Who else has been enjoying the lovely sunny weather we’ve been having lately? This summer, we’re looking forward to outdoor activities that allow for sunshine, fresh air, and social distancing. Between kayak rentals, state and city parks, and hiking trails, these are outdoor activities to look forward to in summer 2020.
Kayak and Boat Rentals
KeyStone State Park
Keystone State Park, located in Westmoreland County, is a great place to go for a quick day trip. Keystone Lake has a well-maintained lake, camping spots, and walking path that circles the water. The area also has really nice facilities, lots of grass, and a nice beach area.
At Two Dam Kayaks, you can rent more than just kayaks at Keystone — there’s also rowboats, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards. And with rentals around $12-25 per hour, this place is pretty affordable. The rental shop also takes reservations every day of the week, so call ahead so you don’t have to wait in line.
North Park
North Park is a beautiful place to go in the summer whether you’re looking to get out on the water, run, bike, walk, or barbeque. Located in Allison Park, you can rent kayaks to get out on the North Park Lake on Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Racoon Creek
Racoon Creek Boat Rental at Racoon Creek State Park has some interesting rentals beyond a one-person kayak. Try out a double kayak, row boat, motorized boat, stand-up paddleboard, or canoe. You can also try a hydrobike, either with one or two people. Right now, Racoon Creek Boat Rental is offering a 10% discount if you bring your own life jacket.
Pools
Regional pools in Southwestern PA are open through September 2, while most pools in the city will remain closed until August. From August 16 through Labor Day, all 6 Citipark pools will be open. Those locations include Highlight Park, Brighton Heights, Brookline, Mt. Washington, Oakland, and North Side.
Disc Golf
Schenley Park
While we love a good round of regular golf, disc golf is a fun summer activity we’re looking forward to at Schenley Park. The 18-hole course at Schenley covers a lot of ground with a beautiful view of downtown. This course includes three tee positions.
Phillips Park
Located in Carrick, the disc golf course at Phillips Park was created in 1996 by attendees of Carrick High School. This is a 9-hole course with two tee positions. The course is open currently for the summer.
Hiking
Southwestern PA has many hiking trails and state parks, both within the city of Pittsburgh and in the surrounding areas. Trails in Schenley Park, Highland Park, and Frick Park are a wonderful way to enjoy being in nature while still being in the city. The Three Rivers Heritage Trail extends from the city all the way to Washington D.C. and is great for walks, long runs, or cycling.
Outside of Pittsburgh proper, Fall Run Park, McConnells Mill State Park, and Moraine State Park are expansive parks with miles of trails to explore. More details on our favorite hiking spots can be found here.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.
