Accessible Trails
Allegheny County is committed to ensuring that everyone can explore and experience the natural beauty of the parks. Users of all ages and accessibility levels can enjoy routes that span the diverse landscape of hills, streams, and miles of natural or constructed paths for walking and hiking.
The list of accessible trails within the Allegheny County Parks System is continually evolving as ongoing efforts to provide inclusive amenities are integrated in all aspects of future developments. This information is for educational purposes only, and users are encouraged to determine their capabilities at their discretion.
Types of Accessible Trails
Accessible trails in Allegheny County parks have firm, stable surfaces, are without large roots or rocks, and are a minimum of 36" wide. Surface types include:
- Paved with either concrete or asphalt
- Crushed gravel
- Tightly compacted soil of the natural terrain
Plan a Visit to the Parks
North Park
North Park covers more than 3,000 acres of parkland across Hampton, McCandless, and Pine townships, and has activities and amenities for all to enjoy.
Tennis Court Road Walking Path
Length: 1 mile | Surface: paved
Difficulty: Easy
Google Directions
Trail Map
The Tennis Court Road Walking Path is a one mile paved asphalt out-and-back trail that spans Tennis Court Lane. Parking and amenities along the path include the tennis and pickleball courts, restroom facility, Millie's Ice Cream Shop, the North Park Boathouse, playgrounds, shelters, and more.
Lake Loop
Length: 5 miles | Surface: paved
Difficulty: Easy
Google Directions
Trail Map
The Lake Loop at North Park is a five mile paved bike and walking lane that follows the loop of North Park lake alongside ongoing traffic. The route circles around Pearce Mill Road, Babcock Blvd, E. Ingomar Road, Kummer Road, Lake Shore Drive, and Walter Road. Users can enjoy a scenic view of the lake and access to various amenities, parking, and restroom facilities along the way.
Swimming Pool & South Ridge Loops
Length: 1.5 miles | Surface: paved
Difficulty: Easy
Google Directions
Trail Map
These figure eight loops (also called the North Park Picnic Loops) span a maximum of one and a half miles on the shoulder of the road around the North Park swimming pool. On the pool loop, users can access the pool, the Black and Gold Playground, dek hockey rink, or use the South Ridge loop to enjoy art sculptures, baseball fields, soccer field, bike track, shelters, and access to more North Park trails. Parking and restroom facilities are available either at Pie Traynor field or throughout the loop.
Hartwood Acres Park
Known for its historical mansion and stables, Hartwood Acres Park brings classical design and architecture together with more than 600 acres of greenspace to create one of the most unique parks within Allegheny County.
Sculpture Garden Paths
Length: 0.5 miles | Surface: paved
Difficulty: Easy
Google Directions
Trail Map
Surrounding the historic Hartwood Acres Mansion, the paved Sculpture Garden Paths lead visitors around to view 14 unique sculptures created by local and national artists. With parking areas available at the Hartwood Acres Mansion, near the Large Snail marble sculpture, and Suffragist Grove guests can enjoy these abstract, modern additions that perfectly contrast the rich history of the mansion.
Middle Road Loop
Length: 1.5 miles | Surface: paved
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Google Directions
Trail Map
Intersecting paved loops ranging from three quarters of a mile to one and a half miles take users around the scenic Hartwood Acres Park and the park amphitheater. The Middle Road loop features some elevation loss and gain, as well as access to the off-leash dog park, and some of the more challenging trails within the park. Parking is available in several locations off of Middle Road.
South Park
South Park, located in Bethel Park and South Park townships, covers more than 2,000 acres, and is one of the most popular parks in the Allegheny County Parks System.
Corrigan Drive Path
Length: 2 miles | Surface: paved
Difficulty: Easy
Google Directions
Trail Map
One of the most visited walking trails in South Park, the paved Corrigan Drive Path runs alongside the length of Corrigan Drive. This out-and-back trail totals four miles, or a maximum of two miles in one direction. This path has access points to a number of park features including the South Park Children's Playground and Black and Gold Playground, dek hockey rink, fitness areas, and some of the more challenging trails within the park.
About the Accessible Trails Project
Resources for determining the accessibility of these trails include the US Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines and AllTrails Guide.
These efforts are ongoing as part of Allegheny County's commitment to provide open and accessible opportunities for all. This wouldn’t be possible without the help and support from partners such as the Parks Department and the Park Rangers, the Office of Marketing and Special Events, the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) team, the United Spinal Pittsburgh Chapter, and continual community input from individuals with disabilities. For more information and resources on Allegheny County's commitment to ensuring that individuals of all abilities have equal access to the county's programs, services, and activities, please visit the Accessibility webpage.
Community Input
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