Frick Park

Covering almost 650 acres, Pittsburgh’s Frick Park holds the distinction of being the city’s largest historic regional park, as it stretches from the edge of the Point Breeze neighborhood all the way south to the edge of the Monongahela River. 

The park was made possible by industrialist Henry Clay Frick’s bequest of 151 acres of property to the city. He died in 1919, and the park bearing his name opened to the public eight years later. Today, nearly a century after first welcoming visitors, Frick Park offers an oasis of green space to city dwellers and travelers alike. 

Because the city of Pittsburgh is known for being hilly, the park follows suit with steep valleys and wooded slopes that offer visitors great views and provide rich habitats for native plant and animal species. The popular Clayton Hill, where more than 100 species of birds have been recorded, is a must for birders traveling to the city. 

The park features a variety of hiking trails that wind throughout its acreage. The 5-mile Frick Park Loop Trail is one of Pittsburgh’s most popular autumn hikes, offering beautiful views of fall foliage as October takes hold in western Pennsylvania. 

The on-site Frick Environmental Center is a great place for kids and adults alike to learn about nature, and the park hosts a year-round slate of programs and events for families, including the annual Bump in the Night celebration, which takes place the last two weekends in October.

Learn more about the history of the man behind the park with a tour of Henry Clay Frick’s 22-room mansion, located a short walk from the park. While you’re there, check out the on-site Car and Carriage Museum and The Frick Art Museum that are also located on the property. 1981 Beechwood Blvd., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15217, 412/682-7275, pittsburghparks.org