Deer Lakes Park (lower lake) (photo by Andrew)
Like any true Pittsburgher, I love griping about the things that, well, make Pittsburgh Pittsburgh; the topography, the weather, all things Pirates-related, etc. But I also love the variety of parks in the area; in some cases, the drive itself makes the trip worth it. If nothing else, the roads in the Pittsburgh region are always interesting to drive; the same cannot be said for some of our neighboring states (heck, even other regions of Pennsylvania).
The belt system is one of my favorite things about Pittsburgh; it’s not only a great way to find your way around, but following the belt system can introduce you to parts of the region that you were previously unfamiliar with. The orange belt, in particular, passes by a number of parks, including Settlers Cabin Park, North Park, Boyce Park, White Oak Park, Round Hill Park, and Deer Lakes Park.
Of these parks, Deer Lakes is by far my favorite and a must-visit. While most of the other parks are relatively generic, Deer Lakes is a singular getaway place. Low-flying planes are not an uncommon sight, due to the park’s proximity to Rock Airport. Otherwise, there is very little traffic noise, and the park feels as if it has distinct sections and themes, rather than being a mere string of picnic pavilions and playgrounds.
