Top 3 hikes to explore near Pittsburgh this fall
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The marvelous view of the Allegheny River from the top of Harrison Hills. Photo: Ryan Deto/Axios
The leaves are changing, so change into some hiking boots.
The intrigue: Autumn in Pittsburgh provides perfect hiking weather — cooler temperatures and dry stretches — and there are dozens of trails to choose from.
State of play: The most popular hikes in the region, like Wolf Rocks Trail in the Laurel Highlands, are worth the drive for their scenic views, but they can get crowded during hiking season.
- Many trails located within an hour of the city provide mountain scenery and, usually, far fewer crowds.
🥾 Pro tip: Wear hiking boots. Our Appalachian geography means our trails are loaded with rocks and boulders.
Here's our top three hikes within an hour of Pittsburgh:
Rachel Carson Trail in Harrison Hills Park
A beautiful section of the trail named after Springdale's famed environmentalist runs high above the Allegheny River in Natrona Heights.
- It traverses through maple and sycamore groves and wetlands and provides great views of the river's bend near Freeport. There are great birding opportunities at the start of the trail.
- 3.5-mile loop.
📍 Directions: Start at the Buckeye parking lot, follow the yellow markings past the river viewing point, then follow red markings past the meadow and back to the parking lot.
If you go: 5200 Freeport Road, Natrona Heights.
Kildoo Trail in McConnells Mill State Park
It's impossible to get lost on this somewhat strenuous hike, which follows the rapids of Slippery Rock Creek. Sometimes you can spot extreme kayakers in the creek upriver from the mill.
- 3-mile loop.
📍 Directions: Start at the Kildoo parking lot, walk down the steps to the mill, cross the covered bridge, then follow the river trail to the next bridge. Cross it and come back up the trail.
If you go: 1761 McConnells Mill Road, Portersville.
Wildflower Trail in Raccoon Creek State Park
While it's better in the spring, with wildflowers all throughout the trail (and a massive vernal pool full of frogs), this Beaver County trail is great all year round thanks to the tranquil creek and rocky cliffs.
- 2.5-mile loop.
📍 Directions: Follow Jennings Trail to the creek and then get on the Old Field Trail. You can also take a shortcut by walking uphill to Shafer's Rock at the end of Jennings Trail and then take the Audubon Trail back.
If you go: 525 Lincoln Highway, Clinton.