While rugged, it is in the suburbs you'll catch glimpses of houses and power lines, and occasionally the trail will cross a street right past a bus stop. But it's fun and primitive, and it's a little-known nugget of outdoors recreation in Pittsburgh. Well, if you aren't, somebody is, and the trail's bound to be crowded with challengers once again on the summer solstice. And it's no picnic. These are the foothills of the Alleghenies hills creased deep by ancient streams, hills the trail goes up and down and up and down again.
Hikers start at sunrise, end at sundown.
Where it crosses a stream, you'll either splash through or use slippery rocks and logs to cross. While more than 100 people sign up for the challenge every year, less than ten typically manage to finish the 34 miles in 15 hours. Contact Hostelling International, Pittsburgh Chapter , for details. The Rachel Carson Trail doesn't get a lot of backpacking use despite its proximity to the city. Be sure to get a copy of the trail guide, and visit the Hostelling International, Pittsburgh Chapter, website to check for hiker alerts.