Toms Run Nature Reserve

Located about 10 miles from downtown Pittsburgh in western Allegheny County, Toms Run Nature Reserve is 369 acres and hosts large stands of mature maple, oak and American beech trees and several small streams. The largest of those streams is Toms Run. This nature reserve is available to you and your family for hiking and wildlife viewing with new trails, including an ADA-accessible path.

The Conservancy first began protecting this urban forest from development in 1977 and have been working to restore it from years of agriculture, gas and residential development since the mid-2000s. Today, with the help of dedicated WPC members and volunteers, dilapidated buildings have been demolished and abandoned oil and gas wells capped. Toms Run Nature Reserve is located near I-79 and Route 65 in Ohio and Kilbuck townships and remains one of the largest areas of undeveloped forested land in Allegheny County.

Location

  • Ohio Township, Allegheny County

Dates Acquired

1977 - 2018

Size

Approximately 369 acres

Notable features

The reserve includes large stands of mature maple, oak and American beech trees. Toms Run, which flows along the preserve’s eastern border, is the largest of several streams on the reserve.

Parking

Parking Available

Recreational Activities

  • Birding
  • Eating Area / Benches
  • Hiking (Designated Trail)
  • Hiking (Off-Trail)
  • Hunting
  • Universal Access / ADA Trail
  • Wildlife Watching

Recreational Activities

Hiking

3-mile Trail Loop

Toms Run Nature Reserve is free to the public for all to enjoy. You can currently explore the reserve via a new three-mile trail loop, thanks to the help of professional trail builders and local volunteers. Portions of the trail may be wet depending on the season and weather conditions. At the trailhead, visitors will also find trail maps and information, and additional educational signage throughout the reserve.

Trail Blazes

The painted trail blazes follow a standard protocol for marking hiking trails in North America. Learn what each trail blaze means.

ADA-accessibility

A portion of the trail includes a 380-foot pathway that can be used by wheelchairs and electric-powered mobility devices. An expanded, ADA-accessible parking lot, which accommodates 13 vehicles and school buses, is available.

Wildlife Watching

Birding

Toms Run Nature Reserve is an eBird hotspot! eBird hotspots are the best places for birding around the world.

Yellow-bellied flycatcher, Carolina wren and multiple varieties of warbler are just a few of the many species that have been spotted.

eBird.org is a website and app to use to find more birds; keep track of your bird lists, photos, and sounds; explore the latest sightings from around the world; join the world’s largest birding community; and contribute your observations to science and conservation. Visit eBird.org for more information, directions to hotspots and more.

 

Hunting

Hunting is permitted during hunting season, except on Sundays. Trapping is prohibited. All visitors should exercise caution and wear blaze orange during hunting season.

Plan Your Visit

GPS Coordinates: 40.5294, -80.1132

Directions to the Preserve

Interactive Preserve Map

Directions

From Pittsburgh, take PA-65 N 10 miles to Toms Run Road (before the intersection with I-79). Turn right onto Toms Run Road and continue straight for 1.1 miles to the parking lot on your left. From I-79, take I-79 to PA-65 S/Ohio River Boulevard. Make the first left onto Toms Run Road and travel 1.1 miles to the parking lot on your left.

Visitor Tips

Watch this introduction to Toms Run Nature Reserve

Toms Run Nature Reserve has plenty of natural beauty with narrow stream valleys and steep forested slopes. Visitors should wear sturdy boots or shoes, as portions of the trail may be wet depending on the season and weather conditions. The parking lot accommodates 13 vehicles and school buses. Be prepared for your visit by watching this short video and reviewing the downloadable maps and materials below. We recommend downloading these files to your mobile device prior to visiting.

Visitor Guidelines

When visiting Toms Run Nature Reserve, please remember:

  • Only foot traffic is permitted.
  • Camping and campfires are prohibited.
  • Vehicles, including ATVs and bicycles, are prohibited.
  • If you carry it in, carry it out.
  • Dogs must be on a leash or otherwise kept under control at all times.
  • Collecting (animals, plants, rocks, etc.) without permission is prohibited.
  • Review the Guidelines for Public Use of WPC Properties document prior to your visit.

Downloadable Materials