always a part of my day trips to McConnell’s Mill. The brewery is about 20 minutes from the park, traveling away from Pittsburgh. Pet friendly patio.

Raccoon Creek State Park

I am still getting to know this state park that’s just 45 minutes from home, but always know I’m there when I see the somewhat famous handwritten, “Got Far Wood” (fire wood) sign at a nearby gas station. This park has it all and close to home, and I’m looking forward to exploring more.

Perfect for: Hiking, camping, dog walks, kayaking, boat rental, swimming, hunting, fishing

Highlights: Beautiful, large campground for a night under the stars away from the city. Hiking trails around the lake and into the forest, including a hike to the remains of an old mineral spring or a wildflower reserve. Lake for boating, wildlife watching, and a beach area for swimming.

Build Your Adventure: Perfect single location for a multi-sport weekend with a campsite as your home base!

Indoor Rock Climbing Gyms

Sometimes, you find adventure indoors. That’s right, Pittsburgh has two spaces for indoor rock climbing with very different vibes. Ascend, in the South Side, is bright, colorful, big, and centered on community, making even the newest climber feel like they’ve arrived at a pro level gym that you might find in a major outdoor mecca. The Climbing Wall reminds us that Pittsburgh was cool with climbing before it was on trend -- they opened in 1992! I find that my climbing style differs depending on which gym I’m at, and I like to visit both. More gyms equals more opportunity to grow and practice.

Highlights: Ascend is a climbing gym, yoga studio, and fitness center all under one roof. Catch a glimpse of the space at one of their Big Free Yoga events, they happen one Saturday morning per month!

The Climbing Wall captures the DIY spirit, I always feel a bit like I’m a contestant on Legends of the Hidden Temple when I’m there!

3 Rivers Outdoor Company

I’ve chosen to include 3 Rivers Outdoor Company in this article not as a store exactly, although they are a great locally owned shop for new and used outdoor gear. They are also very focused in the community hosting events and partnering with local businesses and nonprofits to help promote the region’s outdoor amenities and create a community of like-minded adventurers.

Highlights: Events like Tuesday night trail runs in Frick Park with victory beers to follow, a Frick Park mountain bike group, campfire and s’mores nights, game nights, and host to other events like guest speakers, and film festival previews. Plus, the opportunity to shop and support local.

Allegheny County Parks

North, South, Boyce, Hartwood Acres, Settler’s Cabin...and still many more for me to explore! These are the places that I knew from childhood for their wave pools and summer concert series. There is so much more! Tons of trails plus paved bike paths, ski slopes, lakes for boating, programming and more. Activities vary by park.

Highlights: Big parks with lots of attractions and amenities.

NEW DISCOVERIES

Loyalhanna Lake

About 45 minutes from home is a great spot to take my kayak that I never knew existed! This U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site boasts a huge lake with so much room to explore. When I visited to kick off September, the water was high and my friend and I were able to paddle through the floodplain trees along the edge of the lake and center islands. We easily spent three hours on the lake. Peaceful and quiet, you’ll forget you’re so close to the city!

Perfect for: Boating (non motorized and motorized), camping, fishing, picnics

Build Your Adventure: Stay overnight or explore nearby Keystone State Park with hiking trails, swimming, boating and a campground.

Duff Park

Just around 25 minutes from home, this large park with a looping trail network is nestled along busy Route 22 in Murrysville, PA. Well marked trails, with many short intersecting trail segments so you can choose your own adventure! I (always) recommend taking a picture of the trail map in the parking area before you set out to hike.

Perfect for: Hiking, dog walking, trail running, biking,* picnics

Build Your Adventure: Duff Park’s hiking trails link up with the Westmoreland Heritage Trail, popular for cycling, running and walking. From Duff Park, the Helltown Brewing Tasting Room is just five minutes away! When I visited with my sister over the weekend, they had live music outside. Pet friendly outdoors.

This is my short list, concentrating on places that are accessible to me just about any day of the week, within an hour of home. There are so many places to explore in the Pittsburgh area. If you’re a local, please share your favorite spot! It might just be one that I’ve yet to find. For those outside the Pittsburgh area, I hope this article has given you some inspiration for what to see when your travels bring you to town -- or maybe I’ve inspired you to plan a visit! Wherever you’re reading this from, I’d love to hear your favorite places for finding adventure close to home and what your local green spaces mean to you. Until next time, Live Wildly!

Looking for more adventure? Join me on social media through Instagram and Facebook.