An Urban Hike: The Steps of Pittsburgh
Urban hiking is a great way to get out of your car, save some gas and experience a very unique side of Pittsburgh. Our town is made up of hills and valleys intersected by rivers, bridges and steps. Yes, we have 712 sets of steps or 44,645 treads covering 4 1/2 miles or 24,108 vertical feet which is twice the number that San Francisco boasts. Many of our steps are considered legal streets and most offer great views. You will find walking tours of Pittsburgh Steps in the South Side, Lawrenceville, the North Side, Oakland and the Hill District.
On the North Side, try Middle Street off East North Avenue and in Polish Hill, go for the Downing Street Steps off Herron Avenue.
My neighborhood, The South Side, offers lots of great step hikes which I do regularly for exercise. Try the Mission Street Steps from Oakley Way to Barry Street or Top of the Yard Way off of Pius Street.
There are also two great step events. If you're here in May try The Fineview-Step-A-Thon on the North Side with 381 steps. The Pittsburgh StepTrek, held in October, has two different courses covering 2,700 steps or approximately 1,460 vertical feet.
