How do you get through the ups and downs of living in Pittsburgh? No, really — we have one of the hilliest cities in the U.S.
The answer: a network of hundreds of public stairways locally referred to as “city steps.” This unique infrastructure was the first public transportation system in Pittsburgh.
Today, locals can walk these paths of the past to connect with our city’s history, explore neighborhoods, and get free outdoor exercise.
The writers behind “City Steps of Pittsburgh: A History & Guide” joined us on the City Cast Pittsburgh podcast to share a field kit to these steep and storied staircases.
If you’re just getting acquainted with city steps, here are author Laura Zurowski’s recommendations for the best flights for urban hikes ⬇️
📍 Jacob Street: Brookline/Overbrook
The Jacob Street stairs are the city's longest walkable flight. They're connected to trails that lead to the South Busway and Brookline Memorial Park. (You can catch outdoor movies there in the summer!)
📍 Rising Main: Fineview
Rising Main is the fourth-longest flight in the city. It's walkable, but it has a severe case of scoliosis! This flight once led residents to the East Street Valley neighborhood, which is now I-279. 👟 Want more Fineview fun? Sign up for the annual step challenge.
📍 Greenleaf Street: Duquesne Heights
Access this wooden flight from Shaler Street, and you'll find yourself surrounded by Emerald View park trails. Follow the half-mile Greenleaf Trail for a gorgeous tree canopy and sweeping views of the West End.
A Downtown skyline view from the Basin Street steps. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)
📍 Basin Street: Troy Hill
Enter at either Cowley-Goettman Park or Province Street to get a stunning view of the city at the Basin Street overlook. There’s a bench where you can relax and take in the vista. 👟Explore more of Troy Hill.
📍 Colwell Street: Crawford-Roberts
The Colwell Street city steps span the hill in, well … the Hill District. These stairs are near the Tito-Mecca-Zizza house, the grand Victorian home of a well-known bootlegging family from the 1920’s and 30’s. 👟 Explore more of Crawford-Roberts.
📍 N. Lang Avenue: North Homewood
The National Negro Opera House, currently undergoing preservation, sits directly across from the N. Lang Avenue city steps. Look out for the raspberry bushes!
➡️ All of these flights appear on the 1923 city maps, so you can literally "walk in the footsteps" of those from 100 years ago.
📖 Thank you to authors Laura Zurowski (@mis.steps), Matthew Jacob (@pghsteps), and Charles Succop (@pghthenandnow) for taking a field trip with the City Cast Pittsburgh team!
