Sometimes we just need quiet. Tranquility. But, finding the time to relax can be tough. Fortunately, Pittsburgh and the surrounding area lay claim to some of the state's most beautiful natural wonders. Next time you need to recharge or just want to get away for a few hours, visit this tranquil nature reserve.
The Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania's Todd Nature Reserve promises endless natural beauty along 334 lush acres.
Nestled just a half an hour from downtown Pittsburgh, the Sarver nature reserve offers bird lovers the perfect opportunity to bird watch. Numerous birds - hummingbirds, woodpeckers, and field sparrows - call the reserve home.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes if you plan to explore one of the seven trails that span a total of five miles. Stroll past a picturesque pond, lush forest trees, and gushing streams.
Todd Nature Reserve hosts a variety of events throughout the year. The next event, Decorate a Mini Tree, is slated for Saturday, December 2, 2017. Advance registration is required.
Stop by the Audubon Nature Store during your visit to the reserve. The store sells an assortment of nature-related products, including jewelry and bird feeders. The Nature Store is open Wednesday through Friday from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Todd Nature Reserve welcomes outdoor enthusiasts all year. Explore the trails daily from sunrise to sunset. The nature reserve, however, is closed during deer hunting season through December 10, 2017.
What are your favorite natural wonders in the Pittsburgh area? Share your thoughts below. Then, click here to check out nine other naturals wonders in and around Pittsburgh.
Winter in Pittsburgh can be a bit unpredictable with slushy rain some days and a good 'ole dumping of the white stuff now and then to keep us on our toes. Chances are you’re either already counting down the days until spring 2023, or you love the snowy days of winter. The Farmers’ Almanac came out with its Pittsburgh winter forecast for the 2022-23 winter. The winter forecast for Pittsburgh includes several snowstorms, and potentially a "bomb cyclone" that might cause some trouble with slippery driving conditions.
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Winter in Pittsburgh the last few years didn’t bring much snow with it. However, that could all change during the winter of 2022-23, if the Farmers’ Almanac’s predictions prove true.
Snow isn’t expected to make its debut until early December, however late December a snowstorm has been forecasted for the Mid-Atlantic that might bring heavy snow, ice, and colder than usual temps to the area.
Winter itself ushers in the cold rain and cloudy skies. If we’re lucky, we might see a few snow flurries for Christmas. However, temperatures over the Christmas holiday are predicted to be bitterly cold.
Fortunately, Pittsburgh isn't expected to get much snow from the Bomb Cyclone expected near Christmas, but other parts of Pennsylvania, especially Western Pennsylvania could see pretty low temps, black ice, and a good amount of snow.
Those frigid temperatures are expected to give way to warmer air just in time to head downtown to ring in the New Year on First Night. January just might bring with it the first significant snowfall of the season.
The Farmers’ Almanac predicts a snowstorm that could produce between four and eight inches of snow throughout Pennsylvania toward the last week of January 20-25, 2023. Snowfall for the rest of the month, however, is expected to be fairly light.
Look for temps in the low to mid-30s in the first half of the month, then warming up to the 40s by the back half of February.
With 16 days of snow predicted in February and nine days of rain, we can expect a sloppy February with only about five days being dry or sunny. But it isn't all bad - March will be on its way soon at that point...
With nine snow days predicted and nine rainy days the slop continues. The good news is that March starts to dry out with about half of the month predicted to be dry. Although we can expect colder than normal temps in the 32 to 48 degree range.
Pull out the shorts for the first day of spring on March 20, when temperatures are expected to be near 60. Snow isn’t mentioned at all in the forecast for the rest of March or April.
But first, check out a typical Pittsburgh winter in this quick video:
Each year brings something different to the Pittsburgh area. What do you think about the Farmers’ Almanac’s winter forecast for Pittsburgh? Do you enjoy winter or do you dread it? Let us know in the comments! Then take a peek at the 10 things no one tells you about winter in Pittsburgh.
