Around this time of year, many of us love to appreciate the simple joy that is sitting inside and enjoying a warm drink while watching the snow fall outside. It’s just lovely – for a few days. But if you’re like me, after spending two or three days cooped up inside, I’m ready to put on some boots, thick socks, and as many warm layers as I can find so that I can get outside and this winter wonderland in person.
If you’re looking for some fun locations to get outside and move this winter, you’re in luck – we’ve rounded up some of our favorite parks in the city where you can walk, run, and hike to your heart’s content. Read on for our recommendations, but remember to be careful and watch for ice – it can be slippy out there!
Allegheny Commons Park
Image via Pittsburgh Girl Photography Instagram
If you love the classics, Allegheny Commons Park should be your winter walk destination of 2022. As Pittsburgh’s oldest park, Allegheny Commons has many charming features that make it a special place to spend a wintry afternoon. I love its beautiful bridge, which I find reminiscent of Bow Bridge in Central Park, and its convenient location next to the National Aviary, where you can warm up after a brisk walk. (You can even enjoy the “Tropical Paradise” exhibit running now through the end of May!)
Frick Park
Image via Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Instagram
Talking a walk through Frick Park in winter feels like stepping into a fantasy realm. At 644 acres, you could spend all day exploring Frick Park’s woods and walking and hiking trails – especially the Nine Mile Run trail, which extends all the way down to the Mon. Access points and parking spots are typically plentiful, and if you need a break to thaw out during your walk, I recommend visiting the Frick Environmental Center to engage with some hands-on environmental education.
Highland Park
Image via maddies.photodiary Instagram
Looking for an accessible, easy-to-follow and yet engaging walk not far from downtown? The Reservoir Loop at Highland Park just might be the place. At just under a mile, it’s a quick and straightforward route, but with a clear winter sky and a bit of ice sitting on the surface of the reservoir, it’s well worth going around more than once. Best of all, Highland Park’s flat paths are perfect whether you’re a walker, runner, or a pusher of bundled-up kiddos in strollers.
Riverview Park
Image via Pittsburgh Park Rangers Instagram
Riverview Park in the North Side is undoubtedly already well-known by yinz who love to hike, but it’s popular for a reason – this tranquil, well-maintained park makes it easy to forget you’re right in the middle of the city. Its two-mile Riverview Loop hiking trail is a great way to spend the afternoon and can still be enjoyed even with some snow on the ground. More than a dozen shorter trails stretch outward from the Loop, which are perfect for the more seasoned explorer.
Settlers Cabin Park
Image via Women’s Adventure Club Instagram
With over 1,000 acres of land, Settlers Cabin Park near Robinson has a ton of space to get outside and get moving this winter. In addition to its popular summer amenities like shelters, playgrounds, and its wave pool, Settlers Cabin Park features three trail loops between one and two miles along with countless other trails for explorers who want to get off the beaten path. You might even make your way to the semi-hidden waterfall seen here for a serene moment of rest.
Emerald View Park
Image via City of PGH Parks & Recreation Instagram
As suggested by its name, Emerald View Park in Mt. Washington features some absolute gems throughout its 257 acres of green space. Grandview Park on Bailey Avenue is a wonderful place to start exploring, with plenty of mostly-flat walking paths and playgrounds for a less challenging course. Of course, its four defined hiking paths are great for urban adventurers (on less snowy days!) and boast some challenging climbs to get your heart racing enough to ward off the cold.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.