PITTSBURGH HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Nordic Strides in Frick Park: A 55+ Walk-and-Learn for Low‑Impact Fitness
A 2‑hour, 2‑mile guided walk in Frick Park that pairs hands‑on instruction in walking with poles with gentle terrain and community support.
Nordic Strides in Frick Park: A 55+ Walk-and-Learn for Low‑Impact Fitness.
This Walk and Learn session in Frick Park is part of a continuing PT‑led series that combines short, easy walks with a monthly health topic; the outing covers about two miles over a mix of gravel, dirt and paved trails with stretches of sun and shade and is designed to encourage movement and social connection for older adults.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Nordic walking and pole technique
This session centers on walking with poles/Nordic walking as the monthly instructional topic; participants may bring their own poles or borrow a pair provided by the operator.
Short, varied terrain
The walk covers roughly two miles over a relaxed course that moves across gravel, dirt and paved sections, alternating sunlit stretches with shaded woodland paths.
Designed for participants 55 and older
Framed as a low‑impact, Activity Level 2 outing, this walk is tailored to those 55+ who want to become more active while learning practical tools for stress reduction and exercise.
What the day feels like
What the walk feels like
Expect a deliberate, two‑hour flow: meet at the park, receive a short instructional segment from the PT on the session’s topic, then move through a roughly two‑mile loop that balances conversational pacing and mild exercise across sun and shade; the mix of surfaces keeps the walk accessible while offering brief teaching moments along the way.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits—and who should check first
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Each session runs about two hours and the series continues on the third Thursday of each month through late fall.
Bring water and comfortable walking shoes. You may bring your own hiking poles or borrow a pair provided by the operator.
Meet at Blue Slide Playground in Frick Park, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 for check‑in and orientation.
If cost is a concern or you need assistance with accessibility, contact the operator to discuss options and accommodations.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the walk?
The outing lasts about two hours.
How far will we walk?
The route covers roughly two miles.
Where do we meet?
Meet at the Blue Slide Playground in Frick Park, Pittsburgh, PA 15217.
Who is this program for?
The series is intended for participants aged 55 and older and is framed as an Activity Level 2 (relaxed) outing.
Do I need to bring poles?
You are welcome to bring your own hiking poles; if you don’t have them, you can borrow a pair from the operator.
What if cost or accessibility is a concern?
If cost is a barrier or you have accessibility or other concerns, contact Mel Fetsko at [email protected] or call 412‑255‑0564 ext. 247 for assistance.
When does this series meet?
The series continues on the third Thursday of each month until late fall.