Things to do / Travel Guide
One of the best ways to tour southwestern Pennsylvania is the good, old-fashioned way: on bicycle. In 1999, Pittsburgh's Department of City Planning issued a decree: Make Pittsburgh a “bikeable” city! Biking trails in and around Pittsburgh are now well-marked and easy to use. Dubbed by bikers as the “San Francisco” of the east, Pittsburgh has many paved, steep inclines that dare adventurous and fit peddlers to rise to the challenge and face these veritable uphill battles. For a glimpse of some of Pennsylvania's most beautiful rural scenery, head for the tranquil wilderness trails that wind their way along the banks of the bubbling Youghiogheny River - they are, hands-down, among the best of the Mid-Atlantic.
Bicycle rentals along the Youghiogheny River can be found in just about every town, including Confluence, Ohiopyle, Connellsville, and Greenock, and usually cost around $5 an hour. Bike rentals in Pittsburgh, however, are very difficult to come by and it is advisable for peddlers to bring their own equipment.
Biking around Pittsburgh
The below trails below are considered Pittsburgh's best-loved inter-city routes:
- The North Shore Trail is a rail trail that starts on Washington's Island in the Allegheny River and runs to Heinz Field. The trail runs a total of three miles past fountains and sculptures, taking you past spectacular views of the city and the Ohio and Allegheny Rivers. This quick spin shouldn't take more than half an hour, tops.
- South Side Rail Trail is an easy, quiet ride that runs six miles between Station Square and Glenwood Bridge. The trail follows East Carson Street along the Monongahela River and offers pleasant, shaded areas and views of the river. Even at a leisurely pace, this trail will take no more than an hour.
- For quad-burning uphill climbs try Canton Avenue, in the neighborhood of Beechview, with its steep 20-degree incline. You can also check out either Grand View Avenue or Greenleaf Street, which will take you up Mount Washington.
Western Pennsylvania Wheelmen bike club has compiled a detailed catalogue of Pittsburgh's steepest streets.
For the best mountain biking within Pittsburgh head to Frick Park. Trail entrances are on Beachwood Boulevard, Forbes Avenue, Braddock Avenue, Reynolds Street, and Forward Avenue. The trails range from easy, gentle rides to ultra-technical downhill challenges and are anywhere from two to 15 miles long. For more information about Frick Park's mountain biking trails, read this mountain cyclist's personal account.
The Allegheny Trail Alliance has created a detailed map of Pittsburgh's trails.
Biking around Youghiogheny River and Ohiopyle State Park
- The Youghiogheny River Trail North features a 43-mile flat, crushed limestone trail that once served as the Western Maryland Railroad. The lush, largely wilderness trail runs between McKeesport and Connellsville. Trailheads are located in Boston, Smithton, and Route 51 in Whitsett. Figure on spending at least four hours on this spin.
- The Youghiogheny River Trail South is a mostly flat, shady, wooded stretch also of crushed limestone that runs for 28 miles (the whole trail should take approximately three hours to ride) between Confluence, Ohiopyle, and Connellsville. Trailheads exist in all three of these towns. The trail crosses scenic bridges at the Youghiogheny River rapids in Ohiopyle State Park, as well as over a viaduct and ravine.
- For more mountain biking, head to Ohiopyle State Park's 13 miles of rolling and rugged mountain biking trails. The Sugarloaf Snowmobile and Mountain Bike Area, with its smooth terrain, dense forest, and fast hills has nine miles of trails suitable for novice and expert riders. The four-mile Sugarloaf Trail runs from the Sugarloaf Snowmobile and Mountain Bike Area to the town of Ohiopyle, climbs 800 feet in elevation, and is best for intermediate cyclists. For a tough, 16-mile singletrack climb, start in the town of Ohiopyle and ride up and out of the valley, following Pennsylvania Road 2012, through a wooded stretch to the top of one of Ohiopyle State Park's most beautiful ridges - an elevation point of 2,892 feet.
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