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Best Hiking Trails In Pittsburgh

July 9, 2016 / 8:00 AM EDT / CBS Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh region is full of beautiful terrain. There is no shortage of hills, valleys, streams and lakes. This area, rich in history, has many well-preserved wooded trails for hiking, biking and recreation. If you are looking for a nice trail for hiking as part of your regular routine or for a special weekend getaway, here are some great trails to hike throughout the area. Many are in Pennsylvania state parks which also offer camping, lodging and other amenities.

Raccoon Creek State Park, Lake Trail

Located west of the city, Raccoon State Park has many trails for hiking. If you are looking for a pleasurable hike for daily exercise or talking with friends, the Lake Trail is comfortable and easy to walk. This trail follows an old road along Travers Creek, which was home to several pioneer homesteads and grist mills in the 1800s. At the end of the trail, you can see a beautiful two-story spring house. The Lake Trail is 1.9 miles and excellent for walking and restricted biking. Find out more information on the park's website.

Montour Trail

The Montour trail is a favorite among local hikers and bikers. It is one of the largest multi-use, non-motorized trails in the area. The Montour Trail runs for 46 miles from Moon Township to Clarion. The trail also connects to the Great Allegheny Passage, which stretches from Pittsburgh to Washington, DC. Pop onto the trail at any of the trailheads and enjoy a day of hiking, biking or skating. Horseback riding is even allowed on the trail in some areas. Take a look at the Montour Trail Council's website for more information.

Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail

As part of the Pennsylvania State Parks system, the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is ranked among the best trails for both accessibility and beauty. The trail runs for 70 miles through the Laurel Ridge between Ohiopyle State Park and Johnstown. It has many areas of diverse and advanced terrain, which makes it a favorite among runners. Enjoy natural beauty, peace and quiet as you train for your next running event, or challenge your hiking friends to push themselves in order to see some of the breathtaking sights that can be enjoyed on this trail.

Townsend Park

If you live in the eastern part of the city, a hike in Townsend Park in Murrysville might be an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. This trail is 1.28 miles roundtrip and should take around an hour to complete. Although the trail passes up "heart attack hill," don't let the name scare you. Locals note that the trail is only of moderate difficulty and not as bad as it sounds. Enjoy natural beauty of this local park just over the Westmoreland County border.

McConnell's Mill

If you are very fit and up for a challenge, the hiking trail at McConnell's Mill State Park could be your next adventure. This trail is a three miles roundtrip through a beautiful wooded gorge with terrain very popular for bouldering. Parts of the trail are very steep, but stairs have been built to make wakling easier. When your hike is complete, you may want to spend the rest of the afternoon climbing or kayaking.

Jennifer Stockdale is a native of the greater Pittsburgh, PA area. She is a restaurant marketer and wine enthusiast and one of the hosts of the East Coast Wine Geeks Podcast. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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