Donna L. Ruff was born in Pittsburgh and, although a lifetime resident of her hometown, has hiked, biked, climbed, skied, and tested her skills in mountaineering in many parts of the world. She has a special passion for hiking in southwestern Pennsylvania, not only because it is her home but also because of its diverse and enchanting beauty. A writer by trade, Ruff spends as much of her spare time as possible away from the computer and in what she calls the real world, that is, the natural world. Over the years she has been an active member of the American Youth Hostels and the Explorer’s Club of Pittsburgh, where she has established valuable friendships with like-minded outdoor enthusiasts. Her travels have extended to many other countries and are typically planned around hiking, climbing, mountaineering, and volunteer work.

Overview Map

Acknowledgments

Foreword

About the Author

Preface

Hiking Recommendations

Introduction

Hikes

ALLEGHENY COUNTY

• Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve Loop
• Boyce Park Log Cabin Trail Expanded Loop
• Downtown Historic Walk
• Eliza Furnace Trail
• Fox Chapel Flower and Wildlife Reserve Loop
• Frick Park Tour Loop
• Gilfillan Trail Loop
• Harrison Hills Park: Rachel Carson Trail—Pond and River Overlooks Hikes
• Hartwood Acres Tour
• Highland Park Double Loop
• Montour Trail: Cliff Mine to Five Points
• Montour Trail: Panhandle Trail—Walkers Mill to Gregg Station
• North Park: Braille Trail Loop
• North Park: Nature Center Loop
• North Shore: River, Memorial, and Sports Walk
• Point State Park: History and Three Rivers Walk
• Riverview Park Loop
• Schenley Park Loop
• Settler’s Cabin Park: Creek and Flora Hike
• South Park Hike
• Three Rivers Heritage Trail: Monongahela South Shore
• Three Rivers Heritage Trail: Washington’s Landing Loop
• Townsend Park Loop

WESTMORELAND COUNTY

• Bushy Run History Loop
• Cedar Creek Park: Gorge Trail Loop
• Forbes State Forest: Laurel Summit—Spruce Flats Bog and Wildlife Area Loop
• Forbes State Forest: Laurel Summit—Wolf Rocks Overlook Loop
• Forbes State Forest: Laurel Summit Loop
• Forbes State Forest: Roaring Run Natural Area Loop
• Keystone State Park: Stone Lodge Trail
• Linn Run State Park: Grove Run Loop
• Powdermill Nature Reserve Tour
• Twin Lakes Park: Loop the Lakes

LAWRENCE, BEAVER, AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES

• McConnells Mill: Alpha Pass to Kildoo Loop
• McConnells Mill: Slippery Rock Gorge Trail
• Mingo Creek County Park Loop
• Raccoon Creek State Park: Lake-Forest Loop
• Raccoon Creek State Park: Wildflower Reserve Loop

BUTLER, ARMSTRONG, AND INDIANA COUNTIES

• Baker Trail: Crooked Creek Lake Area
• Blacklick Valley Natural Area: Parker Tract Hike
• Charles F. Lewis Natural Area: Rager Mountain Trail Loop
• Jennings Environmental Education Center Trail Loop
• Moraine State Park: North Shore Hike or Hike and Bike
• Moraine State Park: South Shore Trails Loop
• Todd Sanctuary Loop

SOMERSET AND FAYETTE COUNTIES

• Bear Run Nature Reserve: Southeast Loop
• Forbes State Forest: Lick Hollow Interpretive Nature Trail
• Forbes State Forest: Lick Hollow Pine Knob Overlook Trail
• Forbes State Forest: Mount Davis Natural Area
• Forbes State Forest: Quebec Run Wild Area
• Fort Necessity Tour and Woods Walk
• Friendship Hill Tour and Hike
• Kooser State Park Loop
• Laurel Hill State Park: Hemlock Trail
• Laurel Hill State Park: Lake Trail
• Laurel Hill State Park: Pump House to Tram Road Trail
• Laurel Ridge State Park: Laurel Highlands Trail—PA 653 Access to Grindle Ridge
• Ohiopyle State Park: Cucumber Falls to Meadow Run Trail Loop
• Ohiopyle State Park: Ferncliff Natural Area Loop
• Ohiopyle State Park: Laurel Highlands Trail—Ohiopyle to First Shelter Area

Appendix A—Hiking Stores

Appendix B—Places to Buy Maps

Appendix C—Hiking Clubs

Index

Map Legend