The best walks and hikes around Clairton
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Hikes around Clairton PA are characterized by wooded river valleys and repurposed rail-trails. The city sits along the Monongahela River and serves as a key access point for regional trail networks. The terrain is primarily composed of gentle hills and flat, crushed limestone paths, making it suitable for a range of hiking abilities.
Best hiking trails around Clairton
- The most popular hiking route is Montour Trail from Clairton to Jefferson Hills, a 4.3 mile (7.0 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to complete. This is an easy, relatively flat section of the well-known Montour Trail.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Witch Hazel Trail — Dead Man's Hollow Conservation Area, a moderate 4.9 mile (7.9 km) path. The route follows trails through a forested conservation area with some changes in elevation.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Round Hill Park loop — Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, a 3.4 mile (5.5 km) trail leading through parkland and wooded areas, often completed in about 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Hiking around Clairton is defined by extensive rail-trails like the Montour Trail and Great Allegheny Passage, as well as paths through conservation areas and local parks. The network provides both easy, flat routes and more moderate hikes with some elevation gain.
- The routes in Clairton are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from a number of reviews. More than 30 hikers have used komoot to explore Clairton's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
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hikers
6.85km
01:57
140m
160m
Enjoy an easy 4.3-mile hike on the Pet Haven and Rainbow Garden Trail Loop in White Oak Park, featuring 443 feet of elevation gain.
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hikers
16.0km
04:05
50m
50m
Hike the Yough River Trail from Boston to Buena Vista, a 10.0-mile moderate route along the historic Youghiogheny River.
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12.0km
03:05
40m
70m
Hike the 7.5-mile Steel Valley Trail, a moderate route offering river views, industrial history, and glimpses of Kennywood Park.
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
Embark on an easy hike along the Great Allegheny Passage from Buena Vista to Sutersville, covering 2.9 miles (4.6 km) with a minimal elevation gain of just 33 feet (10 metres). This gentle section of the famous rail-trail offers a relaxing experience, estimated to take around 1 hour and 9 minutes. As you walk, you will follow the scenic Youghiogheny River, enjoying lush river valley views and keeping an eye out for charming small waterfalls, including the distinctive Red Waterfall, right beside the path.
Planning your visit to this part of the Great Allegheny Passage is straightforward, as both Sutersville and Buena Vista offer convenient amenities. You will find parking and restrooms available at both ends of the trail, making access simple for hikers. The route features a smooth, well-maintained surface of crushed limestone, which is ideal for a comfortable walk and suitable for most visitors looking for an accessible outdoor experience.
This segment provides a perfect introduction to the broader Great Allegheny Passage, a renowned multi-use rail-trail built on former railway lines. Its smooth, level surface and picturesque riverside setting make it a popular choice for those seeking a tranquil escape into nature. The trail's design as a rail-trail means you can expect a consistent grade and wide path, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and historical infrastructure.
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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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its just a cemetery. i was riding for distance. and needed this place to keep the route on the GAP trail.
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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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The Buena Vista Trailhead is one of many trailheads onto the GAP. At this one, there is parking, potable water, and restrooms.
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The Dravo Hiker-Biker Campground is one of several hiker-biker campgrounds along the GAP. There is a large grassy area to put your tent, fire rings, picnic tables, and drinkable water.
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Over 30 rides in an amusement park with roller coasters (some made of wood), water slides and a children's carousel.
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Beautiful cemetery any time of year. The grounds are well maintained and the landscaping is immaculate and the staff is very helpful and friendly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I park to access the trails in Clairton?
The main access point with parking is the Montour Trail - Clairton Trailhead, located at 141 N State St. This is the eastern terminus of the trail and provides a convenient starting point for your hike.
Are there any easy, flat hikes suitable for beginners?
Yes, the area is well-suited for beginners. The Montour Trail from Clairton to Jefferson Hills is an excellent choice. It's a relatively flat, crushed limestone path that follows Peters Creek, offering a gentle introduction to the region's scenery.
What are some good family-friendly hiking options near Clairton?
For a family outing, consider the Round Hill Park loop. The park itself features a working exhibit farm which is often a hit with children, and the trails are generally easy to moderate, making it a great combination of hiking and family fun.
Are the hiking trails near Clairton dog-friendly?
Most trails in the area, including the Montour Trail and paths in local parks like Round Hill Park, are dog-friendly. However, it's always required to keep your dog on a leash and to clean up after them to ensure the trails remain pleasant for everyone.
How can I access the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) from Clairton?
While Clairton is not directly on the Great Allegheny Passage, you can connect to it from the Montour Trail. This requires some on-road travel to reach the GAP in nearby McKeesport. Once connected, you can enjoy long-distance hikes like the section from Sutersville to Buena Vista.
Are there any circular or loop hikes available?
Yes, you can find loop trails in the nearby parks. For a more challenging circular route with some elevation changes, the Witch Hazel Trail in Dead Man's Hollow Conservation Area offers a rewarding hike through a forested landscape.
Can I find any trails with waterfalls near Clairton?
While the immediate trails around Clairton are more focused on river valleys and rail-trails, a short drive will take you to Fall Run Park. This popular park is celebrated for its beautiful forested trail that leads directly to a waterfall, making it a worthwhile trip for those seeking this specific scenery.
What is the terrain like on the trails around Clairton?
The terrain varies. The main rail-trails, like the Montour Trail and the Great Allegheny Passage, are mostly flat with a crushed limestone surface. Hikes in conservation areas and parks, such as Dead Man's Hollow or Round Hill Park, feature more traditional dirt paths with some moderate hills and elevation changes through wooded areas.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Clairton?
The trails around Clairton are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the peaceful atmosphere, especially along the sections of the Montour Trail that follow Peters Creek. The well-maintained rail-trails and the blend of natural scenery with glimpses into the region's industrial past are also frequently mentioned as highlights.
Are the trails suitable for both hiking and biking?
Yes, the major trails in the area are multi-use. The Montour Trail and the Great Allegheny Passage are both rail-trails with wide, relatively flat surfaces, making them ideal for both hiking and cycling. You will encounter both hikers and bikers enjoying these routes.
Is there a very long-distance hiking option available?
For those seeking a significant challenge, the Great Allegheny Passage from Buena Vista to Boston is a difficult, 23 km section of the larger GAP trail system. It offers an immersive experience for a full day of hiking.
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