Going Green in Pittsburgh

A Pittsburgh Itinerary for the Nature Lover

Going green is a lifestyle here in Pittsburgh. In fact, it’s one of the first things visitors mention when they get here.

With abundant natural resources spanning three rivers and rolling hillsides, the city has followed in the footsteps of Pittsburgh native and renowned environmentalist Rachel Carson by reclaiming our beautiful lands and turning them into parks and green spaces for everyone to enjoy.

Follow our quick, two-day itinerary and see how everything from our parks and transportation to museums and restaurants are building a sustainable future.

DAY 1: Out & About

Your nature itinerary begins with grand views and historic space at Emerald View Park. Situated high atop Mount Washington, this former mining site has been beautifully reforested and remediated into a 257-acre park complete with an 11-mile network of trails. The scenic overlooks along Grandview Avenue are a top highlight here, best enjoyed by also taking a one-of-a-kind ride down the Monongahela or Duquesne Inclines while you’re there.

See the best of Pittsburgh with a guided tour from Golden Triangle Bike Rental. You’ll become an honorary Pittsburgher as you learn about the city on a two-hour adventure along beautiful riverfront trails passing by the Southside, Station Square and more iconic locales.

Point State Park
Credit |
Richard Nowitz

Your bike ride finishes up near Point State Park at the confluence of our three rivers. This National Historic Landmark is steeped in both history (visit the Fort Pitt Museum for more on Pittsburgh’s strategic importance during the French & Indian war) and natural beauty. In the spring, look for the redbuds in bloom adding their signature hue to our riverfronts, and take note of cyclists tackling the Three Rivers Heritage Trail and Great Allegheny Passage.

Of course, all this work to beautify our parks and riverfronts would be for naught without ensuring our businesses are sustainable. Make dinner plans at The Porch at Schenley Park, where local sourcing is a key part of ensuring a fresh, flavorful menu. Their must-have braised pork shank features Jubilee Hilltop Ranch pork and Emerick’s maple, both sourced within 100 miles of the city. During summer months, The Porch also uses herbs and honey fresh from their rooftop garden and hives. Their location in Schenley Park is another nature-filled destination with 456 acres of trails and attractions including Phipps Conservatory, Flagstaff Hill, ice skating rink and more.

Schenley Park
Credit |
Matt Shuck

SPOTLIGHT ON: Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

A green oasis in the middle of Pittsburgh, Phipps has provided a world-class garden experience since 1893. Explore the beauty and wonders of nature at Phipps, encompassing 15 acres including a 14-room glasshouse and 23 distinct gardens.

Experience industry-leading sustainable architecture, stunning seasonal flower shows, incredible glass art and more.

Credit |
Paul G. Wiegman
Credit |
Paul G. Wiegman
Heinz History Center

DAY 2: Going Green

Day two of your journey begins at the Senator John Heinz History Center, the first Smithsonian property to earn a LEED certification. The largest history museum in PA exists in the restored Consolidated Ice Company building, complete with sustainable building materials, rooftop solar panels and energy efficient HVAC.

Six floors of interactive Pittsburgh history await you inside, including the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, the TV set from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, a guide through the history of Heinz ketchup and much more.

Frick Park Environmental Center
Credit |
Matt Shuck

At 644 acres (about the area of Central Park in New York City), exploring Frick Park’s extensive valleys and slopes is an easy way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city without ever leaving. Start at the incredible gatehouse entrance on Reynolds Street and flock to Clayton Hill for unmatched birdwatching. Kids will love sliding down the hillside at beloved Blue Slide Playground, and adults can stay active too at pickleball courts, public clay tennis courts and lawn bowling green. Opened in 2016, the LEED Platinum Frick Environmental Center welcomes and engages visitors to learn more about the park.

If you’re vegan, a pizzeria is usually one of the hardest places to find a meal. At Spak Brothers, they pride themselves on providing a classic take-out pizzeria experience with plenty of vegan options, including wings, cheesy breadsticks, calzones and the ability to make any pizza vegan with no casein cheese, unbleached flour and no refined sugars.

Flex your creative muscles at Pittsburgh Glass Center, a cutting-edge glass studio and community hub that also has the distinction of being the first LEED-certified Public Arts Facility. Their studio is the perfect place for a night out, with date night and make-it-now events allowing beginners to create their own glass art. While you’re there, be sure to tour their rotating exhibit space featuring top glass artists from around the world.

Pittsburgh Glass Center

More Outdoor Fun:

Related Content: