Hiking in Allegheny County? Now There's a New App for That

The free app provides users with information on more than 180 miles of trails in Allegheny County parks.

photo courtesy of rachel carson trails conservancy

Dozens of hiking and biking trails crisscross Allegheny County's nine parks but rarely does the trailhead reveal the terrain, difficulty or elevation of the hike ahead. Allegheny County is solving that problem with a new free app that can be found by searching “Allegheny County Parks Trails” in the Apple and Android app stores.

All trails — blazed, unmarked and paved — are shown in the app. Information on the blazed trails also includes length and difficulty. If your phone's GPS is turned on, the app can also provide live elevation information for blazed trails. The app also links to current weather conditions, alerts and upcoming forecasts from the National Weather Service. 

“Our parks are a wonderful resource for so many different organizations and groups, many of which take full advantage of our many trails,” said Council Member John Palmiere, Chair of County Council’s Parks Committee, in a press release. “Having a resource such as this app which makes the users’ experience better, safer and more enjoyable ensures that residents and visitors have a good, positive interaction with our parks system.”

Future versions of the app will include information on trailheads, parking, shelters and restroom facilities. 

The app was developed through the efforts of the county's Division of Computer Services, Esri – a geographic information systems mapping software company – the Pittsburgh Trails Advocacy Group, and the county's park rangers.