Upper St. Clair Township Travel Guide

Explore the beautiful Upper St. Clair Township in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Discover its top attractions, hiking and biking routes, best things to do and eat, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Upper St. Clair Township

Upper St. Clair Township is a beautiful suburban community located in Allegheny County, in the Pittsburgh Region of Pennsylvania. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, this charming township boasts a rich history dating back to the late 1700s and offers visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, history buff, or foodie, there’s something in Upper St. Clair Township that caters to everyone’s interests.

List of Places to Visit in Upper St. Clair Township

Here are some of the top attractions that you should not miss in Upper St. Clair Township.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Pittsburgh Library - Upper St. Clair - This beautiful library building was constructed in 2019, replacing the old one which was originally built in 1963. The new library offers a wide selection of books, digital resources, and educational programs for all ages.

  • Montour Trail - This historic rail-trail in Upper St. Clair Township was once a part of the Montour Railroad, which played a significant role in the area’s coal mining industry. Today, the Montour Trail is a popular spot for walking, hiking, and biking, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Natural Attractions of Upper St. Clair Township: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Boyce Mayview Park - Covering more than 475 acres, this beautiful park offers visitors an array of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and picnicking. The park features several nature trails that cater to hikers of all skill levels, as well as a playground, picnic pavilions, and a dog park.

  • Upper St. Clair Community & Recreation Center - This state-of-the-art facility boasts an impressive list of amenities, including fitness rooms, basketball and volleyball courts, walking and jogging tracks, and swimming pools.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Upper St. Clair Township

Upper St. Clair Township offers a wide range of hiking and biking trails that cater to all skill levels. Here are some of the popular routes that you should check out:

  • Boyce-Mayview Perimeter Trail - This 2.8-mile trail loops around the entire park, offering stunning views of the surrounding nature.

  • Montour Trail - This scenic rail-trail extends for more than 60 miles, connecting Upper St. Clair Township with other communities in the Pittsburgh area, including Bethel Park, Coraopolis, and Clairton.

Best Things to Do in Upper St. Clair Township: Activities and Tours

No matter what your interests may be, Upper St. Clair Township has something for everyone. Here are some of our top recommendations for things to do and see in the area:

  • Visit the Allegheny County Parks - Upper St. Clair Township is located in close proximity to several beautiful county parks, including South Park, Settlers Cabin Park, and North Park. These parks offer a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and picnicking.

  • Explore the City of Pittsburgh - Located just a short drive away from Upper St. Clair Township, the city of Pittsburgh offers visitors an array of cultural attractions, including museums, art galleries, and theaters.

Week-Long Itinerary for Upper St. Clair Township

Here’s a seven-day itinerary that covers some of the top attractions and activities in Upper St. Clair Township:

Day Activity
1 Explore Boyce Mayview Park and its Nature Trails
2 Visit the Pittsburgh Library - Upper St. Clair
3 Take a bike ride on the Montour Trail
4 Enjoy the amenities at the Upper St. Clair Community & Recreation Center
5 Go on a guided tour of the City of Pittsburgh
6 Hike the Boyce-Mayview Perimeter Trail
7 Visit the Allegheny County Parks, including South Park, Settlers Cabin Park, and North Park

Food and Drink Scene of Upper St. Clair Township

Upper St. Clair Township has a thriving food and drink scene, with a wide range of restaurants and bars to choose from. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Perogies - These Polish dumplings are a popular local favorite, and can be found on the menus of many Upper St. Clair Township restaurants.

  • Pierogies Plus - This local eatery is known for serving up some of the best pierogies in the Pittsburgh area.

Local Beverages

  • Straub Beer - This family-owned brewery has been producing delicious beer in the Pittsburgh area since 1872.

Where to Stay in Upper St. Clair Township: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Upper St. Clair Township offers a wide range of accommodation options to cater to all budgets and preferences. Here are some of the top options:

  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh - Meadow Lands - This comfortable hotel is located just a short drive away from Upper St. Clair Township, and offers guests a wide range of amenities, including an indoor pool, fitness center, and on-site restaurant.

  • Airbnb - This popular vacation rental platform offers a wide range of accommodation options in Upper St. Clair Township, including apartments, houses, and private rooms.

What to Buy in Upper St. Clair Township: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Upper St. Clair Township is known for its unique local products and crafts. Here are some of the top items that you should consider bringing home:

  • Hand-made jewelry - Upper St. Clair Township is home to many talented local artisans who create beautiful hand-made jewelry using a variety of materials, including sterling silver, gold, and precious gems.

  • Pottery and Ceramics - Local artists create beautiful pottery and ceramics that are inspired by the natural beauty of the area.

Local Culture and Customs of Upper St. Clair Township

Upper St. Clair Township has a rich cultural heritage, with a history that dates back to the late 1700s. Local customs and traditions are greatly influenced by the area’s coal mining and industrial history, which has been a significant driver of the local economy for many years.

Best Time to Visit Upper St. Clair Township

The best time to visit Upper St. Clair Township is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the area’s many recreational activities are in full swing. However, the fall months also offer a stunning display of fall foliage, making it a beautiful time to visit as well.

Do’s and Don’ts of Upper St. Clair Township

Here are some of the do’s and don’ts that you should keep in mind when visiting Upper St. Clair Township:

Do:

  • Dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather, especially when participating in outdoor activities.

  • Respect local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage public property.

  • Impose your beliefs or opinions on others.

Safety and Health

Upper St. Clair Township is a safe and healthy community, with clean air, water, and a low crime rate. However, visitors should still take the necessary precautions to stay safe and healthy while in the area.

Safety in Upper St. Clair Township

  • Always lock your car when leaving it parked.

  • Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Health in Upper St. Clair Township

  • Make sure to stay hydrated, especially when participating in outdoor activities.

  • Wear sunscreen and protective clothing to avoid sunburn.

Getting to Upper St. Clair Township: Transportation Options and Logistics

Upper St. Clair Township is conveniently located near several major transportation hubs, including airports and bus stations.

Airports Near Upper St. Clair Township

  • Pittsburgh International Airport - This major airport is located about 20 miles northwest of Upper St. Clair Township.

Bus Stations Near Upper St. Clair Township

  • Greyhound Bus Lines - This bus station is located about 8 miles northwest of Upper St. Clair Township, in downtown Pittsburgh.

Other Options

  • Car rental - Visitors can rent a car from several major car rental companies located at the Pittsburgh International Airport.

How to Get Around in Upper St. Clair Township

The best way to get around Upper St. Clair Township is by car. Several major car rental companies operate in the Pittsburgh area, and visitors can rent a car from the Pittsburgh International Airport or in downtown Pittsburgh.

Where to Go Next from Upper St. Clair Township: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Upper St. Clair Township is located in close proximity to several other beautiful communities and attractions in the Pittsburgh area. Here are some of the top options:

  • City of Pittsburgh - This vibrant city is home to countless cultural attractions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries.

  • South Park - This beautiful county park is located just a short drive away from Upper St. Clair Township, and offers visitors an array of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and fishing.

Conclusion

Upper St. Clair Township is a beautiful community that offers visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions. Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or foodie, Upper St. Clair Township is sure to delight and inspire. With its stunning scenery, diverse recreational activities, and rich cultural heritage, it’s no wonder why so many visitors choose to make Upper St. Clair Township their next vacation destination.