A guide to getting outdoors in Pittsburgh
Sporty types will be delighted to learn that there’s an abundance of nature in and around Pittsburgh. Water plays a big part in outdoor life, particularly the city’s rivers. Whether you’re out on the water, or jogging, riding or fishing beside it, these rivers provide the focus for a wide range of outdoor adventures. In addition, Pittsburgh contains an impressive 165 parks and green spaces criss-crossed by hiking and biking trails, while some of Pennsylvania’s top golf courses are found here, too. Consequently, there are countless places where you can forget you’re in the city at all.
On the water
Three rivers meet in Pittsburgh – the Allegheny, the Monongahela and the Ohio. Together, they drain a vast catchment which stretches from New York to West Virginia. Whether you plan to paddleboard, row, sail, raft, canoe or kayak, it’s hard to get away from them – and you probably won’t want to either.
Kayaking the Three Rivers
Venture Outdoors, a non-profit, runs an exciting Kayak Pittsburgh programme during the summer months; the season runs from late May to September. Sign up online for one of the calendared guided kayak excursions led by a qualified instructor. Basic training is provided and when you’re ready, you’ll paddle out onto the lake or along the Allegheny River as a group. Alternatively, rent a solo, tandem or sit-on-top kayak at North Park Lake, James Sharp Landing in Sharpsburg or, when work is finished, their new floating launch location in downtown Pittsburgh. Sessions can be booked for one or two hours. Tackle one of the three key stretches of the Three Rivers Trail at your own pace:
Northside
Follow the north shore of the Ohio past Neville Island; it was here that Pitt-Des Moines made St Louis’ Gateway Arch. Opposite Point State Park, bear left into the Allegheny to reach Sycamore Island, where you’ll find a biodiverse hardwood floodplain forest.
Downtown
Kayak the Mon, as it’s affectionately dubbed by Pittsburghers. Leave the high rises of the CBD behind and pass under the Hot Metal Bridge. Paddle on, keeping your eyes peeled for the bald eagles that nest in the sylvan hills of Hays Woods. Continue to Nine Mile Run, a restored stream that is another good spot for birdwatching.
South Side & Eliza Furnace
Pittsburgh’s South Side was at the centre of iron and steel making. On the opposite bank, you’d have found the Eliza blast furnaces and coke ovens. Today it’s parkland; there’s a pull-out near Birmingham Bridge if you fancy a picnic.
Whitewater rafting in Ohiopyle State Park
Tackle the busiest stretch of whitewater rapids east of the Mississippi as you navigate the churning waters of the Youghiogheny River. The Lower Yough extends for seven exhilarating miles from Ohiopyle Falls to the Bruner Run Take-out, boasting thrilling class III and IV rapids. It’s not to be underestimated: novices will want to build confidence and hone technique in the calmer waters of the Middle Yough. There, from the Ramcat Put-in to Ohiopyle town, you’ll encounter less challenging class I and II rapids. Arrange your activity through one of several tour operators based in Ohiopyle such as Laurel Highlands River Tours or White Water Adventurers.
Other watery adventures
If your idea of a watery adventure is a little less adrenaline-fuelled, consider rowing or boating. Steel City Rowing Club offers private lessons on the Upper Allegheny River; Pittsburgh Rowing Club runs similar sessions out of Coraopolis nearer the airport. Wannabe boaters should seek out Pittsburgh Boat Rental on the Ohio River.
On the land
Pittsburgh has plenty of wild corners that can be explored on land, too. It takes next to no effort to find a space where you’re surrounded by nature, even right at the heart of the city. Take a breather from the city’s built attractions to focus on what was there first.
Cycling
The Great Allegheny Passage
The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP for short) connects Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland. In 1978, a redundant stretch of the West Maryland Railroad was transformed into a hiking and biking path. Over time, more sections were added; the result is a splendid 240km-long trail that cuts through some of the region’s most magnificent countryside and showcases its industrial heritage. The route crosses the Mason-Dixon Line and crests the Eastern Continental Divide. Approaching Pittsburgh, visit the Carrie Blast Furnaces near Homestead before finishing up in historic Point State Park. Experienced riders can cycle the GAP in two or three days, but why rush?
Three Rivers Heritage Trail
This 53km-long trail can be loosely divided into three spokes, each following one of Pittsburgh’s major rivers to converge on Point State Park. The Three Rivers Heritage Trail is largely paved, ensuring the riverfront is accessible to itinerant cyclists and those who simply wish to park up and enjoy the view.
