Green Tree Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, stay, eat, and explore in Green Tree, Pennsylvania with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Green Tree

Located in Allegheny County in the Pittsburgh Region of Pennsylvania, Green Tree is a small borough that serves as a perfect destination for travelers seeking an offbeat experience. The borough’s proximity to the city of Pittsburgh and the natural beauty of its surroundings make it an ideal place for anyone looking to explore both urban and rural attractions. With a plethora of cultural and natural attractions, great food, and excellent accommodation options, Green Tree has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Green Tree

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Fort Pitt Museum - this museum showcases the history of Fort Pitt, which served as a pivotal point during the French and Indian War and the American Revolution.
  • Heinz History Center - this museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of Western Pennsylvania, including the stories of its industries, cultural heritage, and people.

Natural Attractions of Green Tree: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Scenic Point Trail - this 0.9-mile trail offers a stunning view of Pittsburgh’s skyline and is a popular spot for hikers and photographers.
  • Chartiers Creek Trail - this 8.2-mile trail is perfect for biking and hiking, with beautiful views of the creek and surrounding nature.
  • Emerald View Park - this park offers a panoramic view of Pittsburgh and the Monongahela River, as well as several hiking and biking trails.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Green Tree

Green Tree is known for its numerous hiking and biking trails, which offer a chance to explore the area’s natural beauty. Some of the top routes to check out include:

  • Chartiers Creek Trail
  • Montour Trail
  • Panhandle Trail
  • Pittsburgh Cycling Route

Best Things to Do in Green Tree: Activities and Tours

  • Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium - located just a short drive from Green Tree, this zoo houses over 4,000 animals and is a must-visit for animal lovers.
  • Gateway Clipper Fleet Boat Tours - these boat tours provide a unique view of Pittsburgh’s skyline and offer a chance to see the city from the water.
  • Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens - this 15-acre botanical garden features a variety of themed gardens and is a beautiful place to explore.

Week-Long Itinerary for Green Tree

Day 1: Fort Pitt Museum and Heinz History Center Day 2: Hiking at Emerald View Park and Scenic Point Trail Day 3: Biking on the Panhandle Trail and Montour Trail Day 4: Visiting the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium Day 5: Gateway Clipper Fleet Boat Tours and Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Day 6: Shopping for souvenirs at Settler’s Ridge and exploring the local food scene Day 7: Relaxing at the hotel and enjoying the local culture

Food and Drink Scene of Green Tree

Must-Try Dishes

  • Primanti Bros. Sandwich - a Pittsburgh classic, this sandwich has grilled meat, coleslaw, and french fries all between two thick slices of bread.
  • Perogies - these dumplings filled with potatoes and cheese are a staple in Pittsburgh cuisine.
  • Pittsburgh-style pizza - this pizza is topped with cheese, tomato sauce, pepperoni, and chunks of Italian sausage.

Local Beverages

  • Iron City Beer - this beer has been a Pittsburgh institution for over 150 years and is still popular with locals and visitors alike.
  • Pennsylvania wines - Pennsylvania has several wineries that produce high-quality wines, including Ripepi Winery & Vineyard and Narcisi Winery.

Where to Stay in Green Tree: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Green Tree offers a range of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Some of the top hotels in the area include:

  • Embassy Suites by Hilton Pittsburgh Downtown - a stylish and comfortable hotel located in the heart of Pittsburgh.
  • Hampton Inn & Suites Pittsburgh-Downtown - a well-appointed hotel with excellent amenities and a convenient location.
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh - Green Tree - a comfortable hotel with spacious rooms and a friendly staff.

What to Buy in Green Tree: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some of the best souvenirs to bring home from Green Tree include:

  • Steelers merchandise - as the hometown team, the Pittsburgh Steelers are a big part of the city’s culture, and their merchandise is a popular souvenir item.
  • Local artwork - Green Tree is home to several talented artists whose work can be found in local galleries and shops.
  • Pottery - Pennsylvania has a rich history of pottery-making, and there are several shops in the Green Tree area that sell beautiful pottery pieces.

Local Culture and Customs of Green Tree

Green Tree is known for its friendly and welcoming locals, who are always happy to share their city’s history and culture with visitors. Some of the customs and traditions that are unique to Green Tree include:

  • Pittsburghese - a quirky dialect that is spoken in Pittsburgh that includes unique words and phrases such as “yinz” (meaning “you all”) and “redd up” (meaning “clean up”).
  • Steelers fandom - as mentioned earlier, the Pittsburgh Steelers are a big part of the local culture, and residents take their fandom seriously.
  • Perogies and pierogies - Green Tree is home to several local restaurants that serve traditional Polish dishes like perogies (also spelled pierogies).

Best Time to Visit Green Tree

The best time to visit Green Tree is during the summer months (June-August), when the weather is warm and sunny, and there are numerous outdoor activities to enjoy. However, visiting during the fall (September-November) is also a good option, as the foliage is beautiful and there are several fall festivals to attend.

Do’s and Don’ts of Green Tree

Do:

  • Do explore the local trails and parks
  • Do try the local cuisine and beverages
  • Do attend a Steelers game or explore the Heinz Field stadium

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or damage the natural environment
  • Don’t skip out on trying at least one Pittsburgh classic dish
  • Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with a local resident

Safety and Health

Safety in Green Tree

Green Tree is a safe destination for travelers, with a low crime rate and a friendly community. However, as with any destination, it’s important to keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings.

Health in Green Tree

Green Tree has several hospitals and medical facilities, including UPMC Mercy and West Penn Hospital, that offer high-quality medical care for both locals and visitors.

Getting to Green Tree: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Green Tree

  • Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) - located 20 minutes from Green Tree, this is the closest airport to the borough.

Bus Stations Near Green Tree

  • Greyhound - the closest Greyhound bus station is located in Pittsburgh, just a short drive from Green Tree.

Other Options

  • Rental Cars - there are several rental car companies located at the airport, making it easy to rent a car and explore the area at your own pace.

How to Get Around in Green Tree

Green Tree is a small borough that is easy to explore on foot or by bike. However, if you need to travel further afield or don’t want to walk or bike, there are several transportation options available, including:

  • Taxis and rideshare services
  • Public buses
  • Rental cars

Where to Go Next from Green Tree: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Pittsburgh - located just a short drive from Green Tree, Pittsburgh is a vibrant city with numerous attractions, including the Andy Warhol Museum and the Carnegie Museum of Art.
  • Laurel Highlands - this natural wonderland is located less than an hour from Green Tree and is home to several parks, including Ohiopyle State Park and Laurel Ridge State Park.

Conclusion

Green Tree, Pennsylvania, is a hidden gem that offers a unique combination of cultural and natural attractions, great food, and excellent accommodation options. Whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors or soak up some local history and culture, Green Tree has something for everyone.