The best walks and hikes around Elizabeth
5.0
(2)
11
hikers
9
hikes
Hiking around Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, offers a diverse landscape characterized by river valleys, rolling hills, and forested conservation areas. The region features trails along historic rail-trails and through local parks, providing varied terrain for outdoor activities. Hikers can expect a mix of paved paths, natural surface trails, and moderate elevation changes. The area's natural features include riverfront views and wooded sections.
Best hiking trails around Elizabeth
- The most popular hiking route is Great Allegheny Passage from Buena Vista to Boston, a 14.6 miles (23.4 km) trail that takes 6 hours 0 minutes to complete. This difficult route follows a historic rail-trail along the river.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Witch Hazel Trail — Dead Man's Hollow Conservation Area, a moderate 4.9 miles (7.9 km) path. This trail leads through a conservation area with varied forest terrain.
- Local hikers also love the Round Hill Park loop — Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, a 3.4 miles (5.5 km) trail leading through parkland and wooded sections, often completed in about 1 hour 32 minutes.
- Hiking around Elizabeth is defined by river paths, wooded park trails, and former rail lines. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy strolls to more challenging long-distance routes.
- The routes in Elizabeth are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from 2 reviews. More than 9 hikers have used komoot to explore Elizabeth's varied terrain.
Last updated: October 15, 2026
6.36km
01:38
30m
30m
Embark on an easy hike along the Great Allegheny Passage from Sutersville to West Newton, a gentle route spanning 3.9 miles (6.4 km). You'll experience continuous scenic views of the Youghiogheny River, with the trail closely following its banks. As you hike, keep an eye out for anglers and perhaps even whitewater kayakers enjoying the water. The path also leads through lush, wooded areas, where boulder-strewn banks hint at the region's past. This easy section involves a minimal elevation gain of just 100 feet (31 metres) and typically takes about 1 hour and 38 minutes to complete.
This section of the Great Allegheny Passage is known for its accessibility, making it a great choice for families looking for an outdoor adventure. You will find parking readily available at the trailheads in both Sutersville and West Newton, offering convenient starting points. Consider beginning your hike from West Newton, a well-equipped trail town. Here, you can access amenities like restaurants, a bike shop, and a Visitors Center located in the reconstructed P&LE train station.
The Great Allegheny Passage is a celebrated rail-trail, and this segment offers a prime example of its natural beauty and historical significance. It provides some of the best opportunities on the GAP for enjoying river viewpoints and natural features. The trail's flat terrain and scenic river views make it a popular choice for a relaxing outing. This route is part of a much larger network, connecting you to extensive trail options for longer adventures.
4.60km
01:10
10m
10m
This easy 2.9-mile (4.6 km) hike on the Great Allegheny Passage from Buena Vista to Sutersville offers a pleasant riverside stroll, taking just over an hour with a mere 33 feet (10 metres) of elevation gain. The trail winds along the Youghiogheny River, guiding you through peaceful woodlands and valleys on a smooth, crushed limestone path. You might even spot small waterfalls, like the Red Waterfall, cascading down next to the trail after a good rain, adding a touch of natural beauty to your journey.
Accessing this section is straightforward, with parking available at both the Buena Vista and Sutersville trailheads. The well-maintained surface makes it suitable for a wide range of visitors, and its gentle grade means you won't need to worry about strenuous climbs. It's a perfect choice for a quick, relaxing outing, and you can easily combine it with exploring the amenities in the nearby trail towns.
This segment is part of the much larger Great Allegheny Passage, a historic rail-trail built on former railway lines, which explains its remarkably flat and accessible terrain. As you walk, you'll get glimpses into the region's past, passing by areas that were once old coal patch towns. It's a great way to experience a piece of Pennsylvania's industrial heritage while enjoying the natural beauty of the Youghiogheny River valley.
