Trails

The Harmony Trail

The Harmony Trail is a nearly one-mile long well-maintained and mostly flat, scenic path that is popular with dog walkers, runners, hikers and young bicyclists. It has a surface of crushed limestone similar to most rail-trails like the Montour Trail. It parallels Wexford Run between Route 910 and Richard Road, following the same corridor used by the Harmony interurban trolley from 1908 to 1931. There is no access to the trail from Richard Road at this time.

The Harmony Trail connects with the Rachel Carson Trail which takes you through North Park and beyond. The Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy is promoting extending the Harmony Trail as a hiking trail to the North Country Trail near McConnells Mill State Park.

Trailhead Directions

From Pittsburgh, take I79 North to the Wexford exit. Take Route 910 (Wexford Bayne Road) east and travel 1.8 miles. On the right, in the valley directly across from Brennan Road, is an unmarked gravel parking lot where the trail head is.

From Route 19 in Wexford turn west onto Route 910. The unmarked gravel lot is on the left in about 0.8 mile just before Brennan Rd.

Harmony Trail Committee/Trail Stewards

Rachel Carson Trail

The Rachel Carson Trail is a hiking trail north and east of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, spanning 45.7 miles (73.5 kilometers) between Harrison Hills County Park in the extreme northeast corner of Allegheny County, and North Park in the north-central area of the county. The trail is extremely varied, traversing several county parks, following power and gas lines, skirting suburban homes and farms, crossing creeks, meandering through woods and fields, and passing along the edge of steep bluffs. The terrain along the route ranges from paved roads to some areas that are quite primitive and rugged. A spur connects to the mansion area at Hartwood Acres County Park in Indiana Township, and the trail passes in front of the Rachel Carson Homestead in Springdale. Continuing urban development along the route of the trail brings disruption and requires rerouting from time to time. There are no camps or shelters along the way, meaning the trail is intended for day hiking. The trail is relatively primitive and steep in places. Few bridges have been built, so many streams have to be crossed as-is.

Trailhead Directions

Western trailhead (map)

From Pittsburgh, take I279 North to the McKnight Road exit and travel 13.4 miles north. Turn left into the Brooktree Center office complex (Wendy's restaurant is on the opposite side) and follow the road 0.3 miles to the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce building. Park on the far end of the lot, away from the building. The trailhead is reached by walking past the dumpster to the trail in the woods (alternatively, there is a large wooden sign on the road next to the trail). Follow the blazes in the woods down to Wexford Run, 0.25 miles. Cross the run on the Marian Crossman bridge to find the trailhead at the junction with the Harmony Trail.

Eastern trailhead (map)

From Pittsburgh/northeast, take Route 28 to exit 16, turn east (right if exiting northbound) at the end of the ramp onto Millerstown Road and follow it to the T intersection with Freeport Road. There is a parking area on the left at this intersection for at least three cars. The trailhead is directly across Freeport Road.

Rachel Carson Trail Stewards

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Baker Trail

The Baker Trail is a 134-mile (217 kilometer) hiking and backpacking trail, following forest paths, old jeep trails, paved roads and dirt roads through woods, farmlands, and along rivers and creeks. The Baker Trail traverses six counties (Armstrong, Jefferson, Clarion, Indiana, Forest, and Westmoreland), is a state-designated hiking trail, and is included on the trails map of Pennsylvania.

Trailhead Directions

Southern trailhead (map)

From Pittsburgh, take Route 28 to exit 17 (Route 356). At the bottom of the ramp, turn south onto Route 356 towards Freeport. Stay on Route 356 across the Freeport Bridge over the Allegheny River. Immediately across the river, look for the first road to the right. Signs at the turn indicate that this is the River Forest Country Club. Turn right on River Landing Drive and park anywhere along the road up or down the hill. Leave your vehicle and head back to Route 356. Follow Route 356 uphill, away from the river. Be careful as you walk along Route 356 as traffic moves very quickly. About 250 yards up the hill you will see a brown and yellow Baker Trail sign on the side of the road directing you into the woods. This is the southern trailhead.

From northwest/southwest, take I79 to Exit 99 (Route 422). Turn east on Route 422 and pass through Moraine State Park. Continue east on Route 422 through the city of Butler, PA. Continue East on Route 422 until it intersects Route 28 near Kittanning, PA. Follow signs onto Route 28 south towards Pittsburgh. Leave Route 28 at exit 17 (Route 356). Follow the directions above to the trail head.

From the turnpike, exit at interchange 48 Allegheny Valley. After the tollbooth, bear right toward Freeport Road/Pittsburgh. Turn right onto Route 910 and follow the signs onto Route 28 north. Follow the directions above to the trail head.

Northern trailhead (map)

From Pittsburgh/southwest, take Route 28 north to New Bethlehem, then take Route 66 north to I80/66. Take I80/66 west to exit 60. From here, follow the directions below.

From the North/East/West, take I80 to exit 60 (Route 66) north. Follow Route 66 north approximately 20 miles to the small town of Vowinckel. Turn left onto McDonald Drive (across from the Vowinckel Hotel). and follow it north across the Clarion/Forest county line where McDonald Dr. changes its name to Muzette Road. In about 4.0 miles, turn right into the parking area where you'll see the wooden Baker Trail sign.

Baker Trail Stewards

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Brandt Trail

Tucked away in this chill natural spot, a sweet 1-mile path casually weaves through the McCandless forest. Sunbeams sneak through the leafy roof, guiding you past a babbling stream, ancient trees, and groovy fern hangouts. It's like taking a laid-back stroll in this chill valley, with the leaves doing a soft dance in the breeze. Keep your eyes peeled for cute critters, maybe even some deer, adding to the good vibes of the trail. A total haven for anyone just wanting a quick nature pick-me-up, this woodland path is like a friendly hug from a vibrant and enchanting ecosystem.

Trailhead Directions

North trailhead (map)

Start Point - Wall Park, Pittsburgh, PA 15237, USA
End Point - 799 Glen Manor Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15237, USA

Brandt Trail Stewards

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