Pennsylvania

explore like never before

Get Custom Travel guides packed with local tips
Nature|Hiking

Walk Or Ride Alongside The River On The Steel Valley Trail Near Pittsburgh

Explore the Steel Valley Trail near Pittsburgh for a scenic and historical adventure on foot, bike, or skates.

Published Dec 28, 2021

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

Exploring Pittsburgh is always easy. All you need is a pair of comfortable shoes or a bike, plenty of bottled water, and a plan. Where will you explore next? If you're a fan of the city's history and beautiful views, you can't go wrong with a trek along the Steel Valley Trail near Pittsburgh. It's picture-perfect whether you want to walk, hike, bike, or even skate.

The Steel Valley Trail tallies more than eight miles and runs from McKees Point Marina in McKeesport to just along Sandcastle Waterpark in Homestead or vice-versa, depending on where you want to start.

alt
All Trails/Daniel Chedin

Part of the 152-mile Great Allegheny Passage (GAP), the Steel Valley Trail features several trailheads - The Pump House at the Waterfront in Homestead, the parking lot on Library Street in Duquesne, and McKees Point Marina in McKeesport.

advertisement
alt
Facebook/Steel Valley Trail Council

You'll probably want to earmark an entire day for your journey along the trail, especially if you want to stop and explore along the way.

alt
All Trails/Linda Black

In addition to beautiful views all year around, the trail passes by a number of attractions, including Carrie Furnaces, Kennywood Park, and the Port Perry Osprey Nest.

alt
All Trails/Jaime Geurrero

Since you're traveling in the City of Bridges, you'll naturally cross or pass several of them, including the Riverton Bridge.

alt
All Trails/Daniel Chedin

If you need a break, grab a seat at one of the benches that dots the trail. The trail also features informational placards, so you can learn more about the area's rich history.

alt
Facebook/Steel Valley Trail Council

Steel Valley Trail welcomes visitors from dawn to dusk daily. If you're riding a bike, adhere to the 15 miles per hour speed limit. Here are all of the trail rules.

advertisement
alt
Facebook/Steel Valley Trail Council

Find a trail map and more information on the official website of The Steel Valley Trail Council.

alt
All Trails/Marya Pittaway

Have you followed the Steel Valley Trail near Pittsburgh? Do you have advice for those who want to hike or bike it? Let us know in the comments! Then check out some more picturesque waterfront hikes in Pittsburgh.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Nature|Hiking

The One Loop Trail In Pittsburgh That’s Perfect For A Short Day Hike, No Matter What Time Of Year

Schenley Park Double Loop Trail in Pittsburgh offers a peaceful nature escape with scenic views and wildlife.

Updated Aug 8, 2024

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

Pittsburgh is a bustling city with something going on all of the time. All of that busyness can get a bit overwhelming at times. However, what makes our beloved city so amazing is we have quite a few places where we can feel as though we're a million miles away from it all. When you just want to spend some quiet time among nature but don't want to travel far, you'll likely fall head over heels for this loop trail in Pittsburgh.

advertisement

It's probably fair to say that most Pittsburghers have visited Schenley Park at least once. After all, it boasts a ton of amenities - from a pool to a playground.

A winding dirt path through a lush green forest, illuminated by soft sunlight filtering through the trees.
All Trails/Sae-Saul Park

It also has some of the best hiking in Pennsylvania.

Even if you're not an avid hiker, you'll find that the 456-acre park's trails are perfect for leisurely strolls that will take you far from the noise of the big city.

A winding path through a forest with vibrant yellow and red autumn leaves under a clear blue sky.
All Trails/Debbie Zhu

Do you agree this is one of the best hikes in PA?

Clocking in at five miles, Schenley Park Double Loop Trail offers a look at some of the best the park has to offer, including Panther Hollow Lake.

A cluster of purple flowers surrounded by green leaves and fallen autumn leaves on the ground.
All Trails/Rachel Gross

Hikers tend to agree the path is moderate - and for good reason. Downed trees and confusing trail markings can make the trail a bit challenging.

A stone bridge over a small stream, surrounded by lush green trees and foliage in a serene forest setting.
All Trails/John Creasy

However, if you're okay with the challenges, you'll be treated to beautiful views.

