Get outside! Overlooked States Parks Near Pittsburgh!
/Allegheny Islands State Park
Actually getting to Allegheny Islands State Park is honestly the best part of the journey. Why? It’s in the middle of the Allegheny River… and they’re islands without any roads or bridges. That means that you’re going to have to boat, row, or kayak, or swim to explore the two islands (34-acre lower island and 14-acre upper island). Once you reach the island, you’re set to explore the wild and undeveloped nature of the islands.
Pro Tip: Watch out for poison ivy and be mindful of water levels. The islands do flood!
Raccoon Creek State Park
Raccoon Creek State Park is just a quick 30 minutes ride from the city, this park is all about hospitality. Sure, you’ve got the small, sandy beach on Raccoon Lake and virtually endless 44 miles of hiking. But if you’re big on camping, this is your spot. With over 200 picnic tables, 172 modern tent and trailer campsites, and a few unbelievable lakeside lodges and cabins, you’ll be roasting marshmallows and drinking bug juice in no time.
Hillman State Park
There’s no denying that this park has got game. And if you’re a hunter or trapper, this state park is operated by the Pennsylvania Game Commission and is the place to nab your next deer or turkey. Though, best wake up early if you’re looking for a trophy – it’s not exactly a secret spot. If you’re not joining the hunt, check out their miles of hiking trails or radio-controlled model airplane field.
Keystone State Park
You probably learned this in grade school, but Pennsylvania is the Keystone State. Just a short trip east by Latrobe, the state park is great for a family getaway. Boasting a sand beach, 78-acre lake for swimming, kayaking, or boating, and eight miles of super easy year-round trails for hiking, running, or even snowshoeing, Keystone State Park makes for one scenic excursion. Here’s a suggestion: Take your bike on the Lakeside Loop. It’s about two miles of level terrain and an occasional duck in your path.
McConnells Mill State Park
For adventure, McConnells Mill State Park makes for the perfect day. If you’re all about outdoors (and the activities that come with it), you can hike, bike, kayak, rock climb, fish, and hunt. For the day-tripper who just gets down with a nature walk, bring your camera for the views from the top of Slippery Rock Gorge and breathtaking Hells Hollow Falls. Plus, it’s only a 45-minute drive north of Pittsburgh. Perfect day trip. Be sure to check out the awesome local campgrounds near by!
Moraine State Park
Perfect for nature lovers fall all across the spectrum. There are those who can’t live without trails to bike and were practically born with a backpack on. Then there are those that think “outdoorsy” means laying on the beach. Moraine State Park doesn’t care which one you are – it’s 16,725 acres of wilderness (including 3,225-acre Lake Arthur) are perfect for swimmers, sunbathers, bikers, and backpackers.
