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Highland Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 4,648 Google reviews · Running trail in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
4 mi
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Highland Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

4 miScenicDog-friendlyFlat & fastWaterTrailhead parkingQuiet

Scenic park built around 2 reservoirs, with lawns & a Victorian garden, plus sports fields & a pool.

What runners say about Highland Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (4,648 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 4 mentions

“It is a clean park to go with friends, family or just by yourself.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 7 mentions

“Beautiful Park adjacent to the zoo with a fantastic public swimming pool.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 5 mentions

“Peaceful waterfalls Right behind the zoo .”

Beautiful place to hike jog ,and hopefully swim if the pool opens . There is a dog park ,duck pond volley ball sand court. As well as groves you can grill out in . Peaceful waterfalls Right behind the zoo . The main entrance leads to the reservoir.

★★★★★ — Jasmine , Jul 2022

Went to the Asian Lantern Light Festival with my daughters family, my grandson loved as did all of us. This is a walk through Festival. All vendor stands are open. Many displays are programed for movement and color changes, videos are to big to upload. This is a fun family activity.

★★★★★ — Jeff , Oct 2021

Reservoir is super Serene and quiet. Ducks are sweet and of course, geese are not the nicest and momma goose will hiss at you if too near to her babies despite them lying in the middle of the path. Just be cautious. Great place for walking, it's about ¾ of a mile around the circle.

★★★★★ — Lindsey , Jun 2019

I enjoy walking the reservoir. Barely shy of a mile (once around) when you include the wings; smooth surface, and flat land. Four times around, and once around Reservoir Road (smooth, slight inclines) provides me a five mile exercise. It is now my daily point of destination .

★★★★★ — Harlan , Jun 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 4,648 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 9 mentions

“Beautiful Park adjacent to the zoo with a fantastic public swimming pool.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 5 mentions

“FYI - Handicap parking directly in front of Entrance Gates (about 20 spaces).”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 5 mentions

“There is also a large pool, a children's play ground, and best of all a dog park.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 5 mentions

“Peaceful waterfalls Right behind the zoo .”

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Flat & fast 3 mentions

“Barely shy of a mile (once around) when you include the wings; smooth surface, and flat land.”

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🚰 Water fountains

“Can bring your own bottle water or refillable bottle (they have "refillable" water station throughout the park & buildings) & snacks into parkEnjoy your visit”

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Plan your run at Highland Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • Distance4 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking, water — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websitetrailpittsburgh.org
  • Phone(412) 682-7275
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 6 AM–11 PM
Tuesday 6 AM–11 PM
Wednesday 6 AM–11 PM
Thursday 6 AM–11 PM
Friday 6 AM–11 PM
Saturday 6 AM–11 PM
Sunday 6 AM–11 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Highland Park

Reservoir Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15206

Get directions

Running trails near Pittsburgh

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Highland Park Entry Garden

4.7 ★★★★★ 606 reviews

Pittsburgh, PA

Scenic

Neighborhood park with a restored entry garden and a playground, plus walking trails.

under a mile away

O'Hara Township Community Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 850 reviews

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ShadedScenic

Green space featuring tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts, plus playgrounds, and a walking trail.

1.9 miles away

Fay Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 10 reviews

Pittsburgh, PA

Paved

1.9 miles away

Westinghouse Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 222 reviews

Pittsburgh, PA

Dog-friendly

Historic property now featuring a playground & quiet areas for strolling & dog-walking.

2.0 miles away

Salamander Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 108 reviews

Pittsburgh, PA

LoopScenic

Park featuring a well-maintained trail that's suitable for families with young children.

2.2 miles away

Dougherty Nature Trail Extension

4.5 ★★★★★ 76 reviews

Etna, PA

Scenic

Kid-friendly trail featuring views and creek access, plus ball fields.

2.3 miles away

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Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.