Image Courtesy of Wikipedia
Humans are creatures of habit, and plenty of runners are perfectly happy striding through familiar territory. But variety is the spice of life, so it may not be long until your thirst for adventure becomes unbearable! Luckily, Pittsburgh’s got you covered. With almost 100 beautiful neighborhoods to choose from, it’s easy to mix things up with a run through a new trail, vista, or community. Check out some of our favorites!
Squirrel Hill
If you haven’t spent a lot of time in Squirrel Hill, it’s time to take a closer look. This neighborhood’s own Frick Park is the largest of Pittsburgh’s regional parks, and the adjacent Homewood Cemetery is steeped in local history. Squirrel Hill is also known to have some of the most beautiful homes in the city, and the winding streets are guaranteed to keep you guessing what’s around every twist and turn.
Mexican War Streets
Speaking of history, the Victorian-era row homes and community gardens of the Mexican War Streets are part of the National Register of Historic Places. This area in Central Northside features streets named after historic people and places from the Mexican-American War. Not much of a history buff? Don’t worry — there’s plenty more to see, including the outdoor Randyland, called “Pittsburgh’s most colorful landmark.” And, don’t forget to stop by the Mattress Factory after your workout to explore one of the city’s premier modern art museums.
South Side
There’s been a lot of hubbub surrounding the South Side and it’s new riverfront park lately, and not without good reason. Fox Chapel Marine just opened a new marina along the South Side trail, encouraging Pittsburghers to utilize the city’s riverfront space for recreation. If you’re ready for some hills, take to the appropriately-named South Side Slopes — here, those who are up for the challenge can participate in ‘urban hiking’ to explore the storied stairs and streets of this historic neighborhood.
Highland Park
Like Squirrel Hill, Highland Park features everything from beautiful residential architecture to expansive outdoor parks and reservoirs. As the home of the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, this neighborhood is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. If the gorgeous gardens and trails aren’t enough, as an added bonus, Highland Park is home to the Bud Harris Cycling Track. This half-mile, outdoor oval is sure to give you the real velodrome experience and meet your cross-training needs.
The Strip District
There’s no denying that the Strip District is one of Pittsburgh’s favorite locales, with outdoor markets, hip new restaurants, and healthy dose of yinzer-history. But for those who love the outdoors, the best just got better: now, runners, walkers, and cyclists can enjoy a brand-new stretch of trail running through the Strip all way to Point State Park. Executives from both the Friends of the Riverfront and the City of Pittsburgh itself are pushing to turn the Allegheny River from an industrial thoroughfare into a vibrant destination for visitors of all ages, so take to the trail to see for yourself!
What’s your favorite place to run in Pittsburgh? This fall, check out a new neighborhood and take advantage of all the city has to offer! Let us know what you discover.