At 644 acres, Frick Park is one of Pittsburgh’s largest woodlands.
The park offers multiple trails for walkers, hikers and bicyclists.
Initiated by a donation by Henry Clay Frick in 1919, the park has continued to annex areas to build upon his original 151 acres.
In addition to over a dozen trails, there’s more than one playground, a red clay tennis court, baseball fields, a bike tire pumping station at one of the many shelters, and a not-to-be-missed Environmental Center.
That’s a lot to include in over six hundred acres, but it works and has no sense of crowding about it.
A Fitness Circuit starts near the Beechwood Boulevard entrance and takes about a half mile to complete.
The northernmost entrance is Reynolds Street across from the Frick Art & Historical Center (and Clayton House). This flat area contains a bowling green that sees a great deal of summer action.
Although we’re still dog-less, we appreciate the large O.L.E.A. (Off Leash Exercise Area) and the camaraderie of the different breeds romping there. Would be great if people got along so well, eh?
In spring, the various shades of green bursting forth let you know that snow is far behind. In the summer, the massive shade trees provide a reprieve from the oppressive heat and humidity. And in autumn, blackberries are ready to be picked and colorful leaves showing off are ready to be photographed.
Frick is an active park, so even if you come across one of the unnamed trails and go the wrong direction—ahem—eventually you’ll see someone or run into another juncture that sets you back on your way.
Some Frick Park Trail Names Evoke Imagery
Tranquil, Falls Ravine, Riverview, Deer Run and Iron Gate.
While others have obvious connections: Nine Mile Run for the six and a half mile watershed on the southernmost part of the park, Braddock for the leader during the French and Indian War, and Clayton trail for obvious reasons.
Trails in Frick Park can be Leisurely or Steep
Unfortunately, the map doesn’t rate the trails or provide elevation changes. When you’re ready to hike, don the right shoes, opt for trekking poles to add an arm workout and get going—you’ll enjoy whichever path you choose to take.
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Did you do any swinging on a swing set? That’s what I like to do when I go to a park.
No swings for grownups, darn it.
What a beautiful place!! I wish we had something like this near where I live! *pout* – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
No hidden parks near you, Gingi? Pittsburgh is blessed with many of them. Hard to believe in this former Steel City–especially given the longevity of the parks.
What a wonderful park. I have started hiking trails. It is nice to get back into nature.
Thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it, William. I love hiking and getting out in nature, too.
Rose Mary – these photos are great and what a wonderful idea to include all those areas in one park – something for everyone. Those trails look so inviting – Seeing the beginning of the Falls Ravine Trail just makes you want to travel it to see what’s at the end and of course, the Rosemary trail is a nice touch.
I’m sure they named Rosemary after me, Lenie. Ha Ha. We are blessed with lovely parks that have something for all physical abilities.
What a lovely surprise! I’ve been to Pittsburg many times on business but never would have guessed there was such a beautiful park nearby.
And more parks to come, Marquita. I’ve barely scratched the surface. Come back!
I love looking at all that greenery, Rose. Thx for sharing all those great pics with us. We are entering the coolness of fall here in Manitoba, and I fear the green will soon be gone. Time to plan my next getaway!
Doreen, I’d like to plan a whole-winter getaway, so I hear what you’re saying. In the meantime, I’ll enjoy the colors of our beautiful trees as they keep changing.
What an amazing place to visit when looking forward to the outdoor fun! Parks are always great and quick getaways. Thanks for sharing!
It makes city living a little easier for this country gal.
The trails in Frick Park look great. Very natural.
Truly a lovely spot to walk, Donna.
Every city should have a Frick Park. Outdoor spaces work wonders for the soul. I heard somewhere that the average kid spends six minutes outside a day. What happened to the summer days when I kid left shortly after breakfast and was just told to be home by dark?
That’s a terrible statistic, Jeri! I’m with you–mom would pack us a lunch and send us on our way. After supper, we were back out again and had to be called in after dark. So much to see and do! In Montana, they are real big on making sure that subdivisions have XX amount of land set aside for green/park. I like that.
I love being in the outdoors. Children are so free in open space. Little activities such as feeding the ducks can be enjoyable.
Me, too, Phoenicia. As we head into autumn, I’m going to spend as much time writing from the comfort of my deck as I can before it’s too cold. Of course, there’s always an electric blanket. ha!
This looks like a great place to visit. Think I’d skip Nine Mile Run though and go for the one called Tranquil. 🙂
I’m not running anywhere, Susan, ha ha, so will stick with Rosemary & Tranquil trails, too.
I’ve never been to this park but it looks like a fun place to go with the family. When we come out to do college tours in the coming year, we may have to check it out. Thanks for sharing. Great pictures.
Schenley–post in a couple of weeks–is another great park to check out, Sabrina. Good luck with the college tours.
I don’t remember my family ever making this trip to this park when I was a kid in Pittsburgh! I’ll have to remember it the next time I visit!
And there’s another reason for you to come visit da’burgh, Jacqueline!
Love urban parks like this. If you took some of these pictures by themselves no one would guess that they were taken within the city of Pittsburgh.
Very true, Ken. I’m always happy when the parks have a lot of people in them. We all need some nature time.