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| - If you're a cyclist, runner, or hiker, you should check out this trail. It runs from Greenfield to downtown, and you can connect to N. Oakland via the Panther Hollow Trail. During weekday evenings, I often cycle in a loop via this trail and the trail along the South Side, using the Smithfield St. bridge to connect via Station Square. From my apt., it's about 6 mi., and takes me a little over an hour--perfect for a brief ride. In addition to its recreational opportunities, this trail makes it possible to commute via bike or foot downtown without having to fight traffic. My friend tells me that the trail should be complete to the Point within the next year or two.
This trail parallels the Mon River, where coal barges, the Gateway Clipper fleet, and personal watercraft can be seen. Other highlights include the county jail and courthouse and the technology park on Second Ave. It also offers train spotting opportunities, since there are two busy RR tracks across the river, as well as another that runs parallel to the Panther Hollow trail that can be seen at the trailhead. Unlike some of the other bike trails around PGH, this trail is nicely paved and wide, making it a pleasure to cycle. For those who drive, trailhead parking is available at a lot off of Second St.
As can be seen from the photos, this trail offers some nice vistas of the city skyline, esp. from the Smithfield St. and Hot Metal bridges. However, the scenery and setting of the trail aren't as nice as those of the trail running along the South Side, given that this trail runs along and underneath the parkway. Thus, there's limited space for vegetation along the trail, and it feels like part of a concrete jungle at the point that it passes underneath the parkway. Nevertheless, this is one of the bike trails that I frequent most, due to its convenience. Come try it out and see PGH from a new angle: by bike or foot!
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