Nature Archives - Discover the Burgh

Enjoying Camp Life at Bear Run Campground Near Moraine State Park

Last Updated On August 20, 2019

Camp life near Pittsburgh is a cherished thing. Everyone knows someone with a camper, and virtually every camp is about an hour away from home (at least, every camp we've ever heard of through friends and acquaintances).

We, unfortunately, never got to experience camp life until only recently, and our first outing brought us to Bear Run Campground near Moraine State Park as guests of the Butler County Visitor's Bureau. After spending two days at the property, we now fully understand why camp life is so popular!

A Guide to the Best Pittsburgh Parks, Hiking Trails, and Green Spaces

Last Updated On August 13, 2019

When it comes to parks in Pittsburgh, hiking trails, and other green spaces, we certainly have a lot to choose from.

In fact, it seems like you can pick any direction, drive a few minutes, and find yourself surrounded by beautiful nature. So if hiking near Pittsburgh (or even in the city limits) is on your radar, you are really in luck here!

In this guide, we wanted to share some of the best Pittsburgh parks, trails, and hiking options nearby for those who want to get out and enjoy the great outdoors!

A Break in Nature at the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve in Latrobe

Last Updated On August 7, 2019

We're not used to thinking about nature reserves as being “new,” but the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve on the campus of Saint Vincent College in Latrobe is just that.

The 50-acre nature reserve came about after many in the area expressed displeasure in the development of nearby Route 30. To ensure that the land near Saint Vincent College was not over-developed, and protect the beauty of nature that the land held, the reserve was ultimately incorporated in the year 2000.

Sewickley Heights Borough Park is a Great Off-Leash Park to Explore

Last Updated On July 19, 2019

Sewickley Heights Borough Park is a large, 1,000-acre park located about 25 minutes west of downtown Pittsburgh that offers numerous trails to explore for those who want to get out in nature.

But what makes this park one of our favorites is not the trails alone, but rather the fact that it is open to off-leash roaming with your furry friend!

Exploring the Prairie at the Jennings Environmental Education Center

Last Updated On August 7, 2019

The Jennings Environmental Education Center is one part museum, one part park near Slippery Rock, PA.

The park itself is known for its roughly 20-acre prairie, which is one of the only protected and public prairies in the state. Not only does this make the location unique in its own right, but the park is home to a gorgeous museum and many more hiking trails to check out.

Stand Up Paddleboarding at Moraine State Park with SurfSUP Adventures

Last Updated On June 4, 2019

Moraine State Park is one of our favorite parks in the area as it is quite large, accessible in about 45 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh, and offers a wealth of things to do when visiting both on and off the water.

On a recent visit, I got to try out something that I've been eyeing for quite some time- stand up paddleboarding with SurfSUP Adventures. I've got to say, this one was a ton of fun!

Barking Slopes Conservation Area Is a Quiet Spot East of Pittsburgh

Last Updated On April 23, 2019

Barking Slopes Conservation Area is a rather small park located near Oakmont and New Kensington, PA- about 40 minutes east of Pittsburgh.

The park is roughly 150 acres and is managed by the Allegheny Land Trust as a conservation and biological diversity area due to its unique geological features.

For the casual hiker, this one is not much different than other conservation areas in the region. But the park offers a nice hike out in nature with potential wildlife spottings all the same.

Robin Hill Park – A Quick Walk Around the Park in Moon Township

Last Updated On November 14, 2018

Robin Hill Park is a 140 acre park in Moon Township that has roughly two miles of hiking trails. While this one can be explored in its entirety in just under an hour, it does offer a few notable sights worth seeing.

The Cave and Nike Missile Site at Montour Woods Conservation Area

Last Updated On October 24, 2018

The Montour Woods Conservation Area is a 300 acre park operated by the Hollow Oak Land Trust in Coraopolis, PA with over 10 miles of trails.

Accessible in just a short drive from downtown Pittsburgh, the park offers a great opportunity to get out in nature with a few unique sights to check out!

Ohiopyle White Water Rafting Has Options for all Skill Levels

Last Updated On March 14, 2019

When it comes to getting out in nature, especially nature near Pittsburgh, it is really hard to say no to Ohiopyle State Park.

Between the trails, overlooks, and vastness of the park itself, you can really experience nature in any number of ways. But there is only one way to get out and enjoy the park at its most pristine and wild conditions- getting out on the water.

Thankfully, there are a number of Ohiopyle white water rafting options available to help you do just that.

So whether you are looking to simply have a nice day out on the water and enjoy the park, or have an adrenaline packed adventure on the water (while also enjoying nature in the down periods), rafting in Ohiopyle is a great option to consider.