4 great places to boost your family’s wellbeing with a winter hike in the Pittsburgh area

As winter arrives, many people stay indoors as the temperatures drop and clouds roll in. You may think of hiking as an activity for warm, sunny days. But a hike in the snow can be, in some ways, better. In Pittsburgh, our geography does not disappoint hikers: Rocks, waterfalls, ponds, and other natural features are abundant in southwestern Pennsylvania. Fish, deer, and even groundhogs are common sights.

Rachel Handel of the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania agrees about the value of winter hiking in the region: “Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania encourages people to get outside year-round. Hiking on trails or even a walk around your neighborhood has been scientifically proven to improve both physical and mental health. Winter can seem like a challenging (or cold!) time to get outside, but by layering clothing and wearing waterproof shoes, winter walks connect people to nature during one of the prettiest times of year!” 

Handel says winter is especially convenient for bird-spotting, because birds such as bright red Cardinals stand out against white snow or blue skies. 

It also brings a fresh perspective.

“Hiking in the wintertime with your family is a wonderful way to explore the changing seasons and experience familiar territory in a new way. Hillsides transform into pristine white sheets of snow while most trees lose their leaves and make new sounds when the wind blows through them,” says Ash Andrews, president and CEO at Venture Outdoors. “In addition to the many health and mental wellbeing benefits of hiking, getting outside in the winter can also inspire awe and gratitude for the world around us as the earth goes into its hibernation season.”

Click here for research on the health benefits of winter hiking. And here are some local trails to help you get started:

Fall Run: This hike travels along a creek for its entirety and crosses a waterfall about halfway through. The hike includes one steep hill and numerous bridges. In the winter when it snows, you’ll see large icicles and snow mounds. This hike is perhaps 45 minutes each way and taking time to enjoy the experience is worth it. Clay forms under a small overhang just off the trail beyond the waterfall. Children may enjoy making sculptures out of the clay. Tip: Exploring the ice features may be an attraction to some kids.

Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve: This nature reserve is another good place for winter hiking. A pond populated by geese, particularly in late fall to early winter, is located a short walk down from the parking lot. There is a short hike (0.14 miles) encircling the pond that follows up to a garden and playground, which has a rope ladder and some tunnels.

Of the trails, Spring Hollow (0.45 miles) is a great place to start, particularly with children. This trail leads uphill to a gravel pathway and travels through a forest past a treehouse overlook. A variety of animals can be found here including squirrels and chipmunks with many migratory birds. Plants and moss grow on rocks and hillside along the trail. Tip: The hill to the pond may be slippery during the colder months.

Hartwood Acres: This county park is a great place to explore. Trails dot the area with a historic mansion near the eastern part of the park. (Learn about the Lawrence Mansion on the Kidsburgh Podcast, right here.) In the winter, snow covers the fields and adds an entirely different vibe. The park, located near Beechwood Farms, contains sledding hills that can be a good place to go when it snows.

Allegheny Cemetery: This cemetery is a nature reserve of its own. Innumerable deer, turkeys and groundhogs live in the area. Many good views are visible through the miles of winding trails. This is a great place to admire natural beauty and city history. Sculptures and monuments stand out against the trees, while rabbits and squirrels run on the ground. There is a historic gatehouse outside the cemetery which is the largest in Pittsburgh. No pets are permitted on the trail, though bikes are.

Advice for Winter Hiking:

• Make sure to wear gloves or mittens.
• Bring a hiking pole for added comfort.
• Even if it doesn’t snow, it can still be beautiful
• BRING HOT CHOCOLATE!!!!!
• Making drawings of the view can be fun.
• The more the merrier. Invite friends and family.
• Little kids may want to be carried, especially during longer hikes.
• Take photos for the memories.
• Take a moment to take in the view.  
• Keep a journal.
• Surprise hikes are fun.

Remember to stay safe during hiking: “The biggest safety issues during the winter season are staying warm and avoiding slipping on ice. If it is really icy out, I like to use trekking poles and slip-on traction devices for my boots,” says Stephen Bucklin, a naturalist educator at the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. 

Another piece of advice from Bucklin: “Winter is also hunting season. So wearing blaze orange apparel when hiking in areas that allow hunting is important.” 

To sum up why winter hiking is worth the effort, Bucklin shared this: “Winter is an incredibly beautiful and peaceful season to be outside. Staying active and spending time outside are two ways folks can help boost their mental health during the season when short, cold, and often gray days contribute to Seasonal Affective Disorder.”

Photo at top of story courtesy of Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.