A stone arch bridge surrounded by lush greenery, with a gravel path leading through a serene forest.
All Trails/Rocco Derenzo

While the trail can get busy, hikers praise it for offering peace, quiet, and that feeling of being far from the noise of the city.

advertisement
A serene pond surrounded by lush greenery under a partly cloudy sky, with reflections on the water's surface.
All Trails/Cherie Commesser

You'll probably even spot some of the park's residents - frogs, ducks, and deer - along the trail.

A frog resting on a leaf in shallow water, surrounded by pebbles and twigs.
All Trails/Ryan Mallen

The double-loop trail is dog-friendly (as long as your pup remains leashed), and it's also doable for kids.

A serene park scene featuring a curved pond surrounded by lush greenery and a cloudy blue sky.
All Trails/Bret Tracy

Plan your visit on the official website of Schenley Park. Find a trail map and more information on Schenley Park Double Loop Trail on All Trails.

A deer stands in a lush green forest, surrounded by trees and underbrush, looking curiously at the viewer.
All Trails/Raju Mundru

Do you agree this is the best loop trail in Pittsburgh? What do you think are the best hikes near Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments! Hiking is the perfect way to explore our beautiful city, don't you think? For another adventure and amazing views, follow the Steel Valley Trail. Find a comprehensive list of hiking trails in Pennsylvania on All Trails.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Nature|Hiking

The Pittsburgh Hike That Leads To The Most Unforgettable Destination

Explore the 2.3-mile Emerald View Loop Trail in Pittsburgh for stunning city skyline views and a dog-friendly adventure.

Updated Jul 17, 2024

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

Where's your favorite kind of place to hike? In the cool of the mountains? Deep in the woods of a local state park? Or, do you prefer to explore Pittsburgh on one of its numerous hiking trails? Well, if you're up for a day in and around the city, embark on the Emerald View Trail in Pennsylvania, which leads to some of the very best views in Pittsburgh.

advertisement

Lace up your hiking boots; fill up your water bottle; and set off on the 2.3-mile Emerald View Loop Trail, one of the best hiking trails in Pennsylvania.

alt
All Trails/D. Sauter

If you're headed out after a rainy day, be prepared to walk through mud, which will be messy and could be slippery.

alt
AllTrails/Ariel Scalise

We recommend wearing a pair of comfy shoes that you don't mind getting muddy or wet. We all know how fast the weather changes in Pittsburgh.

Pick up the trail at one of several spots, including Mount Washington Park. (Or, use the trail coordinates 40.43817 to start and 80.03042 to end.)

alt
AllTrails/Chris Myer

The scenic trail meanders through several Pittsburgh neighborhoods, including Mount Washington, Allentown, and Duquesne Heights.

alt
AllTrails/Damon Miller

Emerald View Trail is moderate in terms of difficulty; be prepared to deal with some of those hills for which Pittsburgh is known.

Before you know it, you'll see the breathtaking view of the downtown skyline from high atop Mount Washington.

alt
AllTrails/Jonathan Cano

After your hike along the dog-friendly Emerald View Trail, spend some time relaxing and exploring Emerald View Park.

advertisement
alt
AllTrails/David Loeffert

The park features a playground, a sports fields, and an off-leash dog park.

alt
AllTrails/Jonathan Cano

Bring your bike along, too, if you're up for a leisurely ride around the park, which features several other trails.

alt
Flickr/David Brossard

Have you followed the Emerald View Trail in Pennsylvania? What did you think? Let us know in the comments. If you have any Emerald View Trail photos, we'd love to see them, too. Ready to explore some more? Set off on one of these short and sweet trails in Pittsburgh.

Find all of the best hikes in Pennsylvania, including photos and hiker reviews, on All Trails.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/pennsylvania/pittsburgh/6-brief-beautiful-hikes-pgh/

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Food
Restaurants

Turn Back Time With a Stay at a Charming Retro Motel & a Meal at this Vintage Diner in Florida

by Megan Todaro
on Nov 8
alt
Trip Ideas
Day Trips

There’s No Place Like My Hometown of Miami for the Holidays

by Megan Todaro
on Nov 8
alt
Food
Restaurants

The off-the-Beaten-Path Restaurant in Maryland That Is Worth the Day Trip

by Raymond Goldfield
on Nov 8
alt
Experiences
Events

7 Christmas Light Displays in Arkansas That Are Pure Holiday Magic

by Melanie Johnson
on Nov 8
Drive through holiday lights
Trip Ideas
Small Towns

A Winter Getaway to Oregon’s Snowiest Town Is Nothing Short of Magical

by Christy Articola
on Nov 8
alt