Pittsburghers are a pretty eclectic group of people. We can all probably agree on that, right? One more thing we can likely agree on is that Pittsburgh and the surrounding area are bursting with natural beauty. If you love or are obsessed with nature, you'll certainly want to add the following 10 destinations to your ultimate bucket list in Pittsburgh.
Admire sweeping views of Lake Erie from above, but first start your hike along the .39-mile Bluff's Edge Trail. The easy trail will take you directly to the edge of the bluff, where you'll have glorious views of the water from 90 feet above.
Buttermilk Falls Natural Area, in Beaver Falls, promises a tranquil spot to enjoy the fresh air, to feel the mist of a waterfall, and to dip your feet in the cool pool the waterfall cascades into. To reach the waterfall, however, you'll walk between five and ten minutes along a tree-lined path that includes some stairs. Once you arrive at Buttermilk Falls, walk behind it or simply grab a seat on one of the massive rocks nearby to admire it.
Ohiopyle State Park is an idyllic destination for nature lovers. It's home to Cucumber Falls, Ohiopyle Falls, and Jonathan Run Falls. However, if you visit on a cool day, make sure you stop by Meadow Run Natural Waterslide. Slide at your own risk, and be prepared to be banged up a bit. After all, you're sliding down sandstone sheet rocks that date back 300 million years.
4. Dip your feet in the cool waters of Laurel Lake.
Sink your feet into the sand before heading into the cool water of 63-acre Laurel Lake at Laurel Hill State Park. If you're visiting for the summer, plan for a day on the beach, surrounded by lush green trees. The park also features several scenic trails, including Pumphouse Trial. At just over 1.5 miles, the trail leads to a beautiful dam.
Settler's Cabin Park is a popular spot for swimming in the wave pool, having a picnic, and shooting hoops. Nature lovers can drink in the natural beauty, including a tiny waterfall, by hiking through the park. The nearly two-mile Green Loop Trail meanders through a wooded area, past a flowing stream, and to a tiny waterfall that cascades into a clear pool of water.
Reaching Bilger's Rocks is a bit of a hike, but it's well worth the two-hour drive from downtown Pittsburgh. Dating back 300 million years, the rocks are unique geological formations. Wear appropriate shoes if you plan to climb the boulders or to explore the passageways, the cliffs, and the caves. Bring lunch along, too, for a leisurely picnic at one of the picnic tables.
Immerse yourself in nature at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. Spanning 452 lush acres, the botanical garden boasts a series of trails, colorful flowers, and a beautiful pond. Cross over that pond on stepping stones or on the fairy-tale footbridge. Stop by the fairy garden; sit in an over-sized birds' nest, and relax on one of the benches dotted throughout the garden.
You can't have an ultimate bucket list in Pittsburgh, for nature lovers, and not include Frick Park. Frick Park offers us a piece of natural paradise within the bustling city. There, you can embark on one of several trails, including the Frick Park Loop Trail and the Frick Park Riverview Trail.
Ninety pristine acres among nature await at Sahli Nature Park in Beaver Falls, not too far from Buttermilk Falls Natural Area. Wear comfortable shoes for your walk through the natural area that features a pond with meandering ducks, a waterfall, and a butterfly nursery. You can even sit back and watch the local wildlife as you sit on one of the benches near the pond.
Can you have a bucket list without mentioning the Three Rivers? One of the best ways to enjoy the natural beauty of the Three Rivers, aside from sitting at the Point, is on the rivers themselves. Kayak Pittsburgh/Venture Outdoors offers rental kayaks (including instruction if it's your first time kayaking). Join a beginners paddle, a full moon paddle, or another offered paddle for beautifully unique views of the river and the city skyline.
Do you absolutely love nature? Will you add any of these to your ultimate bucket list in Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments! One of the best ways to see nature is on a scenic hike. Here are six short and sweet hikes near Pittsburgh.