4.40km
01:13
110m
40m
The Cool Spirit Trail offers a delightful blend of easy rail-trail and more rugged natural terrain within Dead Man's Hollow Conservation Area. You'll start on the smooth Great Allegheny Passage before diving into a landscape of stream crossings and upward climbs, eventually reaching the unique siltstone Table Rock Formation with its historical carvings. The trail also features a charming 10-foot waterfall under a footbridge, providing a scenic reward on this varied route.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is well-marked with blue diamonds and black arrows, making navigation simple. Access is convenient directly from the Great Allegheny Passage. While the overall route is rated easy, the Cool Spirit Trail section itself has a moderate feel due to switchbacks and varied terrain, making it a good choice for those ready for a bit more than just flat ground. Fall is a particularly beautiful time to experience the vibrant colors.
This 2.7-mile (4.4 km) hike, with 348 feet (106 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 1 hour and 13 minutes, is a key part of exploring Dead Man's Hollow, an area rich in natural beauty and history. Its connectivity to other trails like the Ruins Trail means you can easily extend your adventure if you're looking for a longer outing. The diverse scenery, from the gentle GAP to the more challenging hollow, makes it a notable option for hikers near McKeesport, Pennsylvania.
5.0
(1)
1
hikers
7.91km
02:13
150m
150m
Explore the moderate 4.9-mile Dead Man's Hollow Hiking Trail, featuring woodlands, a waterfall, and historical ruins.
2
hikers
7.00km
01:47
20m
20m
The Montour Trail offers a delightful and accessible hiking experience, perfect for a relaxed outing. This easy 4.4-mile (7.0 km) section, with a gentle 80 feet (24 metres) of elevation gain, guides you through a varied landscape of woodlands, wetlands, and open fields, often on a comfortable crushed limestone surface. You might even spot local wildlife like white-tailed deer as you pass by the Montour Trail (Clairton - Jefferson Hills) highlight, enjoying the serene atmosphere for about 1 hours and 47 minutes.
Accessing the Montour Trail is convenient, with numerous trailheads providing ample parking, making it easy to find a starting point. Many sections are family-friendly and dog-friendly, with amenities like benches and picnic shelters available. While water fountains and portable toilets are seasonal, planning your visit during spring or summer allows you to enjoy the trail's full beauty and facilities.
This trail is a significant part of a larger network, built on a former railroad line, which explains its remarkably gentle grade. Its rail-trail heritage is evident in features like the impressive McDonald Trestle and various tunnels along its full length. The Montour Trail also connects to other major routes like the Panhandle Trail and the Great Allegheny Passage, highlighting its importance in regional trail systems and offering extensive options for longer adventures.
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Tips from the Community
This is a good place to take a break on a hot day, as the waterfall produces cold wind. DO NOT DRINK this water, It is from an acid mine and the red-orange color comes from iron and rust.
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S THE WATERFALL Demonstrating acid mnine drainage The water here is acid and iron-rich, coming up to the surface from underground mines, stairung the-rocks ruspred. Acid mine drainage (AMID) is a major source of water pollution. Cause of extensive stream environmental damage. The Ocean Coal Company, a subsidiaries of Bevind- White Coal Company Philadelphia, PA, esaiblished several mines in this region including, in 1900, Ocean No. 2. It is purported that drainage from ocean No. 2 is the chief cause of the Red Waterfall Why is it acidic and full of iron? Hundreds of millions of years ago, the massive Pittsburgh Coal Seam formed underneath parts of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohiờ from ancient swamp plants. Sand, silts, shells, and other -matter were deposited and made a rock seal over the carbon-rich vegetation, This rock contained the mineral "pyrite," made of iron and sulfur Coal mining exposes pyrite to oxygen and ground water causing the formation of sulfuric acid and a number of red, orange, and yellow compound s. AMD occurs when this mine water seeps, or in this-case, bursts out into Streams. The yellow sulfur can be seen in the shale near coal seams. GRESCHIN DASSAGE SPONSORED BY: Southwestern PA Heritage Breservation- Commission Allegheny Trail Alliances Regional Trail Corpofation For moterinformation. www.gaptrail.org
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The Red Waterfall is one of the main highlights on the GAP between West Newton and McKeesport. The falls gets its name from the water that has been colored red by nearby underground coal mines, which has made the water acidic and iron-rich water.
