GREAT DAY HIKES IN
THE AREA
Hiking Guidelines: It
is wise to carry a map with on the trails.
I linked maps you can print out and carry with you. Take your phone, turn it off if you want
peace, and turn it on when you need it.
You can use google maps to help with orientation. Getting a little lost is part of the fun. The
easiest way to get back to where you were is to go back the way you came. Fall is the best time to go. When the leaves fall off it is much easier to
navigate and see landmarks. Winter is no
excuse; hiking in the snow is always an amazing experience. Always tell someone where you are going,
where you parked, and when you will be back.
When I go to more remote areas I pin my location and text to my
wife.
Gear: Water, Sturdy shoes with good tread, Raincoat, small
back pack, nuts or protein bar, sandwich for a long hike. I love Tecnu if you
come in contact with poison ivy. I use
it any time I think I may have come in contact with poison ivy.
Maps: Always print
out a map before you go and carry it with you.
Even small areas in populated areas can get confusing.
Navigation: Observe landmarks before you walk away from you
vehicle. Cell Towers are my
favorite.
Apps: Map my walk.
This is good to track time and distance travelled and also provides a
way to see where you have been. This can
be handy when you get lost.
THE HIKES
CITY
The two best hikes in the city are Frick and Schenley. Unfortunately there is not a good map for the
trails. It is best to stay on marked
paths. This is a great way to experience
nature if you are stuck in the city. Riverview Park has some good trails as
well, but it is smaller.
SURROUNDING AREAS (45
minutes to 1 hour drive)
McConnells Mills:
40 minutes north of the city on 79.
This is a very challenging area to hike and it has steep
cliffs. Common sense will keep you safe.
(If something falls off of the cliff let it go)
Most of the trails are out and back here is a map:
Moraine State
Park:
Same area as McConnells Mills State Park
You could rent bikes and ride a 7 mile out and back paved
trail or find numerous hiking trails. This is a huge park!
Raccoon Creek State
Park:
45 minutes west of the city.
This is a large park with a ton of things to do. These trails are not as technical as Moraine
or McConnells Mill.
SUBURBS
Boyce Mayview Park:
This is located about 5 minutes from the gym. There are a ton trails to explore through a
variety of landscapes.
Mingo Creek
Washington County Park: This is probably about 1 hour from the city and
is as large as a state park. There is a
paved trail through the park or you can get adventurous and hike the
trails. The loops are long and you may
have to use the paved path to cut it to a reasonable length.
Hartwood Acres:
This is north of the city off of Route 8.
This is a really nice county park with a maze of trails. Stay on the marked ones. Usually there is a colored blaze on the trees
so you know you are on the trail.
Brady’s Run:
This is northwest of the city in Beaver County.
It is about 30 to 40 minutes past
the airport. There are a number of
options here as far as loops go. No
matter how you do it you have to climb hills and that is a good thing.
Montour Woods: This is located in Moon Township along the
Montour Trail. I really enjoyed this
hike and there are some amazing spots along the water.
