Beautiful area just a short walk to the falls. Easy access and walk. Additional trail, short,…read moreacross the parking lot. Take a rain coat!! Enjoy

We went in the midst of a 90 degree plus heat wave, the falls were more of a trickle…read more Reaching the falls requires a nice little walk through the woods on a paved path.

I can't believe I haven't reviewed the Great Allegheny Passage Rail Trail until now. It is such a…read morejewel and where I spend a lot of my free time riding my bicycle, especially during this crazy time we're in at the moment with COVID-19. (Note that it is not just for bicycles; walkers and runners also utilize the trail, just not motorized vehicles, so you don't have to compete with cars.) I won't go into all the details of the trail; that is interesting in itself regarding its history, how long it's taken to get the land for the different sections, its steepness grade or lack thereof, all the different towns it goes through, etc. For all of that, I'll give you the very useful link:https://gaptrail.org/ What I will do is give you some highlights and what makes it a jewel to me. It is 150 miles of mostly packed crushed limestone (with a bit of it paved between Pittsburgh and McKeesport) from the Pittsburgh Point Fountain (there's a marker on the ground near it) to Cumberland, MD. Most of it is on what used to be railroad beds and a bit of it is on streets (near downtown Pittsburgh and some in McKeesport). Because of the railroad bed usage, the path follows that grade (meaning gradual steepness with the sharpest elevation gain/loss being between the Eastern Continental Divide and Cumberland). What all the preceding paragraph means is that it is a quite doable trail and comfortable to ride. The packed gravel means it is pretty close to riding on a road surface because it is so packed. The only time that is not true is usually after a downpour when there might be parts of it that retain water. The grade following the grade of the railroads means the gradual incline (if you're going from Pittsburgh to Cumberland) is pretty gradual and a steady 10mph is doable. From the Continental Divide to Cumberland is downhill and is quite easy; coming back is a bit more strenuous -- see the afore-mentioned link to see mileage and grade of that section. I remember when I first heard about the trail; I had no concept of a rail trail to begin with so did not know what to expect in the least. If you're in the same boat, I will say that the trail is open from sun-up to sun-down, there are no street lights lighting the path on purpose though where it travels in spots may have lights for other purposes. It is mostly wide enough for say three bikes across, but don't do that! There is trail etiquette; learn it for everyone's safety and enjoyment -- stay to the right, single file and if you are riding 2 across for any reason, then pay close attention to passers; you'll need to be sure to listen to "on your left' or a bell or some audible signal that someone needs to pass you. On the converse side, if you're passing, pass on the left and issue an audible signal, etc. Just share the trail! Also, some parts of the trail are shaded by trees lining the trail; other parts are in the sun for extended periods so wear sunscreen. There are amenities all along the trail. That was important for me as a first-timer to know because I couldn't grasp at first if it was secluded, wilderness, or what. The GAP trail has so many towns, ballfields, restaurants, ice cream stands, portable restrooms every so many miles and parking trailheads plus a number of other cyclists on the trail that you won't feel that isolated and except for a couple spots (downtown Pittsburgh or Ohiopyle for example) you won't feel the trail is too crowded, either. Take water, snacks, an extra tube and you'll find you'll have what you need. Do you need certain size tires (mountain bike/hybrid/road bike)? Some people debate that. I have a hybrid bike and am happy enough. Favorite parts of the trail for me? I love the section between Myersdale, PA and Frostburg, MD. In that section is the Mason-Dixon line and the Eastern Continental Divide. I also love riding between Homestead and downtown Pittsburgh. Along that route is the Hays Eagle nest. And being downtown Pittsburgh on my bike is so much easier than navigating and parking a car. And when you want to go further on your adventure than Cumberland, MD? It hooks up directly with the C & O Tow Path for another 184.5 miles to get you all the way to Washington, D.C. for a total of 334.5 miles. Many of us have taken several days in one stretch to ride the entire length between Pittsburgh and D.C. and it is quite the trip, and well worthwhile, as are many of the many sections of the GAP trail. It has such unique personalities with wildlife (there are deer, owls, groundhogs, rabbits just to name a few) and so many wildflowers along the way. You're following rivers along the route, as well, plus get to take advantage of PA's lovely state park, Ohiopyle. There are several campsites, hotels, and bed and breakfasts along the way, too. I could go on and on but I recommend talking to others who have ridden the trail, look up Facebook webpages related to the GAP, get a trail book and google for more info.

We are so fortunate to have this trail run right into downtown Pittsburgh. Today I rode from…read moredowntown to Homestead and back. 13 miles and, boy is my butt sore! Someday I hope to ride all the way to DC. They'll probably have to bring me home in a giant butt sling, but I don't care! Riding along the river is so beautiful on a warm fall day. Whether you go five miles or five hundred, don't miss an opportunity to bike, walk, or skate along this treasured trail.

Amazing park with tons of groves and wildlife. We frequently are out this way for cross country…read moremeets. Tons of parking and walking trails. Definitely a great place to get a walking workout in.

This is a fantastic play park for kids ! Highly recommend and worth the trip. New and improved…read moredesigned for kid's enjoyment. I could get our girls to leave, so much to do and try. This park will definitely be a park in our rotation. Be back soon. Picnic area for a great afternoon.

Close to I-70 but without the noise, brings you close to Mother Nature with many walking &…read morebicycling paths

Very nice, clean park. I was here for an event in a pavilion with a park right there which was…read morenice. Pavilion was clean and seems to be nicely upkept.

It's a very nice place. If you have any physical limitations the somewhat short walk to the falls…read moreis a bit of a challenge. There are a few kind of steep uneven wooden steps. Then at the actual fall there are large uneven rocks you must walk on if you want to get to a swimming hole there. Definitely not for older people with balance issues or small children.

