Three Rivers Heritage Trail

Three Rivers Heritage Trail: Pittsburgh's Scenic Pathway

An asphalt link between some of Pittsburgh's most notable spots, the Three Rivers Heritage Trail lines the banks of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio waterways. The 24-mile-long path connects the downtown area to the surrounding neighborhoods and makes it easy for people to travel across the city without getting in a car or on a bus. It's also the perfect scenic recreation spot, frequented by walkers, runners, bikers, and rollerbladers.

Popular Attractions Along the Trail

More than half a million people use the trail every year, as it's an active and fun way to see the best of Pittsburgh. A stroll down the North Side portion of the waterfront trail will bring you to prominent attractions such as the Andy Warhol Museum, PNC Park, and Heinz Field. The downtown section traces the perimeter of Point State Park, where you'll find people enjoying the open park and the views of where the three rivers converge.

Proximity to Other Landmarks

Another portion of the trail passes near Phipps Conservatory and the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History. Visitors who come to the area in early June should check out the annual Three Rivers Arts Festival held on the trail, featuring hundreds of vendors, live music stages, and arts and crafts stations.

Winter Activities on the Trail

Activity doesn't stop when the weather gets cold; many runners still hit the trail throughout the winter months even when the surfaces of the rivers are frozen. Major sections of the trail are plowed in the winter to allow for transportation, but be cautious if you decide to brave the cold for a walk on the trail. For a fun winter activity, you can also head to one of the unplowed sections of the trail for some cross country skiing.

Visitor Impressions and Trail Amenities

Despite its popularity, previous visitors said the trail never seemed too crowded. They also mentioned that the trail is well-groomed and consistently cleaned. There are several bathrooms, 22 parking areas, and a few water fountains along the trail. Despite its location in a hilly city, the Three Rivers Heritage Trail is flat, wide, easy to navigate, and wheelchair accessible. It's also free to access. For more information and to decide which part of the trail you want to explore, check out the map on the Three Rivers Heritage Trail website.