Pittsburgh’s Best Recreation

Best City Park for Serious Mountain Bikers: The challenging trails that crisscross Frick Park (Corner of Forbes Ave. and S. Braddock Ave., 412/422-6550, www.pittsburghparks.org [1]) are some of the most pulse-pounding in the entire state.

Best Way to Explore Allegheny River: Cruising the length of the Allegheny River in one of Kayak Pittsburgh’s (412/969-9090, www.kayakpittsburgh.org [2]) canoes or kayaks is a wonderfully relaxing way to experience the Steel City.

Best Urban Fishing Experience: Every Wednesday, from May to October, Downtown TriAnglers/Venture Outdoors (304 Forbes Ave., 2nd Fl., 412/255-0564, www.ventureoutdoors.org [3]) help amateurs cast a line, right in Point State Park.

Best Ice Skating Spot: Spin in circles with family members or loved ones when the outdoor fountain at the Philip Johnson–designed PPG Place (200 Three PPG Place, 412/434-1900 for events, 412/394-3641 for the ice rink, www.ppgplace.com [4]) transforms into an ice-skating rink.

Best Skiing or Snowboarding Excursion: With 275 acres of powder, the most diverse range of mountains in Pennsylvania, and numerous runs for novices and old pros alike, it’s no wonder Ski Magazine called Seven Springs Mountain Resort (777 Waterwheel Dr., Champion, 800/452-2223, www.7springs.com [5]) the top ski resort in the entire mid-Atlantic.

Best Climbing Wall: Explore 14,000 square feet of nubby, knobby, and faux-rock surfaces at The Climbing Wall (7501 Penn Ave., 412/247-7334, www.theclimbingwall.net [6]), an indoor playground where pros and newbies alike soar to impressive heights.

Best Public Swimming Pool: Built by the wealthy industrialist Henry W. Oliver, the South Side’s Oliver Bath House (38 S. 10th St., 412/488-8380) is a gorgeous spot for an afternoon dip. The pool is heated, it’s located indoors, and it even boasts a splendid cathedral ceiling.

Best Skatepark: The outdoor Imperial Skatepark (800 Rte. 30, Findlay Township’s Clinton Community Park, www.findlay.pa.us [7]) in Findley Township is an absolutely unreal concrete dream and well worth the drive.