The best walks and hikes around Ben Avon Heights

The Montour Trail: Coraopolis to Beaver Grade offers a delightful and easy hiking experience, following a crushed limestone path through a blend of natural and semi-urban landscapes. You'll enjoy peaceful stretches alongside Montour Run, with glimpses of wildflowers and leafy neighborhoods. While some industrial areas appear early on, the route quickly immerses you in nature, especially around the Meeks Creek bridge, providing a refreshing escape.

This 3.3-mile (5.4 km) segment is rated easy, with a minimal elevation gain of 120 feet (36 metres), making it perfect for a relaxed outing that takes about 1 hour and 23 minutes. You can easily access the trail from parking areas at Montour Road or Beaver Grade. It's a fantastic option for family-friendly hiking, offering a gentle gradient suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

As part of the much larger Montour Trail system, this section showcases the success of rail-trail conversions, providing continuous, flat paths for non-motorized use. The trail is meticulously maintained by volunteers, ensuring a pleasant journey through varied environments. It's a valuable recreational asset, connecting communities with nature and offering a quiet alternative to more strenuous routes in Allegheny County.

The Montour Woods Conservation Area loop offers a delightful journey through varied terrain, from wide, easy paths to more technical singletrack sections with roots and rocks. You'll wind through lush evergreen and deciduous forests, enjoying the tranquility of nature, and might even spot the small, picturesque waterfall along Meeks Run Trail. This 5.2-mile (8.4 km) hike with 567 feet (173 metres) of elevation gain is rated moderate and typically takes about 2 hours and 22 minutes, providing a satisfying challenge without being overly strenuous.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with multiple trailheads offering convenient parking. While the area is generally peaceful, its popularity means arriving earlier on weekends can help secure a spot. The trails are well-maintained by the Hollow Oak Land Trust, making it a reliable option for a hike in any season, though autumn's vibrant foliage is a particular highlight. Remember to bring sufficient water, especially during warmer periods.

Beyond its natural beauty, the Montour Woods Conservation Area holds a unique historical secret: the concrete remnants of a Cold War-era NIKE missile site. This intriguing feature, along with an old oil well and a small man-made cave, adds an extra layer of discovery to your hike. Despite its proximity to Pittsburgh, the area provides a quiet escape, perfect for those seeking a blend of natural immersion and historical curiosity.

Discover a true local gem on the Vinegar Hollow Trail, an easy hiking route that winds through a serene, forested landscape. You'll traverse woodland paths, following a pleasant creek through a stream valley before climbing onto a ridgeline. The trail is mostly shaded by trees, offering a diverse natural environment that feels much further from urban life than it is. It's a great option for a quick nature fix or a gentle workout.

The trailhead is conveniently located off Center Avenue in Ben Avon, making it easy to access. This 1.4-mile (2.3 km) loop, with its 272 feet (83 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 41 minutes, making it ideal for a short visit. Parking is available, and no permits are needed, so you can head out whenever the mood strikes, though autumn brings spectacular colors.

This conservation area is a testament to significant local efforts to preserve green space, and it's known for its wildlife, including deer and foxes. A unique historical feature is the old stone chimney, remnants of Hodgdon Lodge, built by Boy Scouts in the early 1900s. The trail also connects to a broader network, offering options like the Doe Run Trail and Devil's Horn Trail for those looking to extend their hike.

The Observatory Trail offers a pleasant, easy walk through a park setting in Pittsburgh, leading directly to the historic Allegheny Observatory. This short route is perfect for a quick escape, providing a gentle journey on well-maintained paths. You'll experience minimal elevation changes, making it an ideal choice for families or anyone seeking a relaxed outdoor experience with a clear destination.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is easily accessible and suitable for all seasons. You can typically find convenient parking near the Riverview Park Visitor Center, which serves as a good starting point. No special permits are required, and its short duration means you can fit this hike into even a busy schedule, making it a great option for a spontaneous outing.

This trail stands out as a family-friendly option within Allegheny County, offering a blend of nature and historical interest. Its easy difficulty and short 1.5-mile (2.4 km) distance, with only 142 feet (43 metres) of elevation gain, make it approachable for beginners or those with limited time. Completing the route takes approximately 40 minutes, providing a quick and rewarding experience without the commitment of a longer, more strenuous hike.

The Montour Trail offers a delightful journey through varied landscapes, from serene woodlands and wetlands to open fields, all on a predominantly crushed limestone surface. As you walk, you might spot local wildlife like white-tailed deer and wild turkeys, and during spring and summer, wildflowers add vibrant splashes of color. The highlight of this section is undoubtedly the historic McDonald Viaduct, providing expansive views across the valley.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is well-marked and largely ADA accessible, with numerous trailheads and rest areas along its route. This particular hike covers 8.4 miles (13.5 km) with a gentle 245 feet (75 metres) of elevation gain, making it a moderate route that takes about 3 hours and 28 minutes. It's an excellent choice for a leisurely day out, suitable for most hikers.

This trail is part of a much larger network, originally a repurposed railroad line, which explains its consistently low grade and easy-going nature. Its history as a former Montour Railroad corridor is evident in its design and features, connecting with other major trails like the Panhandle Trail for those looking to extend their adventure. The Montour Trail Council and its volunteers ensure the trail remains well-maintained and accessible.