Rachel Carson Trail
The Rachel Carson Trail in western Pennsylavania is a 38.2 mile trail that runs from North Park in McCandless, PA and ends in the northern end of Harrison Hills Park in Natrona Heights, PA. It's one of the longest continuous trails near Pittsburgh for day hiking. Camping and backpacking is not allowed along any parts of the Rachel Carson Trail unfortunately, so if you plan day hikes, make sure you pack enough water and food for out-and-back trips. Hiking the entire trail in one day is also possible, but very difficult - only experienced hikers should attempt a full day thru-hike. Alternatively, if you hike with a friend, you can park at different trailheads along the route.The trail is strenuous due to its length and elevation gain of over 6,300 feet and elevation loss of about 6,100 feet. The trail winds through various parks, passes meadows, farms, and creeks, winds past houses, and follows power lines and gas lines. By following the entire Rachel Carson Trail, you'll see what northern Allegheny County has to offer from the woods to suburbs to local parks and towns.
Dogs & Bikes: Please note that the Rachel Carson Trails organization (http://www.rachelcarsontrails.org) wants hikers to refrain from bringing dogs and bikes on this trail.
Private Property: Many parts of this trail pass through private property so you must stay on the trail at all times.
For more info (trail guide and trail conditions), check out the following link:
http://www.rachelcarsontrails.org/rct
