Some of us seek tranquility, far from the maddening crowds, because we’re natural introverts while others seek out the quiet from time-to-time to recharge and relax. Here are 10 of the best non-crowded places in Pittsburgh when you seek some peace and quiet.
- Blacklick Valley Natural Area – 800 McFeaters Rd, Seward, PA 15954
Indiana County Parks Escape the crowds at Blacklick Valley Natural Area, a spectacular forested park that spans across hundreds of acres in Indiana County. The natural area, open all year around, attracts both hikers and skiers.
- Yellow Dog Village – #126 MAK Square, Worthington, Pa 16262
Yellow Dog Village Embrace community life in the early 1900s when you visit Yellow Dog Village for a day, a weekend, or a full week. The educational experience gives guests deeper insight into life in a mining community, including the chance to learn new skills such as gardening and construction.
- Allegheny Islands State Park – Cheswick, PA 15024
Flickr/Clint One reason crowds don’t flock to Allegheny Islands State Park? It’s only accessible by boat. The 50 acre park offers sheer tranquility as the well as the opportunity to fish, to explore, and to camp out. (Camping requires permission from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.)
- Fern Hollow Nature Center – 1901 Glen Mitchell Road, Sewickley, PA 15143
Facebook/Fern Hollow Nature Center Fern Hollow Nature Center provides the perfect setting for a variety of outdoor activities - sled riding, bird watching, star gazing, and kite flying - and promises tranquility for those who prefer to avoid crowds.
- Succop Nature Park – 185 East Airport Road, Butler, PA 16002
Facebook/Succop Nature Park Meet local wildlife at Succop Nature Park, a serene natural area that features a picturesque pond and winding paths. If you’re up for meeting a few new people, you can also join a guided hike or sign up for a special educational program at the park.
- Schenley Park – Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Flickr/Kit Amidst the excitement at Schenley Park - swimming, ice skating, and a playground - you’ll have little difficulty finding some quiet spots to simply enjoy nature. The two-mile Schenley Park Loop Trail, for example, is ideal for hikers at all skill levels.
- Raccoon Creek State Park – 3000 PA-18, Hookstown, PA 15050
Facebook/Raccoon Creek State Park Raccoon Creek State Park spans across more than 7,500 acres with plenty to do, especially if you want to get away from the crowds. The sprawling park offers a variety of winter and summer activities, including ice fishing, ice skating, snow mobiling, horseback riding, swimming, and boating.
- Pittsburgh Botanic Garden – 799 Pinkerton Run Road, Oakdale, PA 15071
Facebook/Pittsburgh Botanic Garden Explore the enchanting Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, a “living museum” that’s home to a variety of plant species, local wildlife, and a picture perfect lake. The 60 acre woodland welcomes guests all year around.
- Angora Gardens – 3 Muse Lane, White Oak, PA 15131
Facebook/Angora Gardens Spend an afternoon at Angora Gardens, a serene spot in White Oak that often features special events. Visitors are also welcome to attend arts & crafts, gardening, and holistic health classes.
- Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens – 1 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Facebook/Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens While Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens can get pretty crowded, you can also enjoy a quiet adventure during the off-season. Stroll through the winding paths as you explore the breathtaking gardens. Visit the miniature railroad and enjoy a snack when you need a break.
These are among the best non-crowded places in Pittsburgh and, if you enjoy a refreshing winter hike, hit the trails on one of the eight best winter hikes near Pittsburgh.
Indiana County Parks
Escape the crowds at Blacklick Valley Natural Area, a spectacular forested park that spans across hundreds of acres in Indiana County. The natural area, open all year around, attracts both hikers and skiers.
Yellow Dog Village
Embrace community life in the early 1900s when you visit Yellow Dog Village for a day, a weekend, or a full week. The educational experience gives guests deeper insight into life in a mining community, including the chance to learn new skills such as gardening and construction.
Flickr/Clint
One reason crowds don’t flock to Allegheny Islands State Park? It’s only accessible by boat. The 50 acre park offers sheer tranquility as the well as the opportunity to fish, to explore, and to camp out. (Camping requires permission from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.)
Facebook/Fern Hollow Nature Center
Fern Hollow Nature Center provides the perfect setting for a variety of outdoor activities - sled riding, bird watching, star gazing, and kite flying - and promises tranquility for those who prefer to avoid crowds.
Facebook/Succop Nature Park
Meet local wildlife at Succop Nature Park, a serene natural area that features a picturesque pond and winding paths. If you’re up for meeting a few new people, you can also join a guided hike or sign up for a special educational program at the park.
Flickr/Kit
Amidst the excitement at Schenley Park - swimming, ice skating, and a playground - you’ll have little difficulty finding some quiet spots to simply enjoy nature. The two-mile Schenley Park Loop Trail, for example, is ideal for hikers at all skill levels.
Facebook/Raccoon Creek State Park
Raccoon Creek State Park spans across more than 7,500 acres with plenty to do, especially if you want to get away from the crowds. The sprawling park offers a variety of winter and summer activities, including ice fishing, ice skating, snow mobiling, horseback riding, swimming, and boating.
Facebook/Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
Explore the enchanting Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, a “living museum” that’s home to a variety of plant species, local wildlife, and a picture perfect lake. The 60 acre woodland welcomes guests all year around.
Facebook/Angora Gardens
Spend an afternoon at Angora Gardens, a serene spot in White Oak that often features special events. Visitors are also welcome to attend arts & crafts, gardening, and holistic health classes.
Facebook/Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
While Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens can get pretty crowded, you can also enjoy a quiet adventure during the off-season. Stroll through the winding paths as you explore the breathtaking gardens. Visit the miniature railroad and enjoy a snack when you need a break.
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Address: 3000 PA-18, Hookstown, PA 15050Address: 185 East Airport Road, Butler, PA 16002Address: 126 MAK Square, Worthington, PA 16262Address: 800 McFeaters Rd, Seward, PA 15954Address: 3 Muse Lane, White Oak, PA 15131Address: 799 Pinkerton Run Road, Oakdale, PA 15071Address: 1 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15213Address: 1901 Glen Mitchell Road, Sewickley, PA 15143
