Pittsburgh Outdoors

Here are a few highlights of the Pittsburgh region's outdoor offerings. For an exhaustive look at Pittsburgh + Its Countryside's outdoor resources and organizations, check out our Outdoor Adventure pages.

Fishing

Get more information on fishing and other water sports in Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh’s three rivers support every species of fish found in Pennsylvania—over 50 in all. One of the most popular game fish is smallmouth bass, and anglers here report catches in the 5-6 pound range. These great conditions are why Pittsburgh was honored with hosting the 2005 Bassmaster Championship.

Shoreline

Pittsburgh’s 38 miles of downtown shoreline frame a compact, walkable downtown business and cultural district.

Green Spaces

Get more information on the many parks that can be found in Pittsburgh.

The 14 regional parks in Allegheny County total 13,763 acres, and Pittsburgh has more trees per square mile than any major city in the United States.

Fountain

One of the world’s tallest fountains can be found in downtown Pittsburgh. The 275-foot geyser in Point State Park sprays 6,000 gallons a minute. Its 10,000-gallon reservoir is fed by Pittsburgh’s fourth river, an ancient underground glacial formation.

Bridges

Pittsburgh has more bridges than any other city in the world. There are 446 bridges within the city limits.

Pittsburgh Steps

Pittsburgh is gaining attention for the outdoor steps built into its hilly terrain. There are 712 sets within the city limits, totaling 44,645 steps. StepTrek events and Step Tours are excellent ways to see Pittsburgh off the beaten path.

Trails

Get more information on trails.

Pennsylvania has more rails-to-trails projects—105 trails covering about 900 miles—than any other state. At 1,110 miles, it also leads the nation in new trail development.

Within the city, the Three Rivers Heritage Trail System is a 37-mile trail and greenway system running along both sides of the Allegheny, Mononghahela and Ohio Rivers that connects downtown to adjacent city neighborhoods. These trails are within walking distance of downtown hotels and are favorites for cyclists and rollerbladers.

Cycling

Get more information on cycling.

Pittsburgh's unique topographic blend of steep, winding hills and flat river areas make it one of the best cities for cycling enthusiasts. Bike magazine recently acknowledged Pittsburgh's cycling assets by naming it one of the "Top five places to live and ride in the United States".

Local support for cycling is strong, through both the official parks and recreation services, and a number of independent road and mountain biking organizations. The Allegheny County Port Authority’s Rack ‘n Roll program provides bike racks on 12 popular bus routes, the Monongahela Incline, and the regional light-rail system. More than 130 Public Art Bike Racks are being installed in and around the city. Each rack, designed to be cool and functional art, holds two bikes.

Local Outdoors Organizations

More Links can be found in the outdoor section.

• Allegheny County Parks

  A network of nine parks comprising nearly 12,000 acres, offering a wildfowl reserve, ice-skating rink, golf course, 75-acre fishing lake, mountain bike trails, wave pools, 18-hole golf course, astronomical observatory, ski lodge, model airplane field, and walking, biking and bridle trails.

• Allegheny Trails Alliance

  A group of rails-to-trails organizations working together building the Great Allegheny Passage, a 152-mile bicycle and walking trail connecting Pittsburgh with Washington, D.C.

• Bike Pittsburgh

  Partners with local stakeholders to increase the safety and accessibility of bike transportation in the city through street, bridge and trail improvement. Also check out their Google Calendar of local events.

• Friends of the Riverfront

  Increases awareness and engagement with the Pittsburgh region’s rivers and riverfronts through activities, stewardship and expansion of water and land trails.

• Steel City Rowing Club

  Member organization for rowers from the region's towns and school districts and for people from outside the region who travel to Allegheny County to participate in Steel City's programs. Steel City Rowing has produced athletes representing the U.S. in six of its seven years.

• Three Rivers Rowing Association

  Offers rowing, kayaking and dragon boating to individuals, schools and organizations.

• Venture Outdoors

  A not-for-profit organization devoted to increasing participation in outdoor recreational activity through sponsorship of biking, hiking, kayaking, fishing, climbing, nature observation and skiing in the western PA region.