Hidden throughout Pittsburgh and the surrounding area are some of the state’s most incredible natural wonders. So, next time you’re on the lookout for something to do, consider visiting some of these nine natural wonders in Pittsburgh.
- Ohiopyle State Park
Flickr/bobistraveling Gas up the car and head to Ohiopyle State Park, about an hour and a half outside of downtown Pittsburgh. The more than 20,000 acre natural wonderland features 79 miles of hiking trails, 27 miles of biking trails, and 11 miles of horse riding trails. The masterpieces of Ohiopyle State Park, however, are arguably its two majestic waterfalls (Cucumber Falls and Ohiopyle Falls) and its natural water slide.
- Laurel Caverns
Flickr/David Fulmer Go deep underground at Laurel Caverns, Pennsylvania’s largest cave. Follow a guide for a tour of the caverns or learn cave rappelling from a seasoned instructor. Experienced climbers might also want to try spelunking at this natural wonder.
- Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
Facebook/Pittsburgh Botanic Garden Stroll through a natural oasis at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden in Oakdale. Wear sturdy shoes to ensure your walk is a safe one. Cross over a footbridge. Pass a picturesque pond. Enjoy a meadow of wildflowers as you meander along the three miles of trails.
- Fall Run Park
Yelp/William J. Get lost in nature at the 93-acre Fall Run Park in Shaler. Stroll along the one mile trail where you’ll arrive at the gushing waterfall, perhaps the masterpiece of the park.
- Frick Park
Flickr/reza Celebrate all that nature has to offer at Frick Park, one of Pittsburgh’s largest parks at 644 lush green acres. Hike one of the trails that dips into valleys and meander along wooded paths. If you’re in the mood to play, stop by the state’s only public lawn bowling green.
- McConnells Mills State Park
Yelp/Amy C. Drink in the beauty of the rushing water of Slippery Rock Creek Gorge at McConnells Mills State Park but admire this natural wonder from afar as swimming is prohibited. Go white waterboating. Hike one of the nine miles of trails or visit the Cleland Rock Vista for sweeping views of Slippery Rock Gorge.
- The Three Rivers
Flickr/James Byrum Enjoy all the activities Pittsburgh’s three rivers allow or simply visit a waterfront restaurant in the Pittsburgh-area to soak up the views of three of Pittsburgh’s natural wonders.
- South Park
Flickr/Devon Christopher Adams Spend a carefree day at South Park, one of Allegheny County’s largest parks. Sprawled across more than 2,000 acres, the park features plenty of lush green, winding trails, and a nature center where visitors can learn more about Southwestern Pennsylvania’s environmental history.
- Buttermilk Falls/Homewood Falls
Yelp/Kristin B. Embrace the beauty of nature at Buttermilk Falls Natural Area in Beaver Falls. Tucked away in the natural area stands a breathtaking waterfall known as both Buttermilk Falls and Homewood Falls. Wear comfy shoes because you’ll have to walk an easy path - which may take between five and 15 minutes - and up a wide set of stairs to reach the waterfall.
These nine natural wonders in Pittsburgh are just the beginning of the beauty that our beautiful city and the surrounding area offer. Be sure to also check out these seven beautiful hidden waterfalls in and near Pittsburgh that will surely take your breath away.
Flickr/bobistraveling
Gas up the car and head to Ohiopyle State Park, about an hour and a half outside of downtown Pittsburgh. The more than 20,000 acre natural wonderland features 79 miles of hiking trails, 27 miles of biking trails, and 11 miles of horse riding trails. The masterpieces of Ohiopyle State Park, however, are arguably its two majestic waterfalls (Cucumber Falls and Ohiopyle Falls) and its natural water slide.
Flickr/David Fulmer
Go deep underground at Laurel Caverns, Pennsylvania’s largest cave. Follow a guide for a tour of the caverns or learn cave rappelling from a seasoned instructor. Experienced climbers might also want to try spelunking at this natural wonder.
Facebook/Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
Stroll through a natural oasis at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden in Oakdale. Wear sturdy shoes to ensure your walk is a safe one. Cross over a footbridge. Pass a picturesque pond. Enjoy a meadow of wildflowers as you meander along the three miles of trails.
Yelp/William J.
Get lost in nature at the 93-acre Fall Run Park in Shaler. Stroll along the one mile trail where you’ll arrive at the gushing waterfall, perhaps the masterpiece of the park.
Flickr/reza
Celebrate all that nature has to offer at Frick Park, one of Pittsburgh’s largest parks at 644 lush green acres. Hike one of the trails that dips into valleys and meander along wooded paths. If you’re in the mood to play, stop by the state’s only public lawn bowling green.
Yelp/Amy C.
Drink in the beauty of the rushing water of Slippery Rock Creek Gorge at McConnells Mills State Park but admire this natural wonder from afar as swimming is prohibited. Go white waterboating. Hike one of the nine miles of trails or visit the Cleland Rock Vista for sweeping views of Slippery Rock Gorge.
Flickr/James Byrum
Enjoy all the activities Pittsburgh’s three rivers allow or simply visit a waterfront restaurant in the Pittsburgh-area to soak up the views of three of Pittsburgh’s natural wonders.
Flickr/Devon Christopher Adams
Spend a carefree day at South Park, one of Allegheny County’s largest parks. Sprawled across more than 2,000 acres, the park features plenty of lush green, winding trails, and a nature center where visitors can learn more about Southwestern Pennsylvania’s environmental history.
Yelp/Kristin B.
Embrace the beauty of nature at Buttermilk Falls Natural Area in Beaver Falls. Tucked away in the natural area stands a breathtaking waterfall known as both Buttermilk Falls and Homewood Falls. Wear comfy shoes because you’ll have to walk an easy path - which may take between five and 15 minutes - and up a wide set of stairs to reach the waterfall.
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