Best Bike Trails in Pittsburgh
We often tout the many perks of living in Pittsburgh and since it’s National Bike Month, we’re going to toot our horn about some of the best bike trails in and around the city, too. Because, in addition to all of the arts, culture and technology that Pittsburgh has to offer, the city also is full of green space! Here are eight of the best bike trails in Pittsburgh, PA: 1. The Three Rivers Heritage Trail This nearly 25-mile-long trail runs along one of Pittsburgh’s most defining characteristics… its three rivers, the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio! Not only does this bike trail offer an awesome view of the natural scenery, but it runs through many of the city’s historic neighborhoods, too, allowing riders to catch a glimpse of the city’s resilience, as many of the areas have been restored over the last few decades. 2. The Eliza Furnace Trail If the entire length of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail is too much for a daily ride, cyclists can pick up one of the city’s oldest trails, the Eliza Furnace Trail, which is about four miles long and runs from the city’s Hazelwood section to downtown Pittsburgh. This trail rocks because if offers riders a spin around the Allegheny County jailhouse! With parking lots at both ends for easy loading and unloading, the Eliza Furnace Trail is a popular bike-friendly route in Pittsburgh. 3. The North Shore Trail Another, shorter, scenic section of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail is the North Shore Trail, which spans Pittsburgh’s Millvale to Chateau neighborhoods. It’s got everything to see, from bridges to riverbanks to glimpses of the city’s industrial past. You can even take this trail straight to PNC Park and Heinz Field, where you can root on the Pirates or Steelers with the rest of the Yinzers! 4. The South Side Riverfront Trail The South Side Riverfront Trail is a five-mile long trail that offers riders a real Pittsburgh experience, running along East Carson Street and extending through Station Square to the SouthSide Works. Sure, it’s nestled along one of Pittsburgh’s busiest streets, but the South Side Riverfront Trail couldn’t be more serene. This bike-friendly trail’s got everything from riverside to railroad sights to see! 5. The Steel Valley Trail If riders are looking for a longer excursion than they can find on the South Side Riverfront Trail, they can easily hop onto the Steel Valley Trail, which extends almost 20 miles through the SouthSide Works to McKeesport along the Monongahela River. Talk about embracing Pittsburgh’s industrial roots! The Steel Valley trail curves through what was once part of the city’s bustling factory sections. Now, they can see remnants of the city’s past and other historical landmarks like Kennywood Park and some of Pittsburgh’s most beautiful bridges. 6. The Trails of Frick Park Mountain bikers can’t resist Pittsburgh’s Frick Park, which is over 500 acres of city greenspace. The historic park attracts everyone from cyclists to runners to just some friendly faces out on a stroll with their pups. The sights are beautiful, but the terrain is rugged, so riders may want to pack a picnic lunch to keep their energy up and truly enjoy these Pittsburgh trails. 7. The Allegheny Memorial Trail Ever considered cycling through a cemetery? If you would like to find a trail that provides a peaceful escape from the fast-moving city, then you should consider Pittsburgh’s Allegheny Cemetery. Though it may not be full of automobile traffic, riders may find a good amount of foot traffic. This serene Allegheny Memorial Trail is the perfect pass through Pittsburgh! 8. The Great Allegheny Passage OK, this trail may be for only the most serious of cyclists, but the Great Allegheny Passage runs an incredible 150 miles from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland. Yep, that’s right; this trail will take cyclists from the Steel City to the nation’s capital – all along historic railroad lines. On the trek, riders will see few cars, but instead, the natural beauty that only the region’s rivers and forests can provide. Now, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or avid cyclist, get out there and hit the trails in honor of National Bike Month! You can find more information about these and other great Pittsburgh bike trails here.
