Exploring Pittsburgh and beyond – our opportunities really are endless, aren’t they? Whether we prefer staying indoors at world class museums or heading outdoors, we have so many ways to explore our amazing city and state. Like, for example, embarking on a stroll, or a hike, along one of the city’s many trails. This trail, one of the best hikes near Pittsburgh, will lead you on a fascinating journey along a former railroad line.
The Hoodlebug Trail near Pittsburgh spans 10 miles from Black Lick to Indiana.
Indiana County Parks
Follow along the path that the Indiana Branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad once traveled. In fact, the Indiana Branch, which opened in the 1850s, earned distinction as Indiana County’s first railroad.
Indiana County Parks
Among the trains that traveled along the Indiana Branch was the Hoodlebug, a passenger coach that stopped running in 1940.
Indiana County Parks
Today, the stretch of abandoned railroad serves as a trail for hikers, bikers, and cross-country skiers. (Motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trail.)
Indiana County Parks
Along the way, you’ll pass Two Lick Creek, the Homer City Historical Society Caboose, and the Trolley Power House (pictured below).
Indiana County Parks
You might even hear the chugging of a train engine as trains still run near the Hoodlebug Trail.
Indiana County Parks
Take a moment to admire the No Name Sculpture, which sits along the trail and is pictured below.
Indiana County Parks
Keep an eye out for local wildlife, too, including deer and colorful salamanders.
Indiana County Parks
Now you just have to decide where to start your journey. The Hoodlebug Trail has several access points, including IUP South Campus, Red Barn, and Saylor Park.
Indiana County Parks For more information on the Hoodlebug Trail, including a map, visit the official website of Indiana County Parks & Trails.
Have you ever explored this rail trail near Pittsburgh? What advice would you give to others who want to make the most of their experience? What do you think are the best hikes in Pittsburgh? Share in the comments! Then check out these seven scenic rail trails near Pittsburgh.
Indiana County Parks
For more information on the Hoodlebug Trail, including a map, visit the official website of Indiana County Parks & Trails.
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Address: Hoodlebug Trail, Homer City, PA, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Pittsburgh March 10, 2022 Beth Price-Williams Where can I find kid-friendly hikes around Pittsburgh? One of the best places for a kid-friendly hike near Pittsburgh is Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve in Fox Chapel. The nature reserve is perfect for viewing local wildlife and exploring along one of its five miles of trails. At just .11 of a mile, the Toddler Trail is the shortest trail and features a pond and a bit of an uphill climb. You’ll likely cross paths with wildlife – rabbits and turtles – and you might even see a lightning bug or two during your visit to the reserve. If the kiddos need a break, relax on one of the benches dotted along the trails. The nature reserve’s trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Is Frick Park in Pittsburgh a good place to hike? If you want to feel a million miles away from it all when you’re really just a short drive from downtown, head over to Frick Park. The park boasts a ton of amenities – from a playground for the kiddos to tennis courts. For a short but sweet journey, follow the Nine Run Loop Trail to Fireland Trail Loop, which tallies just under two miles. It’s an easy trail that attracts hikers, walkers, and joggers. You shouldn’t have too much trouble either if you bring a stroller, as the trail is predominately gravel and boardwalk. The trail can get busy with people and gnats (wear bug spray), especially when the weather’s warm. Are there any rail trails near Pittsburgh? We have quite a few rail trails near Pittsburgh that offer a peek into the past. Western Pennsylvania, after all, is known for its rich history with the railroad. Most of the rail trails are in the double-digits in miles, so you might want to break it down and follow one over a few days. Or, you might be able to camp out overnight like on the Montour Trail. The Armstrong Trail tallies 30 miles while the Oil Creek Bike Trail, also popular with hikers, clocks in at just nine miles. For a glimpse at the remnants of former coal towns, follow the Ghost Town Trail through Indiana and several other counties.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Pittsburgh
March 10, 2022
Beth Price-Williams
Where can I find kid-friendly hikes around Pittsburgh? One of the best places for a kid-friendly hike near Pittsburgh is Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve in Fox Chapel. The nature reserve is perfect for viewing local wildlife and exploring along one of its five miles of trails. At just .11 of a mile, the Toddler Trail is the shortest trail and features a pond and a bit of an uphill climb. You’ll likely cross paths with wildlife – rabbits and turtles – and you might even see a lightning bug or two during your visit to the reserve. If the kiddos need a break, relax on one of the benches dotted along the trails. The nature reserve’s trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Is Frick Park in Pittsburgh a good place to hike? If you want to feel a million miles away from it all when you’re really just a short drive from downtown, head over to Frick Park. The park boasts a ton of amenities – from a playground for the kiddos to tennis courts. For a short but sweet journey, follow the Nine Run Loop Trail to Fireland Trail Loop, which tallies just under two miles. It’s an easy trail that attracts hikers, walkers, and joggers. You shouldn’t have too much trouble either if you bring a stroller, as the trail is predominately gravel and boardwalk. The trail can get busy with people and gnats (wear bug spray), especially when the weather’s warm. Are there any rail trails near Pittsburgh? We have quite a few rail trails near Pittsburgh that offer a peek into the past. Western Pennsylvania, after all, is known for its rich history with the railroad. Most of the rail trails are in the double-digits in miles, so you might want to break it down and follow one over a few days. Or, you might be able to camp out overnight like on the Montour Trail. The Armstrong Trail tallies 30 miles while the Oil Creek Bike Trail, also popular with hikers, clocks in at just nine miles. For a glimpse at the remnants of former coal towns, follow the Ghost Town Trail through Indiana and several other counties.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
One of the best places for a kid-friendly hike near Pittsburgh is Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve in Fox Chapel. The nature reserve is perfect for viewing local wildlife and exploring along one of its five miles of trails. At just .11 of a mile, the Toddler Trail is the shortest trail and features a pond and a bit of an uphill climb. You’ll likely cross paths with wildlife – rabbits and turtles – and you might even see a lightning bug or two during your visit to the reserve. If the kiddos need a break, relax on one of the benches dotted along the trails. The nature reserve’s trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Is Frick Park in Pittsburgh a good place to hike?
If you want to feel a million miles away from it all when you’re really just a short drive from downtown, head over to Frick Park. The park boasts a ton of amenities – from a playground for the kiddos to tennis courts. For a short but sweet journey, follow the Nine Run Loop Trail to Fireland Trail Loop, which tallies just under two miles. It’s an easy trail that attracts hikers, walkers, and joggers. You shouldn’t have too much trouble either if you bring a stroller, as the trail is predominately gravel and boardwalk. The trail can get busy with people and gnats (wear bug spray), especially when the weather’s warm.
Are there any rail trails near Pittsburgh?
We have quite a few rail trails near Pittsburgh that offer a peek into the past. Western Pennsylvania, after all, is known for its rich history with the railroad. Most of the rail trails are in the double-digits in miles, so you might want to break it down and follow one over a few days. Or, you might be able to camp out overnight like on the Montour Trail. The Armstrong Trail tallies 30 miles while the Oil Creek Bike Trail, also popular with hikers, clocks in at just nine miles. For a glimpse at the remnants of former coal towns, follow the Ghost Town Trail through Indiana and several other counties.
