The best walks and hikes around Sewickley Heights

The western terminus of the Rachel Carson Trail is located at the intersection with the Harmony Trail in Wexford, Pennsylvania. This quiet, wooded spot marks the end of the 46-mile journey that began in Harrison Hills Park. The Harmony Trail, a short rail-trail, connects to the broader Rachel Carson Trail Conservancy network, allowing for continued walking or biking along local greenways. The terminus itself isn’t marked by a major monument, but yellow blazes guide you to the end point, and the surrounding area offers a calm, forested setting to reflect on the trek. From here you can connect with the Harmony Trail to continue on your hike.

North Park is a large 3,075 acre park in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. It is the largest park within the county’s 12,000-acre network of nine parks. Established in 1925, North Park aims to preserve natural resources for future generations and features a range of facilities including an archery range, ballfields, basketball courts, boating, a cafe, and a nature center. In the winter you can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and in the warmer months, fishing, pickleball, and hiking, biking, and jogging numerous trails.

Emmerling Park is a small but scenic community park in Indiana Township, Pennsylvania. The park features open fields, shaded picnic areas, and a flat walking path along Little Deer Creek, making it a pleasant spot to rest, have lunch. The 46-mile Rachel Carson Trail also crosses through the park, making it a nice spot for hikers exploring the trail to pause for a break.

The Rachel Carson Homestead is the preserved childhood home of renowned environmentalist and author Rachel Carson, located in Springdale, Pennsylvania, just a short walk from the Rachel Carson Trail. Built in 1870, the modest frame house is where Carson was born in 1907 and spent her formative years—developing the love of nature and science that would later shape her groundbreaking work, Silent Spring. Today, the site is managed by the Rachel Carson Homestead Association, which offers occasional tours, educational events, and environmental programming. On the property, you’ll also find the Wildlife Loop, a short interpretive trail with signage highlighting native plants, animals, and Carson’s legacy. Even when the house is closed, the loop and grounds are open to the public and make for a thoughtful stop along the Rachel Carson Trail.

Easy hike with large easy to read markers. The Homestead is just off the Rachel Carson Trail on Marian Ave. through Springdale, PA.

The Montour Woods Conservation Area, sprawling across 320 acres in Moon Township, brings together three formerly distinct conservation areas, each boasting its own trailheads. Found on Hassam Road, the primary parking area and trailhead sit about 100 yards uphill from the Montour Trail toward Moon. Offering over 10 miles of wooded trails for hiking, biking, and nature appreciation, visitors can delve into the diverse natural surroundings.

The Rachel Carson Falls is a small but beautiful waterfall within a ravine. This is part of the Rachel Carson Run which runs into the Allegheny River. There is a delightful little bridge here which crosses the ravine. This would be a great place for a rest to take in the surrounding scenery.

Spanning over 500 acres, Harrison Hills Park features hiking trails, wooded areas, and little ponds. The park provides a peaceful setting for nature enthusiasts.