Anytime we have visitors, we must take them there and take pictures…read more You get such beautiful pictures of the city and family or friend shots with the city as a backdrop. The visitors get amazing city views. It's fun pointing out all the wonderful points of interest in the city. Then we usually go take th to see many of them. As Pittsburghers, you feel such pride showing our beautiful city to out of towners and helping them have amazing pics and memories to go home with.

If you want panoramic, breathtaking views of downtown Pittsburgh, look no further. The deck is the…read moreperfect spot for those spectacular and glorious views. A perfect place for photographs & selfies. Always on my list when visitors would come to town to see us. It's a must. You don't even have to be a tourist to enjoy this observation deck. Many times we would stop by just take it all in, the beauty of the great City of Pittsburgh.

City parks in general, but Frick, Schenley, and Riverview in particular are amazing recreational…read moreassets that are unequalled in other metro areas. I was fortunate and privileged to grow up with Frick as my backyard and walked all over the place before graduating to riding mountain bikes on the trails when the sport was in its infancy. Later, I ran high school cross-country races in Schenley and trained in Frick Park. Nowadays, we enjoy the flowers, wildlife, and groomed and maintained trails. I never appreciated how unique, rare, and amazing the parks are until I moved away and it's so great to see them treated as the unique assets they truly are.

Frick Park is a dense network of interconnected trails that helps define Pittsburgh as a city of…read moreparks. I keep coming back and exploring different paths, only to realize there's always more to discover. It's one of those places where you can return again and again and still find something new, which makes it feel really special to me. The way the trails connect is one of my favorite things. Nine Mile Run flows into Deer Creek, which then connects into Tranquil Trail, creating an easy, continuous experience through the park. And thats just one corner of the park. While bathrooms are not abundant, you will occasionally find a porta potty, and there is often trash cans and benches toward the entrances and parking lots of the trail as well. Overall it's just a wonderful place to spend a sunny afternoon, and I really hope spaces like this continue to be preserved as an important part of Pittsburgh's identity and history.

The most apparent thing to note about the park is the French Fry sculpture (officially called…read more"Pittsburgh") by John Raymond Henry which was erected in 1977. Of course it's constructed of steel. This abstract work of art sits within the park along Bigelow. The park was a nice walk from our apartment and sometimes a nice drive for my SmartCar (see pics), lol. There are incredible views of the city from here. Other than the sculpture and the views, not much else to do here. Little areas for walking but that's about it. For me, it's all about the sculpture and the views making the space so very Pittsburgh.

One summer we did something wild and crazy, we played Croquet at Frank Curto Park. The French Fries…read moresculpture by John Raymond Henry provided a hilarious obstacle for our game. The park staff always keep the place finely manicured, so the course was perfect. We brought a picnic with us, and we had a blast. There are rabbits, turkeys, squirrels and birds here, it's quite extraordinary. There are beautiful trees, too. And the view of the Strip, Downtown and the sunset are all wonderful.

Walking the North Shore recently I came across the new chalk drawings near the Shore Thing…read moreplatform. Very nice to see. Some are 3D if you stand in the right area.

Part of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail that runs along the Allegheny & Ohio Rivers …read more Beautiful views of the city during a bike ride as well as Memorial Parks along the North Shore including The Fred Roger's, Vietnam, Korean, WWII & The Law Enforcement. Along the Ohio River is The USS Requin, (French for Shark) as submarine museum associated with the Carnegie Science Center. The Rivers Casino is also nearby if you're feeling lucky! Also along the North Shore there's a variety of restaurants for a bite along the ride. Well kept trails with friendly people along the way to chat with if you're so inclined. Always a nice and relaxing ride along the rivers. It's a refreshing ride in the heart of town that's close to the city yet surrounded by nature. A perfect mix of nature surrounded by downtown amenities. Love spending the day along the trails, highly recommended!!

Flagstaff Hill is a really nice part of Schhenely Park. I…read morecame to go to the car show which was totally amazing. Flagstaff Hill was where all the parking was for the event. I parked in a very convenient spot and then there where buses to the event areas. Everything was well layed out and set up beautifully. This was such a great event can't wait till next year to go again. I know that Flagstaff Hill hosts many events throat the year. I will deftly be back again.

Jeez this is just an amazing area of Schenely because of the summer activities often going on from…read moremovies in the park, to charity races, kids events and more. Other than that it is a lovely area to walk, hike, have lunch or just rest and relax and enjoy the weather, scenery and people watching. I like coming during the fall months for hiking as well.

When I lived in Bloomfield, I'd often walk over to Oakland and the Panther Hollow Trail. The trail…read moreis part of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail system. It's well-maintained and kept clean. The trail is perfect for walking and biking. Whether you're out for a casual & leisurely walk or to get your jog on, it's a perfect trail. Peaceful and serene, surrounded by nature in the heart of a bustling city.

Given that I live in N. Oakland, this trail is my gateway to the Three Rivers Heritage Trail…read moreSystem, a.k.a. the bike trails that run along all of Pittsburgh's rivers. It cuts through Schenley Park in pretty much the straightest and least hilly manner possible, connecting Oakland and Greenfield. The only part of this trail that I don't particularly like is the Greenfield end, where it loops around through part of the neighborhood, under the railroad bridge, and up into the trailhead parking lot for the Eliza Furnace trail. While it may be the safest way to get through this neighborhood at present, I particularly dislike the narrow blind corners, so on my way up to the trail, I often avoid them by climbing the hill and crossing the RR tracks (which you're not supposed to do, but I'm a railfan, so I know about trains and I'm careful). Speaking of which, closer to the Oakland side, this trail connects to the other Schenley Park trails via a connector that crosses the RR tracks. While not nearly as busy as many other RR tracks in PGH, these tracks (the same ones I cross) see a few trains a day, so take appropriate caution when crossing them. I've heard that wild turkeys live along this trail, but I've never actually seen them--at least, not in the park. (I did see them near Central Catholic HS one time). If you do encounter them, be careful, as they are hostile to cyclists and may attack!

an excellent hidden gem, allowing exploration of nature & art…read more old tunnels & forgotten track tracks covered in graffiti paired with natural rock formations & a short creek nature trail walk covered in moss & various fauna, all blending together for quite a scenic experience it was a delightful off-the-beaten-path visit, not sure I'd go routinely if I lived in the area, but would definitely recommend as a one time must-check out experience

I have always loved this hidden South Hills gem. Art and exploration nestled in an urban setting…read more Wooded green space with a creek and little paths for walking, lunching, and more. Natural stone and man-made features for climbing. Abandoned railroad tracks, graffiti and more.

What a great little park just a couple miles off of Highway 28. The waterfall is beautiful and the…read morepaths are wide and well kept. It was great fairly flat walk with the option to walk in the creek bed if wanted. Perfect for pets and kids..

I love Fall Run! Everything about it. Great little hiking trails, water falls, and areas for…read morepicnicing. The best part is that if you look closely, you will find that someone has set up little gnome, faeries, and mushroom houses and scenes throughout the property. Usually in and around trees. Finding the little ceramic figures just living their lives in the forest makes for a fun kind of scavenger hunt. And, oh...there are little trolls as well.