Destination Thursday: A Weekend Hike at Hartwood Acres

Hartwood Acres is an Allegheny County park with an unusual history. Before it was acquired by the county in 1969, this 629-acre tract of wooded slopes and rolling fields was the estate of John and Mary Flinn Lawrence, members of a prominent Pittsburgh area family. The Lawrences were devoted to horseback riding and as a consequence the property, which straddles the border between Hampton and Indiana Townships, is laced with a network of bridle paths that today offer excellent opportunities for hiking, and in season, cross-country skiing. A leisurely walk on the 3.2-mile loop described below is a good way to become familiar with the terrain of this large piece of public property which continues to retain much of the charm of a private estate.

The hilltop parking area is adjacent to the parks centerpiece, a Tudor mansion with formal gardens which dates to 1929. Guided walking tours of the house and gardens are by reservation only (412-767-9200); however, visitors may explore the gardens at their leisure before or after the hike.

E-mail Today's WPC Daily to a Friend!

Become a Western Pennsylvania Conservancy Member

View the winning WPC Daily (Makes a great screen wallpaper for October)