By sec30 on October 21, 2009
The Three Rivers Heritage Trail system is a great and unique way to see the city. I have lived in Pittsburgh my entire life and continue to be amazed by this urban and environmental space. The Trail system provides a great way to get around the city, especially as an alternative to sidewalks along busy streets. The signage system in place on the trail provides interesting information about the area's history, and can be used to create a self guided tour for locals and visitors alike.
By David L. Smith on March 06, 2007
The South Side part of the trail has a lot of variety and still needs some work in a few places. I live on the South Side and can access it at several places. The section from the from the Hot Metal Bridge to near Sandcastle is paved and for me is a great place to sprint and warm up for an evening ride around the city. This section passes the practice football field for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the University of Pittsburgh.
Going toward the city the trail is near the South Side Works shopping area with restaurants and a REI store just in case one needs parts or a repair. At this time the trail is crushed stone for a few hundred feet but is paved near the Birmingham Bridge and boat launch area. From there the trail curves through a wooded area. Than it goes under the S. 10th Street Bridge and continues to a sand plant. For now bikers have to cross a rail track and ride on some cobble stones to detour around that area. Then it links up with the Pittsburgh Riverwalk at Station Square part of the trail.
Almost all the time you can see the river with some great views of the city. This is still a new trail and more people are beginning to discover how nice it is.
By Andrew Hollis on May 27, 2005
I start my ride in the southside under the glenwood bridge. At the moment there isn't a good trail head there. I just park the car and ride near the tracks for 3/10 a mile. The south side trail goes about a half mile past sation square and is smooth asphalt. Staion Square is very busy and is more for pedestrians then bikes. There is no trail through down town but it is fairly easy to get to the north side. The nothside trail is concreate from hinze feild to past PNC park then it turns to a much bumpier dirt.