Rachel Carson Trail

The Rachel Carson Trail is a hiking trail north and east of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, spanning over 35 miles between Harrison Hills County Park in the extreme northeast corner of Allegheny County, and North Park in the north-central area of the county. The trail is extremely varied, traversing several county parks, following power and gas lines, skirting suburban homes and farms, crossing creeks, meandering through woods and fields, and passing along the edge of steep bluffs. The terrain along the route ranges from paved roads to some areas that are quite primitive and rugged. Spurs lead into the mansion area at Hartwood Acres County Park in Indiana Township and the Rachel Carson Homestead in Springdale. Continuing urban development along the route of the trail brings disruption and requires rerouting from time to time. There are no camps or shelters along the way, meaning the trail is intended for day-hiking. The trail is relatively primitive and steep in places. Few bridges have been built, so many streams have to be crossed as-is.