EveryBody Outdoors Series: You Belong Here

People of every size, shape, and weight deserve the chance to experience the amazing benefits of time spent outdoors with others. Venture Outdoors welcomes active folks in larger bodies to get outside this year through its series of size-friendly outings, at a pace that is safe and comfortable for each person. Each trip listing will give you the information you need to decide if the outing is right for you: active time and pace, general route and terrain, and if any experience is needed. You can look forward to a variety of monthly activities throughout the year, all in a positive and welcoming atmosphere in which we will celebrate all shapes and sizes. Join us for one outing, join us for all. This is where you belong.

North Park Trail Hike

North Park is one of EveryBody Outdoors Trip Leader Mara Addison’s favorite regional parks. No matter from which direction you enter, and which road you travel, you will be astounded by the breathtaking beauty and abundance of activities in this lush wonderland. Encompassing 3,094 acres in Hampton, McCandless, and Pine townships, North Park features a 65-acre lake with fishing and kayaking, brought to you by our very own Kayak Pittsburgh. Additional amenities include a golf course, pool, ice rink, ballfields, nature center, shelters, off-leash areas, deck hockey rink, and hiking and mountain biking trails.

We invite you to join us for a morning hike throughout North Park, starting and ending near Pie Traynor Field, which neighbors the Swimming Pool and an awesome playground. We will be traversing a number of different trails along the way, and if you are unfamiliar with the trail marking system, we will be happy to let you in on this brilliant system of finding your way around most trail systems. Bring a hanky and be prepared to visit the Lost Friends Memorial Tree, where folks hang memorials to their trail-travelling pups. This particular route is beautiful in all four seasons, and in late Spring really puts on a show for those who travel its beaten path.

We will be walking at a steady pace upon dirt trails of various widths and conditions, some wide and easy to stroll along, others with tree routes and boulders through which we will pop through. Being in the North hills area, you can expect some ascents – there are three climbs that are a steady uphill climb of about five minutes or less. Remember – you can always pause on an incline if needed, and we will always wait for you at the top of a hill. You can expect an active time of 60-90 minutes, dependent on group speed and needs. We will cover about 2 miles of trail on this hike.

Sturdy and supportive hiking or walking shoes are essential, and water for hydration is recommended. Mara never tackles a trail without a hiking pole, and it is recommended you bring a pole, stick, or support of some type unless you are used to gliding through forest trails. A walking stick may be your friend. Sun hats and sun block are always smart choices, as is bug spray – we are in tick season. Check the weather and dress appropriately for the day.

If cost is a barrier to your participation, please email alyssa@ventureoutdoors.org.

Starting Location: Pie Traynor Field Parking Lot, S Ridge Dr, Allison Park, PA 15101