We are lucky to have so many great creeks in and around Baldwin, Bethel Park, Brentwood, Bridgeville, Castle Shannon, Dormont, Jefferson Hills, Mt. Lebanon, Mt. Oliver, Mt. Washington, Pleasant Hills, Pittsburgh, South Park, South Side, Upper St. Clair, West Mifflin, and Whitehall where kids can splash and play while enjoying everything Mother Nature provides.
Here are seven of my family's favorite creeks in the South Hills area to visit. Don't see your family's favorite South Hills creek here? Drop me a note at emilyp@macaronikid.com, and I'll add it to our list!
Put on a swimsuit, bring shoes good for creek walking, maybe a water bucket, and don't forget snacks and sunscreen before heading out to any of these South Hills creeks! And remember, always watch your kids in water — no matter how shallow it is!
 My son splashing and playing in the creek at Wiltshire Park. This is before the shoes and shirt came off! |
Wiltshire Park
Wiltshire Park located in Upper St. Clair earns its spot as one of our favorite parks largely in part to the small creek that is located directly next to the park. The waters here are very shallow and pretty easy to access. Little kids love wading in the ankle high water and can dry off afterwards by playing on the playground. Amenities include a playground, swings, splash pad and onsite bathrooms. Google Maps to Wiltshire Park
Mingo Creek at Mingo Creek County Park
Mingo Park in Finleyville is another fan favorite that offers a wide variety of options for your family that could keep you there all day and going back every week. From creeks to playgrounds with zip line and hill slides, trails, pavilions, and covered bridges, this is a destination that your entire family will enjoy. Macaroni Mama Insider Tip - Shelter 3 is in between 2 playgrounds with a nice playground and bathrooms. The new pirate ship near the covered bridge is shaded and a good play space for smaller kids. Mingo Park is open from dawn to dusk year round, so you can enjoy Mingo Creek from spring until fall. Check out their event calendar to find organized activities for your child to participate in as Mingo Park hosts different free to low-cost events almost weekly. Google Maps to Mingo Creek
Chartiers Creek at Montour Trail
The Montour Trail offers various creeks and waterfalls along the trail. One of our favorite spots is the waterfall that's located in Lawrence. If you get on the trail at the Valleybrook entrance in McMurray and head towards Woehler Landscape Supply, you'll run right into it. Pack a lunch to eat at the picnic table! Google Maps to Waterfall at Chartiers Creek (please note that you will need to park at the Valleybrook entrance and walk here).
Piney Fork Creek at Simmons Park
Piney Fork Creek runs through Simmons Park, located in Bethel Park. Simmons Park is great for children of all ages and has an awesome zip line on the playground. Piney Fork is a little creek that runs behind the park that is perfect for splashing and wading. Google Maps to Simmons Park
Peters Creek in Jefferson Hills
Peters Creek in Jefferson Hills is located right off Gill Hall Road and is the perfect place for wading in the water. Park in the gravel lot as you turn off Gill Hall Road and then cross the street towards the campsite, past the port-a-potty. Google Maps to Peters Creek
Upper St. Clair Waterfalls at Boyce Mayview Park
The Upper St. Clair Waterfalls are located on the hiking trails in Boyce Mayview Park. The walking trails can be accessed from the park, Boyce Road, Boyce Middle School and Baker Elementary School. Depending on which way you enter, you will come across a few streams stemming from Chartiers Creek. The Falls are located off the Curved Bridge Trail. View the Boyce Mayview Park Trail Map HERE.
Dominion Creek in Upper St. Clair
Dominion Creek in Upper St. Clair is located off the hiking trail. Shaded nicely under large trees, this creek is wider and longer than some others listed. Google Maps to Dominion Creek
The Cascades in South Park
Built in 1927, the historic South Park Cascades were a manmade water feature using stratified rock quarried from the park itself; carefully composed to evoke a network of waterfalls and wading pools. The large stone pools will no longer serve as wading pools, but along with the cascading waterfalls, will serve as a water feature at which the public can soak up the sights and sounds of the park’s natural heritage and immerse themselves in nature. Take a nature hike around the park and then end up here to cool down!
Some of these directions are approximate, so please allow some grace for looking around for the creek entrance. Many (if not all) of these creeks have very rocky bottoms, and we suggest getting your little one's a pair of shoes they can wear in the creek to protect their feet. You can always throw on a pair of old shoes you are willing to ruin or Natives, OshKosh, Sketchers and Keens all make sandal-like shoes that allow water to flow freely and clean easily. Remember, keep your eyes on your kiddos no matter how shallow the water is!
Do you have a favorite creek in or around Baldwin, Bethel Park, Brentwood, Bridgeville, Castle Shannon, Dormont, Jefferson Hills, Mt. Lebanon, Mt. Oliver, Mt. Washington, Pleasant Hills, Pittsburgh, South Park, South Side, Upper St. Clair, West Mifflin, or Whitehall?
Plan on heading to one of these creeks? Use #pghmackid to tag your photos on social media, and you just might see them appear in this article!
