Wolf Creek Narrows Natural Area

Wolf Creek Narrows Natural Area is owned and managed by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, and is located just outside of Slippery Rock. To get there, go north on I-79 to the Slippery Rock Exit, get onto rt. 108 towards Slippery Rock, turn left onto West Park Road, then right onto Miller Road. It eventually crosses Wolf Creek via an old metal bridge. The parking area is on your right just before the bridge. The trailhead is on the other side of the bridge on your left (there was nothing saying that a person couldn't cross - just no cars). There is one major trail, which follows the creek for a spell and loops up into the higher woods.

Wolf Creek Narrows is primarily known for its spring and summer wildflowers (read this), but don't underestimate its fall colors.

Trillium Trail

Trillium Trail is located in Fox Chapel Borough. This article from the Pittsburgh Tribune Review has directions. The time to visit is April, when the property's namesake flowers are in full bloom. When I was there this past Spring, there were tens of thousands of Trillium blooming, mostly of the white large-flowered variety (although red and purple are supposed to be lurking higher up from the main trail). The trail makes for a relatively easy walk (a little climbing here and there), and the crowd on a Sunday morning was minimal.

Buttermilk Falls Natural Area

Buttermilk Falls Natural Area is located in Indiana County, just a few minutes off of Route 22 (and a bit over an hour outside of Pittsburgh). Follow 22 until you get to Clyde, and look for Old Clay Pike Road on your right. After turning, you will come to a Y in the road (it's not easy to see - I have had to slam on the brakes and back up every time I've visited). Bear to the left and follow Valley Brook Road to the parking lot for the natural area. There is a trail that will take you down the hill to the falls.

For more information, visit Indiana County's website . Be sure to watch the slideshow - I took the photos...