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This is the first (or last) section of the approximately 50 miles long Montour Trail. It starts in the town of Clairton on the Monogahela River and follows Peter's Creek to Jefferson Hills. The multi-use trail is mostly surrounded by forest and offers some nice views of the creek.
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The Witch Hazel Trail is part of the Dead Man's Hollow Conservation Area's trail network and can be connected with multiple other trails. It features some switchbacks through the forest and once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with great views.
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Encompassing roughly 450 acres next to the Youghiogheny River, the Dead Man's Hollow Conservation Area features a number of trails. Some of the paths are singletrack trails moving through the forest while there is also a paved trail that provides access to a lot of those forest paths.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Elizabeth, Pennsylvania?
There are 6 hiking routes documented around Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, offering a variety of experiences from easy strolls to more challenging long-distance routes. These include paths along historic rail-trails, through local parks, and within forested conservation areas.
Are there any easy hiking trails suitable for beginners in Elizabeth, PA?
Yes, Elizabeth, PA, offers several easy trails. For a pleasant walk through parkland and wooded sections, consider the Round Hill Park loop — Elizabeth, Pennsylvania. Another easy option is the Montour Trail from Clairton to Jefferson Hills, which follows a former rail line.
What kind of natural features or landmarks can I expect to see on hikes near Elizabeth?
Hiking around Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, you'll encounter riverfront views, rolling hills, and forested sections. Notable landmarks include the historic McKeesport Connecting Railroad Bridge and the unique Red Waterfall. You might also pass by the Dravo Cemetery, offering a glimpse into local history.
Are there any circular or loop hikes in the Elizabeth area?
Yes, the Round Hill Park loop — Elizabeth, Pennsylvania is a great option for a circular walk. This 5.5 km trail takes you through parkland and wooded areas, typically completed in about 1 hour 32 minutes.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Elizabeth, PA?
The region's diverse landscape, with river valleys, rolling hills, and forested areas, makes it enjoyable for hiking across multiple seasons. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and scenic beauty, with changing foliage in the fall. Summer is also suitable, though some trails may be more exposed to the sun.
Are there any dog-friendly hiking trails around Elizabeth, Pennsylvania?
While specific dog-friendly regulations vary by park and trail, many natural surface trails and rail-trails in the Elizabeth area are generally welcoming to dogs on a leash. Always check local signage or park websites for the most current pet policies before heading out.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Elizabeth, PA?
The hiking routes in Elizabeth are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the varied terrain, from river paths to wooded sections, and the options available for different ability levels.
Are there any trails that follow historic routes or rail lines?
Absolutely. The Elizabeth area is known for its historic rail-trails. A significant option is the Great Allegheny Passage from Sutersville to Buena Vista, which follows a historic rail line along the river, offering a moderate 9.1 km hike.
What is the most challenging hike available in Elizabeth, PA?
For a more challenging experience, the Great Allegheny Passage from Buena Vista to Boston is a difficult 23.4 km trail. This route follows a historic rail-trail along the river and typically takes around 6 hours to complete.
Are there any trails that go through conservation areas?
Yes, you can explore the Witch Hazel Trail — Dead Man's Hollow Conservation Area. This moderate 7.9 km path leads through a conservation area with varied forest terrain, offering a great opportunity to experience local wildlife and natural beauty.
What should I wear for hiking in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania?
Given the mix of paved paths, natural surface trails, and wooded sections, it's advisable to wear comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes. Layered clothing is recommended to adapt to changing weather conditions, and bringing water is always a good idea, especially on longer routes.
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