Pittsburgh certainly possesses many of the attributes that make it a modern big city. But, fortunately for us, the city and outlying areas hide breathtaking natural oases that will relax and inspire you. Here are 10 hidden oases where you’ll find peace and quiet in Pittsburgh.
- Pittsburgh Botanic Garden – 799 Pinkerton Run Road, Oakdale, PA 15071
Facebook/Pittsburgh Botanic Garden Embrace the tranquility of nature at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, only 12 miles outside of Pittsburgh. Stroll along winding paths that pass picturesque ponds with floating lily pads, stone paths, a giant birds’ nest, and a magical fairy garden.
- Powdermill Nature Reserve – 1847 PA-381, Rector, PA 15677
Facebook/Powdermill Nature Reserve Explore nature’s pure beauty at Powdermill Nature Reserve, a sprawling extension of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Open all year around, the breathtaking nature reserve boasts streams, ponds, woodlands, and plenty of hiking trails.
- Sahli Nature Park – 194 McKinley Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010
Facebook/Sahli Nature Park Rediscover the magic of childhood when you visit Sahli Nature Park, an idyllic spot that features lush forest, dainty footbridges, a rushing waterfall, natural benches, and wildlife, including ducks, bullfrogs, butterflies, and even snakes. Climb onto the natural swings - perfect for kids and adults - and pump your legs until you kick the sky, just like you did when you were a kid.
- Blacklick Valley Natural Area – 800 McFeaters Road, Seward, PA 15954
Blacklick Valley Natural Area Slip away to Blacklick Valley Natural Area in Indiana County to find the peace and quiet you crave. Stroll along one of the six miles of hiking trails (or go cross-country skiing during the winter). Explore the forested area all year around.
- Schenley Park – Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Flickr/Miguel Vieira Find serenity along the picturesque hiking trails at Schenley Park. Sit by the calm Panther Hollow Lake or take a dip in the public swimming pool. Schenley Park also offers plenty of charming spots for picnicking, playgrounds, and ice skating during the winter.
- Allegheny Islands State Park – Cheswick, PA 15024
Wikimedia Commons/Clint Escape to a truly secluded spot in Pittsburgh when you visit the tranquil Allegheny Islands State Park. The only caveat? You can only get there by boat. There are no bathroom facilities on the island and the hiking trails are all unpaved. But, you will certainly find the peace and quiet you desire.
- Dead Man’s Hollow Conservation Area – Sceneridge Road, McKeesport, PA 15133
Dead Man’s Hollow Come face-to-face with local wildlife as you hike through the lush forested Dead Man’s Hollow Conservation Area. Boasting six miles of hiking trails across 450 acres, Dead Man’s Hollow provides the perfect backdrop for finding tranquility, bird watching, and exploration.
- Scott Conservancy – 1461 Scrubgrass Road, Carnegie, PA 15106
Scott Conservancy Hike along shaded trails - protected by the towering trees - when you visit Kane Woods Nature Area at Scott Conservancy. Or, join one of the hosted group hikes, such as a Full Moon Hike.
- Allegheny Cemetery – 4715 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224
Facebook/Allegheny Cemetery Find time for quiet reflection while embracing the simplicity of nature at Allegheny Cemetery, Meander along the wooded paths where you may run into some of the area’s wildlife, such as squirrels, raccoons, and rabbits.
Embrace peace and quiet in Pittsburgh when you visit these nine hidden oases that will bring you closer to nature and inspire you. You might also want to check out these seven most relaxing spots in and near the Burgh.
Facebook/Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
Embrace the tranquility of nature at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, only 12 miles outside of Pittsburgh. Stroll along winding paths that pass picturesque ponds with floating lily pads, stone paths, a giant birds’ nest, and a magical fairy garden.
Facebook/Powdermill Nature Reserve
Explore nature’s pure beauty at Powdermill Nature Reserve, a sprawling extension of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Open all year around, the breathtaking nature reserve boasts streams, ponds, woodlands, and plenty of hiking trails.
Facebook/Sahli Nature Park
Rediscover the magic of childhood when you visit Sahli Nature Park, an idyllic spot that features lush forest, dainty footbridges, a rushing waterfall, natural benches, and wildlife, including ducks, bullfrogs, butterflies, and even snakes. Climb onto the natural swings - perfect for kids and adults - and pump your legs until you kick the sky, just like you did when you were a kid.
Blacklick Valley Natural Area
Slip away to Blacklick Valley Natural Area in Indiana County to find the peace and quiet you crave. Stroll along one of the six miles of hiking trails (or go cross-country skiing during the winter). Explore the forested area all year around.
Flickr/Miguel Vieira
Find serenity along the picturesque hiking trails at Schenley Park. Sit by the calm Panther Hollow Lake or take a dip in the public swimming pool. Schenley Park also offers plenty of charming spots for picnicking, playgrounds, and ice skating during the winter.
Wikimedia Commons/Clint
Escape to a truly secluded spot in Pittsburgh when you visit the tranquil Allegheny Islands State Park. The only caveat? You can only get there by boat. There are no bathroom facilities on the island and the hiking trails are all unpaved. But, you will certainly find the peace and quiet you desire.
Dead Man’s Hollow
Come face-to-face with local wildlife as you hike through the lush forested Dead Man’s Hollow Conservation Area. Boasting six miles of hiking trails across 450 acres, Dead Man’s Hollow provides the perfect backdrop for finding tranquility, bird watching, and exploration.
Scott Conservancy
Hike along shaded trails - protected by the towering trees - when you visit Kane Woods Nature Area at Scott Conservancy. Or, join one of the hosted group hikes, such as a Full Moon Hike.
Facebook/Allegheny Cemetery
Find time for quiet reflection while embracing the simplicity of nature at Allegheny Cemetery, Meander along the wooded paths where you may run into some of the area’s wildlife, such as squirrels, raccoons, and rabbits.
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Address: 1847 PA-381, Rector, PA 15677Address: 799 Pinkerton Run Road, Oakdale, PA 15071Address: 1461 Scrubgrass Road, Carnegie, PA 15106Address: 4715 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224Address: 194 McKinley Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010Address: 800 McFeaters Road, Seward, PA 15954
