If you need some motivation to hit the trails this summer, look no further than these bike paths near Mt. Lebanon that pair well with your favorite frozen dessert (which is, of course, ice cream). We’re talking the fully-loaded cones, stacked sundaes and frozen treats that are all available within a few blocks or even trailside of your chosen path.
The Montour Trail
Potentially the closest trail to Mt. Lebanon is the Montour Trail. This repurposed railroad is a full 46-miles chock full of scenery. Our favorite? The wooden bridges, historic tunnels and scenic views, especially in the late summer. And this trail may have all the others beat with a convenient trailside dual-purposed bike repair shop and ice cream outlet, the Tandem Connection [1].
Ohiopyle (Great Allegheny Passage)
Ohiopyle is well known as a nearby outdoor mecca, but did you know about their ice cream options? If you haven’t, you’ve been sorely missing out. Although the path ultimately will lead you on the 150-mile trek to Cumberland, MD we recommend a nice out-and-back ride with a sweet pit stop at Sherman’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor & Kitchen [2] to conclude your adventure.
North Park Trail
Next weekend hop onto one of North Park’s paved bike lanes for a scenic, yet challenging 5-mile loop, or explore one of the endless trails with expert jumps and nerve-wracking drops with your mountain bike. Then wrap up whatever excursion you choose with a trip to Kool Cones of North Park [3] for a good old fashioned banana split. That’s what we call a solid sundae.
Frick Park’s Mountain Bike Trails
If you’re a true off-road biking enthusiast, you could write the excerpt on Frick Parks’ fully-loaded mountain bike trails. We, on the other hand, stick to the pavement and just watch in awe as Pittsburghers fly fearlessly through the 644 acres of trail riding this park has to offer. Once you’re done, cap off your tire-popping trip through the wooden trails with two scoops and possibly two slices (c’mon, you earned it!) at Park Pizza & Cream [4] in Regent Square.
Westmoreland Heritage Trail
If you find yourself east of Pittsburgh, check out one of Westmoreland County’s newest rail-to-trail transformations, the Heritage Trail. Positioned to eventually connect to both Saltsburg and Export, this trail currently runs 5.9 miles from Duff Park in Murrysville to Trafford where it conveniently ends at the Parkside Creamery [5]. We’d choose the Peanut Butter & Banana Shake to give you enough energy for the ride back to your car.
Southside Riverfront Trail
This trail, which connects commuters, college students and families alike, really has it all. You can access the North Shore, Lawrenceville, Millvale and the Southside all from the same trail. But now you’re faced with the unthinkable, deciding which ice cream shop to drop your cookie dough. We’ve narrowed it down to three (an impossible task): Millie’s [6] in Market Square; the Milkshake Factory [7] on Southside’s Carson Street; or Gus and Yiayia’s [8] fresh shaved ice, a true Pittsburgh Tradition, each equally worth any detour!
And last but not least, locally, you can’t beat Betsy’s Homemade Ice Cream [9], listed on this year’s Western Pa. Ice Cream Trail [10], so make sure to add an urban loop to your list if you’re up for Mt. Lebanon’s quad-crushing hills!