Getting away from it all doesn't always mean booking a plane ticket and a hotel. Sometimes, a visit to a natural oasis can be just what is needed to recharge. Here are eight relaxing spots in nature near Pittsburgh that will completely relax you.
1. Mellon Park – Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Pack a picnic lunch or grab a seat near the walled garden at Mellon Park for a relaxing break in the middle of a busy day. Mellon Park features a majestic water fountain and an art installation with stars that light up the lush green grass every evening.
2. Twin Lakes Park – 219 Twin Lakes Rd, Latrobe, PA 15650
Embark on a leisurely stroll through the tree-lined paths at Twin Lakes Park. Rent paddle boats or rowboats for a relaxing ride around the two lakes. Stop by Reflection Island, a memorial area designed for peace and personal reflection.
3. Pittsburgh Botanic Garden – 799 Pinkerton Run Rd, Oakdale, PA 15071
You'll encounter nature's beauty - from snow-capped trees to local wildlife - when you visit Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, the perfect backdrop for a relaxing afternoon. The growing garden, which is open all year around, features Bookworm Glen, a magical fairy garden, an apple orchard, a Japanese garden, and a life-sized bird's nest. Pittsburgh Botanic Garden is open all year.
4. Raccoon Creek State Park Wildflower Reserve – 525 Lincoln Highway, 482 US-30, Clinton, PA 15026
Lace up your hiking boots and head to the Wildflower Preserve at Raccoon Creek State Park, 314 acres of breathtaking wildflowers and more than five miles of hiking trails. During the peak wildflower season, you'll see a masterpiece of nature with more than 700 different wildflower species along with local wildlife.
5. Ryerson Station State Park – 361 Bristoria Road, Graysville, PA 15337
Journey to Greene County for a relaxing day at Ryerson Station State Park, open all year around from sunrise to sunset. Hit the hiking trails on cross country skis in the winter and in hiking boots in the summer. Enjoy ice skating on the frozen water. Or, plan to stay overnight at one of the campsites that welcomes visitors all year.
6. Buttermilk Falls Natural Area– Route 18 & First Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA 15010
Find tranquility at Buttermilk Falls Natural Area. Embark on an easy hike, which takes between 10 and 15 minutes, that leads up a wide set of stairs, past an old stone quarry, to the masterpiece of the natural area: Buttermilk Falls, a spectacular 40 foot waterfall. When the weather's warm enough, dip your feet in the pool at the bottom of the falls as you let the sun caress your skin.
7. Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve – 614 Dorseyville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238
Snuggled in Fox Chapel. Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve offers visitors the chance to hike the more than five miles of hiking paths, to stroll around the picturesque pond, and to interact with local wildlife, including turkeys. The nature reserve also hosts events, such as the upcoming Master Birder Program, slated for March 23, 2017 at 6:30 p.m.
Pittsburgh's many selling points include our close proximity to nature - no matter where in the city or the suburbs we live. These are just seven of the most relaxing spots in nature near Pittsburgh.
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