Panther Hollow Trail
Pedal through leafy woodland in the midst of parkland on a well-maintained path. Panther Hollow Trail in Schenley Park is a multi-use trail popular with cyclists, split into two easy sections, upper and lower. Each is around a mile long, making this the ideal choice for a leisurely ride.
Tranquil Trail
This 4.2km out-and-back trail runs north-south through Pittsburgh’s Frick Park. A mostly flat walk (apart from a small incline at one end) through emerald-tinged woodland and beside a gentle creek, it's an simple stroll through one of the city's wild pockets. Therein lies the reason why this trail is so popular with the locals.
Pedalling Downtown Pittsburgh
Downtown Pittsburgh is a bike-friendly space with dedicated cycle routes. Bike Pittsburgh publishes downloadable cycling maps; alternatively pick up a paper copy from city bike shops. POGOH’s pay-as-you-go option suits travellers looking for a ride share scheme. Take your cycle on the “T” train and the Monongahela Incline funicular buses, which have racks.
Bicycle Heaven
Visit the world’s largest bicycle museum, Bicycle Heaven, in Pittsburgh. Admire a 6,000-strong collection of bicycles, many of them vintage including rare Bowden Spacelanders. Admission is free, though donations are welcome.
Hiking
Exploring Pittsburgh on two feet isn’t merely possible, it’s positively encouraged. Take Coal Hill, once a degraded casualty of the mining industry. Following a successful afforestation programme, this scar on the landscape morphed into a beautiful wooded hillside. Overlooking the Monongahela River, today it forms Emerald View Park; within it, hike the Grand View Scenic Byway, where information boards recount aspects of Pittsburgh’s and Mount Washington’s history.
Another example of how derelict industrial sites can be successfully reimagined is the South Shore Riverfront Park. Once the site of J&L Steel Works, upper and lower paths connect plazas and scenic overlooks.
Other popular trails in this remarkably walkable city include the Nine Mile Run Trail in Frick Park and the Riverfront Trail. Further out, Boyce Mayview Park is one of the hiking highlights of suburban Pittsburgh, particularly if you plan to walk to its waterfalls. On the opposite side of the city, Harrison Hills Park boasts a section of the Rachel Carson Trail, named after one of the city’s most eminent environmentalists.
Rest your limbs
Stay at one of the following hotels within walking distance of some of Pittsburgh’s most attractive green spaces.
The lobby at the EVEN Hotel (EVEN Hotel)
The lobby at the EVEN Hotel (EVEN Hotel)
EVEN Hotel
EVEN Hotel, part of the IHG chain, is a comfortable three-star hotel right at the heart of downtown Pittsburgh. You’ll find it just a few blocks from the urban landscaping of Mellon Green and Firstside Park. It’s also less than 15 minutes’ walk from the 36-acre Point State Park.
(The Landing Hotel)
(The Landing Hotel)
The Landing Hotel Pittsburgh
Opening in late 2022, The Landing Hotel Pittsburgh can be found attached to the Rivers Casino. Book a room at this riverfront property facing the Ohio or relax outside with a coffee overlooking the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. In addition, it’ll only take you 20 minutes to walk to Lake Elizabeth in Allegheny Commons Park.
The lobby at the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel (Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel)
The lobby at the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel (Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel)
Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel
Contemporary luxury is the watchword at the Renaissance, which occupies the historic Fulton Building in downtown Pittsburgh. Guests are steps away from the Allegheny Riverfront Park and less than half a mile from Point State Park. Meanwhile across the Three Sister bridges, you’ll find another green space, Allegheny Landing.
(The Oaklander Hotel)
(The Oaklander Hotel)
The Oaklander Hotel
The Oaklander Hotel, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, brings elegance and sophistication to Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighbourhood. It sits across the street from Soldiers & Sailors Lawn. Better still, leafy 456-acre Schenley Park, where you'll find Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, can easily be reached on foot.
How to get there and around
From mid-May British Airways will fly direct to Pittsburgh six times a week, with a flight time of just over eight hours. When you've landed in Pittsburgh, the 28X Airport Flyer service takes 37 minutes to connect the airport to Downtown Pittsburgh, departing every 30 minutes. Once in the city centre, travellers can connect with other buses in the network and the ‘T’, Pittsburgh’s light rail transit. There’s a flat fare of $2.75 (£2.22). Pittsburgh’s compact Downtown is easily walkable.
Feeling inspired?
For more information, head over to the official VisitPITTSBURGH website.
Make it happen
Let the experts at America As You Like It help you really get under the skin of Pittsburgh with their Discover Pittsburgh four-night trip. Prices from £1,045 per person, including international flights.
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