At South Hills Physical Medicine and Chiropractic , we love to support our patients as they get on the path to optimal health and wellness. We are naturally big proponents of exercise and find that hiking, in particular, is a great way to stay fit. Here are some of the many reasons why you should take a hike:
- Burns calories
- Promotes weight loss
- Reduces stress
- Prevents and manages diabetes
- Lowers blood pressure
- Boosts mood
Through the years Pittsburgh has accumulated an enviable assortment of accolades. Its array of scenic hiking trails also helps to make this highly livable city a standout. Here are some that we recommend:
South Park hike trail has a 3.1-mile loop with activity options. It is suitable for all skill levels.
North Park
North Park has 43 miles of trails and is 13 miles from Pittsburgh. There is a 5-mile loop around the lake as well as a variety of recreational activities in the park.
Boyce Mayview Walking Trail
Boyce Mayview Park is located in Upper St Clair and has 8 miles of trails that include woodlands, wetlands, open fields and stream valleys. It is easy to moderate in difficulty and has an elevation from 900 feet to 1200 feet.
Bird Park is located in Mount Lebanon on Beadling Road between Cedar Boulevard and Washington Road. It includes nature trails as well as picnic pavilions.
Montour Walking Trail
Montour Trail is one of the nation’s longest suburban rail trails. It has multiple access points including South Park, Bethel Park and Peters Township. Also, you are able to use the Great Allegheny Passage to get from Pittsburgh to DC.
Frick Park Walking Trail
Frick Park, which is located on Beechwood Boulevard in Pittsburgh, is the city’s largest historic regional park with 644 acres. It is also the youngest park in Pittsburgh. The park has extensive trails with steep valleys and wooded slopes. Clayton Hill in the park has well over 100 species of birds that have been spotted.
Riverfront Walking Trail
North Shore Riverfront developed as a reconstruction of the northern banks of the Allegheny and Ohio rivers. The area includes 11.25 acres of public and green space. The acres consist of 3.1 for the lawn, 2.1 for planting areas and then the other space is comprised of a Riverwalk, walkways, memorials and public art.
Parks within two hours of Pittsburgh that have more challenging trails:
-McConnells Mill State Park
-Ohio Pyle
-Forbes State Forest which includes Mount Davis, the highest point in Pennsylvania
Chiropractic care can help you move easier so you can hit these and other trails in and around our great city!