Great Little Walks in the Pittsburgh Area

The book is a comprehensive directory of 12 local walking trails, including maps and details about access to public transportation, bathroom facilities, mileage, slope and trail surface. Most of these trails double as cycling routes, although they draw more walkers than bikers. Some routes are well known, like the Eliza Furnace, known colloquially as the "jail trail" that runs between the eastbound and westbound lanes of the busy Parkway East ("The buzz of the city gives way to the open feel of modern industry and great views of the Monongahela River"). Others are underused, such as the more peaceful trail across the river on the South Side. Eight are accessible by public transportation, five are within the city of Pittsburgh, four include stretches of the Montour Trail west of the city and three are east of the city. Lengths range from a 1.5-mile loop around Washington's Landing to a round-trip, 9.2-mile option on the Youghiogheny River Trail from Sutersville to Dravo Cemetery in Elizabeth Township. Most are 1.5 to 4 miles. The walks are typically out and back so they can be shortened to suit the individual. They all are a short section of an extensive trail systems so they can be lengthened as well. The guide was developed because Allegheny Trail Alliance got so many requests for information when they spoke to groups about trail opportunities.