Pittsburgh transforms into a snow-covered wonderland each winter, making it the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the tranquility of the season. Bundle up. Zip up your boots. Drop your camera in your pocket. And, experience the pristine beauty of Pittsburgh in the winter when you embark on one of these eight best winter hikes in Pittsburgh.

1. Schenley Park
Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
the magnetic west/Flickr
Enjoy a relaxing winter hike at the picturesque Schenley Park. The 1.7-mile loop trail, which takes approximately an hour at a comfortable hiking pace, is considered fairly easy. You might also want to warm up with a few spins around the park's ice skating rink.
2. Frick Park
Frick Park, Pittsburgh, PA 15217, USA
rklopfer/Flickr
If you're up for a winter challenge, hit the Frick Park Loop Trail, considered moderate, that will lead you on a five-mile loop through snow-capped, tree-lined paths where you will likely spot local wildlife. Or, you might slip on your skis and go cross-country skiing.
3. Boyce Park Log Cabin Trail
Boyce Park - Log Cabin Parking Area, Pierson Run Rd, Plum, PA 15239, USA
ele-sea/Flickr
Find serenity at the Boyce Park Log Cabin Trail in Plum. The nearly three-mile loop trail is considered easy for hikers of all skill levels.
4. Riverview Park
Riverview Park, 159 Riverview Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15214
Yelp/Lindsay B.
Escape to Riverview Park's Loop Trail, a nearly three-mile hike that will take you through both quiet wooded areas and along the road. Accessible all year, the Riverview Park Loop Trail is ideal for hikers of all skill levels and promises a stunning view of local wildlife.
5. Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve
Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, 614 Dorseyville Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15238, USA
Facebook/Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve
A tranquil spot any time of the year, Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve transforms into a breathtaking masterpiece each winter. The nature reserve features 2.8 miles of relatively easy trails that appeal to hikers of all skill levels.
6. Moraine State Park
Moraine State Park, 225 Pleasant Valley Rd, Portersville, PA 16051, USA
Moraine State Park/Facebook
Moraine State Park offers 28 miles of hiking trails. The Scenic Garden Trail, an easy trail that's also prepared for cross-country skiing when the weather conditions allow, features a nearly two-mile loop and a three-mile loop that promises a spectacular view of the park and the local wildlife.
7. Keystone State Park
Keystone State Park, 1150 Keystone Park Rd, Derry, PA 15627, USA
Keystone State Park/Facebook
Lace up your hiking boots, cross-country skis, or snowshoes. Keystone State Park's eight miles of trails are perfect for winter hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. For an easy and breathtaking hike, opt for the 2.2 Lakeside Loop where you'll pass the ice-covered lake.
8. Ohiopyle State Park
Ohiopyle State Park, 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470, USA
Ohiopyle State Park/Facebook
You'll have plenty of spectacular trails - nearly 80 miles of them, in fact - from which to choose when you head to Ohiopyle State Park. There are many hiking trails near Pittsburgh to enjoy, but this state park alone will keep you busy for quite some time.

For an easy and picturesque winter hike, set off on the 1.7-mile Johnathan Falls Trail on which you will be treated to the jaw-dropping sight of numerous waterfalls, including Johnathan Falls.

Of all the beautiful places near Pittsburgh, how do you choose which one to visit first? If you are spending some time this winter in Pittsburgh bundle up and hit the snow-covered trails to enjoy one of these eight best winter hikes near Pittsburgh. Which one will you start with first? Share your top pick with a comment.

While you are out exploring this winter you might also want to visit these frozen waterfalls around Pittsburgh for even more stunning views and unique photo opportunities.

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More to Explore

Explore Winter in Pittsburgh

Chris Muras | November 21, 2022

What are some hiking trails near Pittsburgh that have great views?

There are numerous hiking trails near Pittsburgh that have amazing views. Whether you love a rushing waterfall or a rich forest trail these hiking trails near Pittsburgh will get your heart racing:

1. Braille Trail: Allison Park, PA. Who says amazing views can only be enjoyed by those of us gifted with sight? The Braille Trail was designed for those who can't see to enjoy a woodsy hike. With guiding wires throughout the entire trail visually impaired hikers can enjoy the sounds, and "sights" of the wilderness too.

2. Settlers Cabin Green Loop Trail: Pittsburgh, PA. We all love huge crashing waterfalls but even small waterfalls have their place in our hearts. The Green Loop Trail at Settlers Cabin Park is a wonderful, nearly 2-mile trail that leads past streams and tiny waterfalls just as inspiring as their big powerful cousins.

3. Twin Hills Park Loop Trail: Pittsburgh, PA. A leisurely walk in the woods can be just the thing we need to find peace. And there is something magical about crossing a wooden footbridge and climbing wooden steps buried into the trail that allows us to connect with nature. That's what we love about the Twin Hills Loop Trail.

4. Cucumber Falls Trail: Ohiopyle, PA. Another short walk in the woods that you'll love is the jaunt to Cucumber Falls in Ohiopyle State Park. There are numerous hikes in the park with amazing views and Cucumber Falls is one of the best.

5. Frick Park Loop Trail: Pittsburgh, PA. For a longer, 4.9-mile trail through calming forests and leaf-strewn paths look for the Frick Loop Trail in Pittsburgh. This is a popular trail for jogging, walking, and leisurely strolling any time of year.

What are some beautiful places near Pittsburgh?

With state parks, National Forests, and scenic overlooks there are so many beautiful places in Pittsburgh to choose from. Here are a few ideas to inspire you to explore this wonderful area:

  • Appalachian National Scenic Trail
  • The Delaware Water Gap
  • The Laurel Highlands
  • Pine Creek Gorge
  • Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
  • Todd Nature Reserve
  • Allegheny National Forest
  • Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

Read more about some of these beautiful destinations near Pittsburgh. Then jump in your car and get some sightseeing done.

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