The 5 Best Parks in Pittsburgh

Ever dream of seeing the stunning night sky while in Philadelphia? At the top of Observatory Hill is the Allegheny Observatory used by students from the University of Pittsburgh, but is open to all on Thursday and Friday nights. Riverview also offers novice, intermediate and expert trails for those who enjoy hikes in the area’s natural surroundings. Trails are also available for horseback riding and lessons. Families can take advantage of the 5,400-square-foot swimming pool, a space aged-themed playground and the Chapel Shelter, an old church turned relaxing picnic area. Check their calendar throughout the year to catch one of their many outdoor concerts. There’s always something going on at Riverview! Riverview Park, Allegheny Observatory, 159 Riverview Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15214 +1 412 255 2493

Built around the city’s reservoir, Highland Park serves the area’s beautiful nature in addition to supplying Pittsburgh with drinking water. Reservoir Walkway is the most popular trail in Highland Park: it’s a 3/4-mile path around the reservoir that can be used for lazy strolls and gentle jogs. Highland also has the city’s only Olympic-size “long-course” swimming pool, a volleyball court and a half-mile looping bike trail. Highland Park, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 +1 412 682 7275 Schenley Park | © Cam Miller/Flickr

Bordering both the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University, Schenley Park has the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and is said to be one of the “world’s greenest public gardens.” Schenley has a public swimming pool that offers classes at all levels, the Schenley Oval Sportsplex and the 18-hole Bob O’Connor Golf Course. On certain summer nights you can go to Flagstaff Hill to watch movies with family and friends or visit the Schenley Park bridge to attach a lock of love with your significant other, Paris-style. Schenley Park, 500 Panther Hollow Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 +1 412 422 6523

Evergreen is a great place to connect with nature and feel part of a community. The park is beautiful and full of great places for photographers to snap photos. There are several spots within the park dedicated to organized sports including a baseball field, two tennis courts, a volleyball net, two basketball courts and a soccer field. If you work up an appetite throughout the course of the day you can use grills found in the park to whip up a meal. There is also a full kitchen to rent for larger events – just give the park a call first.

Frick Park, named after Henry Clay Frick who donated the initial land of the park, is a great place to jog, hike, bike and walk amongst beautiful scenic trails or even participate in a game of lawn bowling. The Frick also offers an off-leash walking area for dog owners and their dogs to enjoy a bit of independence from one another. There is also “Hot Dog Dam” where dogs can take a dip in the water for a quick swim! Stop by the The Frick Art and Historical Center, it’s one of few free museums in Pittsburgh with Henry Clay Frick’s collection of historic art, plus special exhibitions. Frick Park, 6750 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15221 Chanel Mowatt