On the 35th installment of our YouTube series #westernparunning, Hartwood Acres Park is featured. Hartwood Acres Park, situated in Hampton and Indiana townships of Allegheny County, spans over 600 acres. The park is only 10 miles northeast of downtown Pittsburgh.
Hartwood Acres is a popular destination for a number of activities including: walking, running, hiking, horse riding, and cross-country skiing. The most prominent and unique feature of Hartwood Acres is the 16th century style tudor mansion. Admission to tour the mansion is: $6 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $2 for kids.
History of Hartwood Mansion
Mary Flinn Lawrence, famed Pittsburgh Philanthropist and daughter of Senator William Flinn, funded the construction of Hartwood mansion with inheritance money. Senator William Flinn owned Pittsburgh’s largest construction firm. Mary Flinn Lawrence and her husband John, hired famed architect Alfred Hopkins, to design the mansion. Hopkins was known for designing farm complexes and buildings. Built in 1929, the 31-room mansion, is one of the largest country estates in the region. The mansion houses a number antiques with most of them situated in the Great Hall, which spans half a football field. One such antique, is an 1870 Bijar Persian carpet that consists of 1,000 knots per square inch and is worth an estimated $75,000. Mary Flinn Lawrence sold Hartwood Mansion to Allegheny County in 1969, along with 400 acres. The mansion opened to the public in 1976.
Numerous Running Options
With over 3 miles of low traffic roads, 10 miles of trails, and a mix of hills and flat, Hartwood Acres provides robust running options. With plenty of off-road running options, Hartwood Acres is also host to a number of local high school cross country meets each fall. The Hartwood Acres trail loop is good for all skill levels and features beautiful wild flowers. Peak season is from May to September.
Summer Fun At Hartwood
The park has a large stage concert area that hosts a free summer concert series and the Allegheny County Music Festival. Past performers have included famed groups such as Rusted Root and The Clarks.
The Crown Jewel of Parks
Many consider Hartwood Acres Park the “crown jewel” of the 9 Allegheny County Parks. With a number of unique features, Hartwood Acres is a must visit park next time you are in western Pennsylvania.
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