$56,000 spent to improve Waterfall Trail in Allegheny County's Settlers Cabin Park

Trail improvements totaling $56,000 will make it easier to access a hidden gem among Allegheny County’s nine parks.

The newly redesigned trail leads to a small waterfall tucked away at Settlers Cabin Park in Robinson, North Fayette and Collier townships.

Previously, only the hardiest of hikers traversed the Waterfall Trail’s steep terrain. Improvements to the trail lengthened it from one-half mile to two-thirds mile, made it roomier and put in switchbacks making for a more manageable hike for the casual walker.

Hikers along the old trail chewed up the hillside, causing degradation and erosion. After surveying the park recently, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy recommended installing the new trail to both preserve the environment and create a better experience for visitors, according to Caren Glotfelty, Allegheny County Parks Foundation executive director.

The old trail was soggy because the waterfall is situated near the bottom of a ravine. The new trail now has boulders and stones, making for a dry and fun stream crossing.

“Once people learn about the trail, it’s going to become a popular destination for families and people who want to experience an island of nature,” Glotfelty said.

The waterfall is not large or high, but Glotfelty said it is pretty with water falling over a standstone ledge.

“It’s hard to believe how close you are to the City of Pittsburgh because it seems like you are in a much more remote area,” Glotfelty said.

The trail was popular and important enough for local hikers to vote for it to win a REI contest for their Loving Our Local Outdoors grant of $20,000. Allegheny County matched the grant, contributing $20,000 plus in-kind services, according to Glotfelty.

“This is the first project in the 15-year history of the REI community grant program in Pittsburgh of this scale,” said Steven Wood, REI Programs Coordinator, in statement issues by the Allegheny County Parks Foundation.

FedEx Ground contributed $10,000 in native plants and shrubs. FedEx employees will plant in the spring, according to Glotfelty.

The Waterfall Trail can be reached from the parking lot near Arrowhead Shelter along Tepee Drive.

Allegheny County officials and others held a ceremony celebrating the opening of the trail on Oct. 30.