Sometimes we just need a break from it all. From the craziness of life. The jam-packed schedule. And, the constant demands. Fortunately, tucked in corners of Pittsburgh and beyond, we can find tiny pieces of tranquility. Whether you’re looking for a few minutes to take a deep breath and admire the view or you want to get far away from it all, you’ll find the perfect spot in the Burgh. Here are eight of the most relaxing places in Pittsburgh (and a bit beyond).
- Mellon Square
Trip Advisor/Joshua H. Pittsburgh’s a pretty hectic city, especially during the workweek. Sometimes, we all just need to get away, to find a quiet corner to recharge. Mellon Square provides an idyllic spot to eat lunch, to read, or to just watch the water tumbling in the picturesque fountains. Even better? The picture-perfect, one-acre park is nestled in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh.
Mellon Square is located at Sixth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
- Allegheny Islands
Wikipedia/Clint If you’re on the hunt for a really secluded spot, head to Allegheny Islands State Park. But, you can only get there by boat. The tranquil state park offers unmarked trails (so, wear appropriate footwear). Spend a few hours exploring the island, boating, or wildlife watching.
Allegheny Islands State Park is located at Cheswick, PA 15024.
- Buttermilk Falls Natural Area
Flickr/Joanna Poe Relaxation and waterfalls pretty much go hand-in-hand. Journey to Buttermilk Falls Natural Area in Beaver Falls. Embark on a five to 10 minute stroll - depending on how quickly you walk - to the waterfall that tumbles 40 feet. On warm days, dip your feet in the pool the waterfall creates. Or, walk behind the waterfall for a unique view.
Buttermilk Falls Natural Area is located at Route 18 & First Avenue & Homewood Borough, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.
- Dead Man’s Hollow Conservation Area
Allegheny Land Trust Lace up your hiking boots for a leisurely stroll through Dead Man’s Hollow Conservation Area, a lush 450-acre natural area in McKeesport. The scenic area boasts plenty of natural beauty, including scenic vistas, fields of wildflowers, and woodlands. Climb and enchanted staircase. And, discover abandoned ruins of a former factory.
Dead Man’s Hollow Conservation Area is located at 3301 Liberty Way, McKeesport, PA 15133.
- Allegheny Cemetery
Facebook/Allegheny Cemetery Stroll along the manicured paths of the historic Allegheny Cemetery, the oldest cemetery in Pittsburgh. Spanning 300 lush acres, Allegheny Cemetery is the final resting place of such notable Pittsburghers as actress Lillian Russell, actor Don Brockett, and songwriter Stephen Foster.
Allegheny Cemetery is located at 4734 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201.
- Fall Run Park
All Trails/Mike Miller Find relaxation with a visit to Allegheny County’s sole waterfall. Nestled in Fall Run Park, the waterfall sits at the end of a picturesque one-mile trail. Stroll along footbridges and over streams on your way to the waterfall that tumbles 25 feet. Admire the view from the base. Then, climb the staircase for overhead views.
Fall Run Park is located at 187 Fall Run Rd., Glenshaw, PA 15116.
- Raccoon Creek State Park Wildflower Reserve
Facebook/Raccoon Creek State Park Spend a few hours wandering among wildflowers at the Wildflower Reserve in Raccoon Creek State Park. Embark on the 1.5 mile Jennings Trail that will lead you past more than 700 species of wildflowers. The trail also offers opportunities to admire the local wildlife, including deer and raccoons.
Raccoon Creek State Park is located at 3000 PA-18, Hookstown, PA 15050.
- Sahli Nature Park
Facebook/Sahli Nature Park Find solitude among nature at Sahli Nature Park in Beaver Falls. The 90-acre nature park boasts ponds, a waterfall, and swings. Of course, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to check out the local wildlife, to explore the trails, and to cross picturesque footbridges.
Sahli Nature Park is located at 194 McKinley Rd., Beaver Falls, PA 15010.
What are some of your favorite relaxing places in Pittsburgh? Join the conversation in the comments! And, if you’re looking for a bit of adventure, check out these amazing treetop spots in and near Pittsburgh. Click here to read more.
Trip Advisor/Joshua H.
Pittsburgh’s a pretty hectic city, especially during the workweek. Sometimes, we all just need to get away, to find a quiet corner to recharge. Mellon Square provides an idyllic spot to eat lunch, to read, or to just watch the water tumbling in the picturesque fountains. Even better? The picture-perfect, one-acre park is nestled in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh.
Mellon Square is located at Sixth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
Wikipedia/Clint
If you’re on the hunt for a really secluded spot, head to Allegheny Islands State Park. But, you can only get there by boat. The tranquil state park offers unmarked trails (so, wear appropriate footwear). Spend a few hours exploring the island, boating, or wildlife watching.
Allegheny Islands State Park is located at Cheswick, PA 15024.
Flickr/Joanna Poe
Relaxation and waterfalls pretty much go hand-in-hand. Journey to Buttermilk Falls Natural Area in Beaver Falls. Embark on a five to 10 minute stroll - depending on how quickly you walk - to the waterfall that tumbles 40 feet. On warm days, dip your feet in the pool the waterfall creates. Or, walk behind the waterfall for a unique view.
Buttermilk Falls Natural Area is located at Route 18 & First Avenue & Homewood Borough, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.
Allegheny Land Trust
Lace up your hiking boots for a leisurely stroll through Dead Man’s Hollow Conservation Area, a lush 450-acre natural area in McKeesport. The scenic area boasts plenty of natural beauty, including scenic vistas, fields of wildflowers, and woodlands. Climb and enchanted staircase. And, discover abandoned ruins of a former factory.
Dead Man’s Hollow Conservation Area is located at 3301 Liberty Way, McKeesport, PA 15133.
Facebook/Allegheny Cemetery
Stroll along the manicured paths of the historic Allegheny Cemetery, the oldest cemetery in Pittsburgh. Spanning 300 lush acres, Allegheny Cemetery is the final resting place of such notable Pittsburghers as actress Lillian Russell, actor Don Brockett, and songwriter Stephen Foster.
Allegheny Cemetery is located at 4734 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201.
All Trails/Mike Miller
Find relaxation with a visit to Allegheny County’s sole waterfall. Nestled in Fall Run Park, the waterfall sits at the end of a picturesque one-mile trail. Stroll along footbridges and over streams on your way to the waterfall that tumbles 25 feet. Admire the view from the base. Then, climb the staircase for overhead views.
Fall Run Park is located at 187 Fall Run Rd., Glenshaw, PA 15116.
Facebook/Raccoon Creek State Park
Spend a few hours wandering among wildflowers at the Wildflower Reserve in Raccoon Creek State Park. Embark on the 1.5 mile Jennings Trail that will lead you past more than 700 species of wildflowers. The trail also offers opportunities to admire the local wildlife, including deer and raccoons.
Raccoon Creek State Park is located at 3000 PA-18, Hookstown, PA 15050.
Facebook/Sahli Nature Park
Find solitude among nature at Sahli Nature Park in Beaver Falls. The 90-acre nature park boasts ponds, a waterfall, and swings. Of course, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to check out the local wildlife, to explore the trails, and to cross picturesque footbridges.
Sahli Nature Park is located at 194 McKinley Rd., Beaver Falls, PA 15010.
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