The best cycling routes in Allegheny County

This Montour Trail and South Park Loop cycling route offers a dynamic experience, blending the smooth, generally flat crushed limestone of the Montour Trail with the more challenging, hilly terrain of the South Park Montour Spur Trail. You'll pedal through remote woodlands, past rolling farmlands, and alongside Montour Run, enjoying features like the McDonald Viaduct and the cool, lit Enlow Tunnel before tackling the steeper grades of the connector trail through mixed forests and a quiet valley. Keep an eye out for the Duck Pond as you navigate the varied landscapes.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the Montour Trail provides numerous trailheads with parking, seasonal water fountains, and picnic shelters. While the Montour Trail is largely easy, the South Park connector introduces grades between 8-15%, making this a moderate 12.5-mile (20.1 km) touring cycling route with 622 feet (190 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 1 hour and 19 minutes. Wider tires are recommended for the crushed limestone sections, and it's best to cycle during pleasant weather to fully appreciate the ride.

This route is a fantastic option for cyclists looking to combine the classic rail-trail experience with a more rigorous workout, offering a taste of both the Montour Trail's extensive network and the unique challenges of the South Park area. The Montour Trail is one of the nation's longest suburban rail-trails, connecting to other significant regional paths like the Panhandle Trail and the Great Allegheny Passage, making this loop a great way to explore a popular section and its connections.

This extensive touring cycling loop, rated difficult, takes you on a journey through diverse landscapes, from the tranquil woodlands and riverside paths of the Great Allegheny Passage near Sutersville to the vibrant urban waterfronts of Pittsburgh along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. Expect smooth crushed limestone and paved surfaces, offering constant views of the Youghiogheny, Monongahela, and Allegheny Rivers. You'll cycle past significant landmarks like the Carrie Blast Furnaces and enjoy panoramic cityscapes, making for a varied and engaging ride.

To tackle this 51.9-mile (83.5 km) route with 1404 feet (428 metres) of elevation gain, plan for approximately 5 hours and 7 minutes of riding time. Both trails are well-equipped with amenities; the Homestead Pump House serves as a convenient stop for water and restrooms, and trail towns along the Great Allegheny Passage offer additional services. Parking is available at various access points, including near the Homestead Pump House, but consider an early start, especially on weekends.

The route is steeped in history, passing the Homestead Pump House, a site central to the 1892 Battle of Homestead, and offering numerous interpretive signs along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail that detail the region's industrial past. This loop uniquely combines natural river scenery with urban exploration, connecting you to Pittsburgh's signature trail system and the broader Great Allegheny Passage network, which stretches all the way to Washington, D.C.

The Hot Metal Bridge – Homestead Pump House loop from North Side is a demanding touring cycling route that immerses you in Pittsburgh's unique blend of urban landscapes and industrial heritage. As you pedal, you'll enjoy expansive views of the city skyline and the Monongahela River, with the journey anchored by the historic Hot Metal Bridge and the Homestead Pump House. This difficult 59.8-mile (96.3 km) ride, featuring 1205 feet (367 metres) of elevation gain, is designed for cyclists seeking a significant challenge.

Planning your ride means preparing for a long day in the saddle, with an estimated duration of 5 hours and 47 minutes. The route primarily uses paved surfaces, including sections of the Great Allegheny Passage and the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, ensuring a smooth ride for most of the way. While specific parking isn't detailed, starting from the North Side provides a good base for this extensive loop. Consider an evening ride to experience the Hot Metal Bridge's decorative LED lighting.

This cycling route is more than just a workout; it's a journey through Pittsburgh's past and present. The Homestead Pump House, a key landmark, stands as a testament to the region's industrial might and the pivotal 1892 Battle of Homestead. The trail also offers numerous viewpoints along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, showcasing the confluence of the Allegheny, Ohio, and Monongahela rivers, making it one of the best touring cycling routes in Pittsburgh.

This urban cycling adventure takes you on a moderate 34.2-mile (55.0 km) loop, starting from Rodef Shalom Congregation and offering a unique perspective on Pittsburgh's riverfront. You'll experience the city's diverse terrain, from the initial descent through Oakland's hills to the largely flat, paved paths along the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers. The route provides incredible scenic viewpoints, including the iconic Hot Metal Bridge, which delivers sweeping panoramas of the skyline and waterways, blending industrial heritage with modern recreational use.

Planning your ride means being ready for a mix of dedicated trails and city streets, especially when connecting from the higher elevation of Oakland. While the riverfront trails are generally accessible and paved, you'll need to navigate some urban sections to reach them. Always be aware of your surroundings, particularly in less busy areas, and adhere to the 15 mph speed limit on the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. This route is best enjoyed by cyclists who are comfortable with urban riding and have a good level of fitness for the 1333 feet (406 metres) of elevation gain over approximately 3 hours and 22 minutes.

This loop is a significant part of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, a comprehensive urban trail system that forms a segment of the much larger Great Allegheny Passage. It's a fantastic way to see Pittsburgh's cultural venues, historical sites, and neighborhoods, passing landmarks like PNC Park, Acrisure Stadium, and the Mr. Rogers Statue. The route offers a blend of natural riverfront beauty and historical industrial sites, making it a top-rated cycling tour for those seeking an immersive city experience.

The Enlow Tunnel – Montour Trail loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience through varied landscapes, from leafy neighborhoods to serene wooded valleys. You'll pedal along a mostly crushed limestone surface, enjoying the gentle grades of this former railroad path. The highlight is undoubtedly the historic Enlow Tunnel, a 575 to 600-foot long illuminated passage that provides a cool, unique break in your ride.

This route is a moderate 20.4-mile (32.8 km) loop with a minimal 623 feet (190 metres) of elevation gain, making it achievable in about 2 hours and 6 minutes. It's an excellent choice for beginners, families, or anyone looking for a relaxed ride without steep climbs. Parking is available at the Montour Woods Conservation Area, providing easy access to the trailhead.

The Montour Trail is a National Recreation Trail, known for its historical significance as a converted rail-trail. Beyond the Enlow Tunnel, the trail features other remnants of its railroad past and connects to a wider network of regional trails. Its consistent, easy grade and diverse scenery make it a popular route for those exploring the Pittsburgh area by bike.