Tom’s recommended hikes

Boyce Mayview Park, Upper St. Clair: Well-marked trails crisscross meadows, ravines and wetlands, with views of Chartiers Creek. Audubon Greenway, Sewickley Hills: Gently rolling hills make for an easy, wooded hike, though parts of the trail take a pounding from horse hooves.

Wildwood Mine Loop Trail, North Park: One of many well-blazed trails in Allegheny County’s largest park, Wildwood is flush with wildflowers in the spring.

Emerald View Park, Duquesne Heights: Tell friends that you hiked the face of Mount Washington. You’ll have photos of Point State Park and the Downtown skyline to prove it.

Robin Hill Park, Moon: A short series of wooded trails with unique features such as a historic log cabin, a working oil pump and a

nearby tower for use by chimney swifts. Bradys Run Park, Beaver County: Don’t be thrown by the sharp vertical climbs at the start of the South Trail and North Trail. It’s worth it once you’re at the top.

Harrison Hills Park, West Deer: An extensive network of trails over 524 acres and an impressive rest stop high above the Allegheny River.

Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, Fox Chapel: The Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania offers nine short trails on the 134-acre property. You can explore a variety of terrains, none of them difficult.

Montour Woods Conservation Area, Kennedy and Moon: From easy to challenging, this trail system fords creeks, passes waterfalls and has its own cave.

Legionville Trail, Economy Park, Beaver County: A linear path winding through thick woods with challenging steepness.