Yo, Pittsburgh! Take A Hike!

I have to admit, I really didn’t gain respect for the outdoors and nature until I was well into my 20s.

The first time I ever went on a hike I was 25 years old and I wish I hadn’t waited so long! Since first hiking Mount Nittany, it has become an annual trek I take with friends every July.

Fortunately, you don’t have to go all the way to Happy Valley to spend time outdoors.

Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania are full of parks, trails, hills and mountains that are worth checking out! I highly recommend a trip to the Montour Trail or Racoon Creek State Park.

Even if you can’t make it outside of Pittsburgh, there are plenty of urban trails to check out here in the city, like the Eliza Furnace Trail that connects Schenley Park and Downtown Pittsburgh!

The Library has lots of local hiking guides. Click on the photo to get one today!

Happy Hiking!

-Michael B. (CLP Hazelwood)

My Guide to a Fun Summer Close to Home.

It’s happened.  Summer is here, school is out and free time abounds.   I’m sure you’ve got plans for some of your summer vacation.  Maybe you’ve lined up a part time job, a volunteer shift, summer camp or just rest and relaxation. Even if you’re totally booked you owe it to yourself to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather and amazing activities available.

If you’re into walking, running or biking around town check out the Heritage Trail system that crisscrosses the city.  Don’t have a bike but feel like riding?  No problem.  Or if aquatic recreation is more your style take a flat water kayak for a spin.  Don’t forget about the many city parks all around town or the 18 public pools throughout the city.

If you can get out of town for the day, take a drive to one of  Pennsylvania’s beautiful State Parks.   In Western Pa alone there are 22 State Parks.  To the south check out Ohiopyle State Park for amazing views, and some of the best whitewater boating in the east.  A short drive west will take you to Raccoon Creek State Park for horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, and swimming.  Head north to Moraine State Park for two huge beaches, wind surfing and boating or to McConnell’s Mill for more advanced whitewater boating or hiking.  If you can take a longer adventure, head two and a half hours north to Lake Erie’s Presque Isle State Park where there are tons of beach, hiking trails and views of PA’s favorite Great Lake.

These ideas are just the beginning.  Share your favorite things to do in Western PA in the comments!

-Brooke

CLP-South Side

Summer ar Beechview Rocks, too

Sign up for Summer Reading during the week of June 9 and net a hot dog, drink and chips at our Kick-off June 14, 11a.m. to 2 p.m. Free book as soon as you sign up. Every week you add something you’ve read, you’re elgible to win a Best Buy ot Target gift card.

We’ll also walk the Seldom Seen Park June 21, 10 a.m. (Sorry about the early time but our guide says it gets too hot later.) Water and snacks provided.

July 10, 7 to 10 p.m., we’ll have a gaming lock-in with Guitar Hero, board games and pizza. We need a written okay from your parental unit(s) before then.

And on August 4, morph your picture with your favorite celeb.

If you read two or more books, (listen to tapes, read a website) you’ll be invited to our Summer Reading dance. Fill out an entry blank before that for Beechview Teen Choice Awards. We’ll reveal  the winners during the dance.

                                                       Ms. Tina, CLP – Beechview Teen Librarian