The city is an Urban Oasis in the Middle of Appalachia
The Paris of Appalachia is one of Pittsburgh's nicknames. The city is an oasis in the center of nature, and it is not difficult to go out of town for some short hiking, bicycling, or other activities. The Laurel Highlands is one of the most well-known nature regions just outside of Pittsburgh since it is home to many parks, historical sites such as those described above, activities for all four seasons including skiing in the winter, and many Frank Lloyd Wright buildings (including one of his most famous houses- Fallingwater).
Many people are charmed with Ohiopyle State Park and its stunning Cucumber Falls cascade, but those in the know also visit other places, such as Laurel Hill State Park, for its unrivaled beauty. If you happen to be in town in the spring (late April, to be exact), a visit to Raccoon Creek State Park's wildflower reserve is a must, since it houses one of the state's greatest collections of native flora.
If you prefer riding, Pittsburgh has several rail paths on former railroad tracks that explore some of the region's most picturesque areas. The Great Allegheny Passage, which stretches from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, MD, and then continues on the C&O Canal Path to Washington DC, is the most noteworthy. It takes a whole week to ride the entire route.
