Hike Pittsburgh

09/14/2024

With Hollow Oak Land Trust – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉.

08/19/2024

Thank you to all the volunteers that make PA State Parks the best in the nation!!!

08/19/2024

Nothing more startling than having somebody silently come up behind you deep in the woods.

08/12/2024

I Explored a new hiking area within walking distance of my home today. The Hollow Oak Land Trust’s Trout Run Conservation Area in Moon Township is a beautiful 88 acre property. As with all HOLT conservation areas the trails are well built and well maintained. The organization with the help of volunteers have even built raised walkways to enable passage through continuously wet and ecologically sensitive areas. Since I walked 3 miles to the trail head (via the Montour Trail) I only had time to explore half of the established trail network. I am already looking forward to my return visit to see the rest of the property.

In 2017, an 88-acre tract of woodlands was donated to Hollow Oak by Mr. CJ Betters to establish the Trout Run Conservation Area. Originally purchased in 1954, the land was part of the Cherrington Manor residential development, but the steep terrain of the two stream valleys prevented further develop...

08/11/2024

Add to this list COTTON socks.

08/11/2024

For my first adventure of my planned 30 hikes in 30 days I visited the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy Tom’s Run Nature Preserve in Allegheny County just 10 minutes from Downtown. Consisting of 369 acres the preserve has a 3.2 mile loop trail that runs beside and crosses Tom’s Run before heading to the top of the Ridge with just enough elevation gain to get your hart pounding. One issue of note, the trails are covered in loose rocks so sturdy hiking shoes/boots with ankle support is advised as my feet slipped twice on the decent which could have easily resulted in a sprained ankle with out appropriate footwear.

Located about 10 miles from downtown Pittsburgh in western Allegheny County, Toms Run Nature Reserve is 369 acres and hosts large stands of mature maple, oak and American beech trees and several small streams. The largest of those streams is Toms Run. This nature reserve is available to you and yo.....

08/11/2024

I’m getting back into my favorite activity, hiking, in a big way. I’m going to explore 30 different hiking areas over the next 30 days. If you would like to follow my progress and learn about some new destinations to explore on your own follow me at Hike Pittsburgh. If you have a favorite area you would like to share with me please let me know.

07/24/2024

The Allegheny County Parks keep these shelters in excellent condition. We’ve used a number of them at Settler’s Cabin.

07/23/2024

Join me on Thursday and learn about a great new trail!!!

06/21/2024

Good luck to the Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy challenge participants and volunteer organizers this weekend!!!

Hike the trail in one day!

06/08/2024

The last Gap in the GAP is complete!!!!

06/04/2024

More miles of trail are being built it PA!!!

Schuylkill County and Philadelphia have always been connected by a meandering natural resource – through the American Revolution, the Industrial Revolution and environmental transformations. The Schuylkill River Greenways National Heritage Area will add more miles to its river trail to preserve th...

03/11/2024

Just found some great PA State Park History to buff up on!

Hey history lovers and park and forest enthusiasts! The newest edition of 'History of Pennsylvania State Parks' has been loaded to the PA Conservation Heritage website. Download your free copy and other great resources at https://paconservationheritage.org/resources/articles/

03/09/2024

I am so thankful this time of year for the tireless work of the volunteers at Trail Pittsburgh who are the nymphs and gnomes of our woods. Pictured below is a technique called rock armoring which involves finding and transporting the largest rocks volunteers can to consistently muddy spots on the trails. Volunteers always compete to see who can move the largest rocks.

02/20/2024

Had a chance to hike with a former colleague from my time as the President of the Pittsburgh Trails Advocacy Group whom I haven’t seen in 10 years. Good times!!

02/19/2024

Look at this baby faced version of me 9 years ago!

02/18/2024

There is a solar eclipse coming up April 8th. Four PA State parks are in the path of totality and will make excellent settings for the event. Plan ahead as heavy crowds are expected.

The path of the eclipse will cross through a portion of northwest Pennsylvania, including Erie, Crawford, Warren, and Mercer counties.