Favorite Spots to Run in Pittsburgh: Summer 2018
After living in the same neighborhood for 5 years, my go to post work running route has become a little repetitive for me. I hate to say that because I love running along the water and having a trail that seems like it never ends. This trail also starts 2 blocks from my house- perfect for when I am in a time crunch. This summer, I finally branched out and explored more areas in the city to run in. Here are my top 5 running trails in the city!
- Three Rivers Heritage Trail/Great Allegheny Passage
Location: Downtown, Southside, North Shore
This is my go to running trail. You can start near Heinz Field, the Point, or Station Square. This trail is relatively flat with a few small inclines. There are mile marks along the way. I normally hop on the trail at 18th Street in the South Side and run toward the Hot Metal Bridge. From there I decide if I want to continue to Homestead or cross the river and head Downtown. A lot of the bridges in the city have pedestrian paths (Hot Metal, Birmingham, 10th Street, Smithfield, Fort Pitt, Warhol, Clemente, and Carson- to name a few), which give you plenty of options to explore the different parts of the city.
If you are running toward Homestead, this trail turns into the Great Allegheny Passage, which goes all the way to Washington DC! Occasionally you will see bikers with their camping gear making the trek! On weekends, the trail is filled with runners, walkers and bikers. It is family friendly with dog parks and boat launches along the way.
2. Frick Park
Location: Regent Square
Frick Park is great for trail running, hiking, or mountain biking. It is nice and shaded, which makes it perfect for a hot day. The main part of the trail is flat and cuts through the middle of the park. There are a bunch of different paths you can take. Most of them include a steep uphill run to really get the legs working. The surface is dirt and wood chips, with a few paved areas near the different entrances to the park. There are trail maps located throughout the park. The park also includes some outdoor fitness challenges, playgrounds, picnic areas, water fountains, bathrooms, and a dog park. It is the best park in the city for trail running.
3. Schenley Park
Location: Oakland and stretching into Squirell Hill
Schenley Park has a lot to offer. There is a golf course, a disk golf course, soccer fields, swimming pool, ice rink, tennis courts, pavilions, and trails. From a running standpoint, there are 3 options. Around the soccer field, there is a rubber track. There is a gravel track surrounding the soccer fields and tennis courts in the Oval. The gravel track is about 3/4 mile. Schenley Park also has trails starting at Overlook Drive and going around the outside of the park that are both dirt and gravel.
The Tufta Bridge is cool area and surrounded by beautiful greenery. The trail runs along a creek with foot bridges going across it and it leads to a big pond which is a nice area to stop and catch your breath. These trails are not as steep as Frick Park, but there are some good inclines along the way. This park has plenty of parking, water fountains, and bathrooms.
4. Riverview Park
Location: North Side at the Allegheny Observatory off 279, just minutes from downtown.
This park has a bunch of trails to choose from that will have you running through the woods. My favorite trail is the Bear Pit Trail (I have not seen any bears on this trail, fyi!) that takes you around the backside of the trail. You can continue running on the dirt trails or take a break and run on the road to take you back to the parking lot. This park has a pool, playground, dog parks. and events throughout the summer. The trails are well kept and before you know it you will be at the opposite side of the park.
5. PJ McArdle Hill
Location: Mt Washington, Station Square
If you are looking for a good (read as tough) hill run, start at the Liberty Bridge and run up PJ McArdle. You will be rewarded with a beautiful view of the city and some great leg muscles! From the steps at the bridge, it is 1 mile to the Grandview Overlook. To begin this run, you need to get to the Liberty Bridge via Arlington Ave. There are steps under the bridge that lead to a side walk along PJM. You can pick up Arlington from either Station Square or the South Side. This is tough hill, but it is not as steep as you think. It is a great quad workout and you have the downhill on the way back.
These 5 trails have been my saviors this summer. They each have their own personality and challenges to cater to your running needs. I haven’t tested out many of them in the winter months, so stayed tuned for my winter running locations in early 2019. Good luck on your training runs. Leave me a comment with your favorite places to run!
