Creeking and Outdoor Adventures in Pittsburgh

Who’s ready to get out of the house?!?!? Summer is here… and oh yay… pools are either closed or with heavy restrictions. 🙁 So what has our Pittsburgh Mom Collective family been doing… Going Creeking! Here are some of our most favorite adventures!

Buttermilk Falls

A newly completed 1 1/4 mile trail leads to one of Armstrong County’s best kept secrets – Buttermilk Falls! A great destination point, Buttermilk Falls is located on the outskirts of Kittanning, PA. Picnicking, hiking, nature observation and fishing are just some of the most popular activities here. We’ll also let you in on a little secret, if you like rope swinging and water slides you will want to check this place out!

Photo Credit: Julia Furgiuele

Cecil Township Park

Cecil Park, located next to the Cecil Township Municipal Building, is a place where you can enjoy the peaceful beauty of nature as well as the advantages of a world-class township.

Photo Credit: Nicole Lynn

Crooked Creek Lake

Burrowed among the rolling hills of Western PA, Crooked Creek Lake is a great place for a family outing. Located only 30 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, the U.S. Army Corps invites you to discover the scenic beauty of the lake and surrounding countryside. A variety of outdoor activities (fishing, picnicking, boating, waterskiing, sunbathing, etc.) will provide for a worthwhile experience. 

Photo Credit: Julia Furgiuele

Fall Run Park

Fall Run Park is located in Glenshaw, PA, is one of the areas most popular parks due to the beautiful waterfall that you find at the end of your mile long nature trail walk. Here children get to not only explore nature but examine how erosion happens over time and of course enjoy the excitement of sliding down the waterfall! The trails are easy to hike and the multiple bridges make it nice to cross over the creek. Can you figure out how many bridges there are?

Photo Credit: Meghan Meabon

Firelane Trail Loop

Located near Frick Park, Firelane Trail Loop is an easy 0.2 mile one way trail that leads from the Nine Mile Run over to forward Ave. The trail features a river and is great for all skill levels. Their are lots of small waterfalls along the creekside.The trail is primarily used for walking, trail running, and nature trips. Dogs are also able to use the trail but must be kept on a leash. Truly something for all ages to enjoy.

Photo Credit: Lanae Lumsden

Linn Run State Park

Linn Run State Park is a Pennsylvania state park on 612 acres in Cook and Ligonier Townships in Westmoreland County. The arrangement of the natural features of the area make this park a scenic place for picnicking and hiking. The Grove and Rock Runs join to make for a great location to go trout fishing all while enjoying the lovely waterfall.

Mingo Creek Park

Located in Washington County, Mingo Creek is open all year long and houses two covered bridges. The park offers a variety of experiences with their stunning nature trails, bicycle trails and fishing areas.

Photo Credit: Tara Work

Raccoon Creek State Park

Raccoon Creek State Park, located in Hookstown, is one of Pennsylvania’s largest and most visited state parks. Encompassing 7,572 acres and featuring the fascinating 100-acre Raccoon Lake there is everything from hiking, canoeing, fishing and much more! Experiencing the beautiful Mineral Springs is a must on this adventure!

Photo Credit: Ryan LaRocco

Let us know where your favorite Pittsburgh Area Parks are for trails and creeks? Post them in the comments below!

Looking for more outdoor adventures? Check out these posts.