Riverview Park has one of the largest and most extensive trail systems in the Pittsburgh area. With…read moreso many interconnected trails winding through different neighborhoods, it's easy to have a different experience every time you visit. I also like that you can step into a nearby neighborhood and grab something to eat before continuing your hike. Compared to Schenley or Frick Park, it also tends to be less crowded, making it a great option if you're looking for a quieter, more peaceful walk. That said, the trails are not as well maintained as many of Pittsburgh's other parks. Some sections are in great condition, while others have overgrown vegetation, uneven rocky terrain, steep drop-offs, and occasional hazards like broken glass. I noticed small pieces of glass along the Archery Trail, so I would recommend wearing hiking boots or sturdy athletic shoes rather than thin-soled sneakers. Because of the terrain, I think this park is much better suited for walking and hiking than for running. Most of the trails are not wheelchair accessible and may be difficult for young children, older adults, or anyone with mobility challenges. Even with the overgrowth, the scenery is beautiful, and many areas were filled with fragrant plants and wildflowers. I didn't personally see any poison ivy during my visit, but it's always a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings. One area that could definitely be improved is restroom access. There are very few restrooms throughout the park, and one restroom that had been open during a previous visit was locked in the middle of the day on a Sunday. Adding a few portable restrooms near the busiest trailheads would make a big difference for visitors. Parking is easier than I expected. While there aren't many dedicated parking lots, there is plenty of street parking throughout the surrounding neighborhoods. Depending on which trails you choose, you may also come across areas where unhoused individuals have set up encampments. During my visits, everyone kept to themselves and I didn't have any negative interactions, but it's something visitors should be aware of and another reason to stay aware of your surroundings in such a large urban park. The observatory has unfortunately been closed each time I've visited, but the park frequently hosts community events that are worth checking out. It's encouraging to see ongoing improvements, and I hope the city continues investing in this park because it has so much potential. Overall, Riverview Park is a beautiful place to explore and one of Pittsburgh's most expansive trail systems. While there are areas that could benefit from better maintenance, additional restrooms, and continued safety improvements, it's still well worth visiting. With a little more attention, I truly think it has the potential to become one of the best parks in Pittsburgh.

If you want a great city park but don't want to deal with the heavy crowds at Frick or Schenley,…read moreyou really need to check out Riverview Park up in Observatory Hill. It's a total hidden gem on the North Side. Because of how heavily wooded and steep it is, you instantly feel like you're deep in the woods even though you're only a few miles from downtown. The hiking trails are excellent, especially if you want a bit of a workout on the hills; and since it gets way less foot traffic than the other major city parks, it's incredibly quiet and peaceful. The real crown jewel, though, is the historic Allegheny Observatory sitting right at the top of the hill. It looks amazing against the trees, and they actually run awesome, free night tours where you can look through the old telescopes if you call ahead for a reservation. Plus, the park has a solid off-leash dog area, a pool, and they host free outdoor concerts in the summer. It's just a great, low-key spot to get outside without ever leaving the city limits.

This has a nice little hiking trail that didn't seem busy and had a creek and a bridge so it was a…read moregood secluded place for kids to be adventurers.

I've been to several events in Squaw Run. It's a versatile space with shady and sunny places. With…read moreover 24 acres, it features a picnic shelter with electric and water, restrooms, and two ball fields. With both modern amenities plus some more rustic areas, I think you will find everything you need. The gazebo at Squaw Valley Park and the picnic shelters and ball fields at Squaw Valley may be reserved.

Mellon Park is perfectly situated on Fifth Avenue because when I lived in Regent Square, we would…read moreoften walk over for picnics and events being held here. When I moved to Bloomfield, we were still able to make the walk and enjoy the urban landscope in the center of two busy city neighborhoods (Shadyside & Point Breeze). There are different entrances and the park actually has space on either side of Fifth Avenue. Lots of lush greenery and gardens to walk and enjoy. Certain parts have Victorian-era England vibes.

This is a big beautiful park, perfect for a picnic or to just walk around in and admire the…read moresculptures and all the beautiful flowers, truly a charming spot nestled in the busy-ness of the city

my memorys!!!! i love this place also the water park!!!!…read morethank you so much i like the goats!!

This is an excellent park for seeing birds. It's clean and well maintained…read more They have shelters for rent at reasonable prices. When you enter the park, you will see a small pond complete with ducks and geese. There are some great hiking trails.

I love this park. They have pavilions if you want to have a party there…read more My daughter has cheer practice here, as well as soccer practice. They have three soccer fields. There are two or three playgrounds for younger children. My favorite thing is the walking track. It has small inclines and is a nice peaceful, scenic walk. The view up here is gorgeous. They do a good job with upkeep, and if there is cheer practice, the concession stand is usually open. Overall, probably one of the nicer parks around the MonValley.

It's a nice close by park. The playground isn't very large but it's nice and there's basketball,…read moredeck hockey and a softball field.

Schenley Oval can be considered a center for sports and recreation for Oakland and Squirrel Hill…read more It features a 1 km-long oval, a 400m track, a couple of soccer fields, and tennis courts (free!). In a weekday evening or on weekend, expect to see many people enjoying the oval: jogging, playing soccer, frisbee, and tennis. The oval has two water fountains, and surprisingly one keeps running through the winter. There are restrooms in a small brick building and usually portable restrooms nearby. Schenley drive goes near the oval, providing ample space for free parking. Although this is a friendly and safe area, be careful leaving items there: my book was stolen when I left it for five minutes on Sunday night.

By Ed Skirtich…read more Freedom to dream, sunbath, read and play frisbee at the Schenley Park Overlook plus walk, jog, sprint, and play tennis and football at the Oval and inner track happen on a sunny day. On the benches outside the inner track and outside the oval, friends reunite with each other. Also, while walking along the oval mom and dad's hold their child's hand while walking, young adult joggers slowly trot, mildly jog, jog, and sprint. In Bob O' Connor's Tennis Courts, young adults toss the tennis ball back and forth. They play tennis quietly and patiently with each other. Regardless of your disability, race, gender, and age and size, no one bothers you when you do your activity at Schenley Park. Children's imaginations can flourish at Schenley Park. At the Overloook, a young boy flies his kite while other youth catch frisbee. Also, a young girl kicks a soccer ball with family. Runners are fun to watch because they sweat, pant, or just slowly jog, trot, and and walk. Small tall, skinny, and fat, the runners get their job done. Tennis players don't care what their score is, they just like to have fun and relax. Another interesting thing was a hip drum beats could be heard while going around the oval. Finally at the Overlook, you can read, write, sunbath, or just admire the Downtown Pittsburgh skyline.

My family has been enjoying Rosecliff Park for the past 15 years, and it's truly one of our…read morefavorite spots in the North Hills area. The playground was recently updated and is now safer and more modern, with separate sections for younger and older kids. There are two softball fields, a basketball court, and a nice walking trail that loops around the park. My older kids love shooting hoops and running the trail, while my youngest can stay entertained on the playground for hours. There's also plenty of parking and a pavilion. This park has become a go-to for our family when we want to get outside, be active, and enjoy some fresh air close to home. Highly recommend it to other families looking for a clean, spacious, and well-maintained park in Ross Township