While working in Beaver County I have passed this sign to Buttermilk Falls countless times, but…read morenever had occasion to stop until yesterday. It was a gorgeous, sunny, unseasonably warm March day & I was the first car in the tiny dirt parking area on the left as soon as you turn in. The Falls is now directly across from the new entrance to the Pennsylvania Turnpike. There is a big stone covered with graffiti on the right. After you park, you just hop out and hit the path and follow the sound of gushing water. it is a short distance to the Falls, but it is uphill and it is steep and rocky and this is not a suitable path for anybody with physical limitations of any sort. It can also be dangerous for young children. It's very beautiful and it is worth the hike up. If you're sturdy footed (muddy & rocky), you can walk right behind the falls and it's quite beautiful. Highly recommended for a sightseeing but I'm sure it gets crowded and warmer weather.

We had a wonderful few days camping at Coopers Rock! The…read moresites are a good size and decently spaced apart so we have a good amount of privacy. The campsite bathroom was clean, well stocked and regularly maintained. All of the employees at the trading post were friendly as well! Park rangers drove around regularly (4-5 time through the campsite a day I'd say). My only wish would be adding closure information onto the website so people know ahead of time. During our visit the main overlook was under construction/maintenance so there was no access to it. Which was a little disappointing since it looks beautiful online! But it was a short 5 minute walk out to the overlook so it was easy to get back to a different trail. (It is clear the individuals who work and manage the park take great pride in it, and take care of the facilities wonderfully!).

My husband and I just went on a camping trip to Coopers Rock and loved our time there! The views…read morewere beautiful, the trails were well cleared, and the bathroom at the main overlook site was one of the cleanest bathrooms we've ever been in. The Ravens Rock trail has a beautiful outlook with cool, large rock structures. And the rock city trail was super fun too! The free maps of all the trails are very helpful. Some blazes could've been marked a bit clearer and some signs for trail heads could be adjusted as well. There is limited parking at trail heads so be sure to get there early to beat the crowds. The trading post was a fun addition with Coopers Rock merch, stickers (our personal fav), some local goods, firewood, some camping supplies, and even some ice cream treats! Overall we had a really nice stay!

OMPark...there is so much to do at South Park. Another one of those places I have spent my life at…read morewith friends and boyfriends over the years as well as family. Amazing playground area. It's big with lots to do and was a favorite for my daughter as a toddler. There's the wave pool which is great on a hot summer day. BMX trails, remember those fondly with boyfriends. Hiking, biking and walking trails, horses and stables. Loads and loads of picnic and wooded areas for more hiking. Ponds, and BUFFALO...did I mention the buffalo? Amazing. Not to mention plenty of open land (once the fairgrounds) for festivals and concerts, have seen several bands. Lots and lots of beautiful flowers and vegetation, and wildlife. Literally something for everyone here.

This park is great! Pretty much has everything that you can think of. I went to the game preserve…read moretoday and really enjoyed it. I saw the buffalo along with ducks, geese, and turtles. It's the perfect spot to take your little ones to check everything out. They also have a nearby playground for the kids. Lastly if you get the chance check out the farmers market on Tuesdays by the ice skating rink. Highly recommend!

This beautifully maintained park is a must-visit just 30-40 mins north of Pittsburgh. We planned to…read morevisit the old grist mill and walk the 3 mile out-and-back Kildoo trail over the weekend. It seemed like everyone else had the same plan! Get there early to secure a close parking slot, otherwise, you'll be circling for a while or parking down towards the picnic area. The trail entrance to head down to the mill by the picnic area is currently closed off for stair repairs. They had staff down at the mill sharing a bit of the history to go along with all of the photos and signs with information throughout. The trail was perfectly shaded, mossy, and cool right along the river. I can't wait for my next visit.

If you live in Pittsburgh or are just visiting the area, McConnells Mill is one of the best day…read moretrips around. It's only about 40 miles north up I-79, so it's an easy drive from the city, but it feels like a completely different world once you get down into the gorge. I've been going there for years with friends and family, and it became my go-to spot to take people when they would visit from out of town. Everyone always loves checking out the historic old gristmill and the red covered bridge right next to it. It's a great, classic view, and if you go during the summer, they usually open up the mill for tours so you can see how it all used to work. The hiking there is fantastic, too, with a good mix of trails depending on what you're up for. You can take a pretty easy walk back to Hell's Hollow Falls, or you can tackle the rougher, rockier trails that run right along Slippery Rock Creek. You definitely want to wear sturdy shoes because the terrain gets steep and the rocks get slick, but the scenery with the rushing whitewater and massive boulders is totally worth it. It's just a beautiful, simple place to get outdoors for a few hours. Whether you want a challenging hike or just want to sit by the water and look at the old bridge, it never disappoints.

This is a lovely area. We had a nice little drive around, and then stopped to do the hike out to…read moreAdam Falls. The small parking area by the trailhead also features an adjacent playground space, plus a nice picnic area. A stream ambles along, and signage indicates that it is stocked with fish. The hike takes you through the woods around to a nice little waterfall, very picturesque in the wood setting. They offer cabins too for those who want to stay onsite and extend their stay.

My favorite park next to Acadia. I have so many childhood memories here. The exploration is endless…read moreand good for almost any level of hiking. I walk, I do not hike. Many hikers enjoy hiking here. Flat Rock is the best for some free water sliding on rocks fun. The area has numerous amazing parts and you need to go back time and time again. Enjoy picnicking and having fun making memories. Keep it nice and clean up after yourself!