Trails

On foot, by bike or in the water, the ways to experience Pittsburgh and Allegheny County are endless.

Check out the extensive trail information below and begin your own outdoor urban adventure!

Hiking Trails

There are over 700 outdoor stairways within Pittsburgh's city limits, totaling 24,090 vertical feet. The highest concentration of city steps is in the South Side Slopes neighborhood which holds its annual StepTrek event in October that allows walkers to climb the many steps in the slopes while benefiting step maintenance in the area. Many of these steps are considered part of the local transit system, and are a great way to start exploring the city on foot.

The Allegheny County Parks offer over 180 miles of trails throughout the nine parks. Park visitors can download the Allegheny County Parks Trails App to easily choose which one to traverse by viewing its length, difficulty, and elevation profile. Visitors can also track their location and get current weather conditions. Our trails are friendly to hikers, bikers, horseback riders, and runners.

Take your exploration to the next level by delighting in the beauty of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County on one of the diverse hiking trails that stretch through 24 miles of the city. The Three Rivers Heritage Trail System is a 33-mile trail and greenway system that goes through Downtown Pittsburgh running along both sides of the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio Rivers. The trail connects Downtown to adjacent city areas including Oakland, the North Shore, the South Side and the Strip District.

Venture a little further into Allegheny County on the Rachel Carson Trail a 35.7-mile day-hike trail connecting North Park in central Allegheny County to Harrison Hills County Park in its northeast corner. This diverse trail ranges from paved areas to rugged terrain and steep inclines.

The Great Allegheny Passage

Get ready for the ride of your life as you bike the Great Allegheny Passage, 335 miles of adventure spreading across two states and the District of Columbia. The Great Allegheny Passage is one smooth ride stretching 150 miles from Cumberland, Md., through the Laurel Highlands and into Pittsburgh offering travelers fun on two wheels or two feet. Outdoor adventurers won't want to miss the scenic trail that Livability.com acclaimed as one of the best and longest multipurpose trails in the East.

In Cumberland, the GAP joins the 185-mile C&O Canal Towpath creating a 335-mile continuous trail experience to Washington, D.C. These nearly-level trails bring adventurers into the heart of the majestic western Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia wilderness as they travel through charming trail towns and near National Landmarks such as famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater.

Explore the trail on your own or with a group, Golden Triangle Bike Rental is your one-stop-shop for all things GAP. Their services range from "fully-equipped" bike rental packages to shuttle service to trip planning and fully-supported tours. Whether you are pedaling out 5 miles or riding all the way to/from D.C., check in with Golden Triangle for everything you need to make your adventure on the GAP a success

Biking Trails

Pittsburgh's unique topographic blend of steep, winding hills and flat river areas makes it one of the best cities for cycling enthusiasts. Looking for an urban cycling adventure? Check out the Eliza Furnace Trail, a part of the larger Three Rivers Heritage Trail that runs through the city and offers many bike rack sites for easy storage as you explore one of the many unique neighborhoods along the trail. Need a lift to your next trail? Pittsburgh's bike friendly public transit operator the Port Authority allows riders many options to store their bikes while taking a ride to their next destination.

Perhaps you crave a more scenic route - with a ride that winds through 19 miles of Pittsburgh Steel history - along the Steel Valley section of the Great Allegheny Passage, the 335-mile trail connecting Washington, D.C., to Pittsburgh. Mountain bikers, be sure to check out the Pittsburgh Off-Road Cyclists for more information on great trails and Pittsburgh''s thriving mountain bike community.

If you forgot the bike at home, Golden Triangle Bike has it covered with bike rentals and maps to take you across the city or along the Great Allegheny Passage.

Water Trails

Pittsburgh sits at a unique confluence of rivers unlike any other in the world, and its diversity is more abundant than any other state except Alaska. The three rivers that meet in Pittsburgh are actually a vast watershed of more than a dozen unique creeks and river systems that include more than 30,000 miles of rivers and streams extending into New York and West Virginia. These clean and accessible waters have become a stunning icon of Pittsburgh's environmental transformation and allow you to experience the city from a new vantage point. Kayak Pittsburgh lets you paddle down the Allegheny River and take in the city sites of Downtown and the North Shore from the water. Row up one of the United States'' only North flowing rivers, the Monongahela with Three Rivers Rowing which offers Free Learn to Row and Paddle Days.

Spend an afternoon boating from one of the seventeen marinas in Allegheny County along the three rivers, offering river access, dining and boat maintenance. Station Square on the South Shore offers public docks at Bessemer Court, for easy river access to downtown shopping and dining. Also within the city limits are four public boat launches, one on the Monongahela River in the South Side and three along the Allegheny River. Pittsburgh's 38.3 miles of river shoreline within the city limits offers ample space for fishing and western Pennsylvania's state parks abound with well-stocked lakes and streams.

Adventurers are sure to stop by Ohiopyle State Park, where the Youghiogheny River boasts class III and IV rapids and is considered to be some of the best whitewater in the east. Check out White Water Adventurers and Laurel Highlands River Tours for more information on the rapids.

Local Trail Organizations & Outdoors Clubs

Allegheny Trail Alliance
The Great Allegheny Passage rail-trail offers 150 miles of hiking and biking between Cumberland, Md. and Pittsburgh. IN Cumberland, the GAP joins the C&O Canal Towpath, creating a continuous trail experience, 335 miles long to Washington, D.C.

DCNR Rails to Trails Guide
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources information on trails proposed, open and under construction.

Friends of the Riverfront
Increases awareness and engagement with the Pittsburgh region’s rivers and riverfronts through activities, stewardship and expansion of water and land trails.

Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy
A nonprofit, volunteer-based organization dedicated to the development, protection and promotion of hiking, biking and walking trails throughout western Pennsylvania.

Allegheny Outdoor Club
An organization based in northwestern Pennsylvania that maintains a weekly schedule of hosted hiking, biking, winter skiing activities and special events.

Explorers Club of Pittsburgh
Founded in 1947, the club is devoted to outdoor exploration and adventure in the western Pennsylvania region. Members participate in activities as diverse as mountaineering, rock climbing, skiing, scuba diving, canoeing, kayaking, caving, cycling, backpacking, environmental and community service projects, and a host of outdoor sports.

Keystone Ramblers
Local organization that maintains a schedule of hikes arranged into different themed series.

Venture Outdoors
A nonprofit organization devoted to increasing participation in outdoor recreational activity through sponsorship of biking, hiking, kayaking, fishing, climbing, nature observation and skiing in the western Pennsylvania region.

When you're enjoying outdoor activities, always remember to be safe. The Outdoor Safety Health Guide is a great way to enjoy the outdoors safely!

Authentic Experiences