A Unique City Challenge
As urban hiking gains popularity with trails like the Underline in Miami and the Buffalo Bayou Greenway Connector in Houston, Pittsburgh offers a distinctive challenge: over 700 staircases that ascend the city’s steep hills, providing panoramic views of the downtown skyline. These stairways, referred to locally as “the steps,” wind through dense residential areas and lush greenery, offering a vantage point that can make you feel as though you’re atop one of the nearby Allegheny Mountains.
The Historical Context
Pittsburgh’s staircases are more than just a unique feature—they are a historical artifact of the city’s industrial past. During the early 20th century, Pittsburgh was a major steel production hub, with the surrounding hills rich in iron ore. This industrial boom led to the construction of some of the steepest streets in America. For the thousands of steel workers residing on these hills, commuting to the factories downtown was a strenuous task. In addition to mechanical funiculars designed to connect the hilltops to the city, Pittsburgh built extensive stairways to help residents navigate the steep terrain. While these stairways were a less arduous alternative to the relentless incline of the city’s streets, they were still a significant physical challenge.
With over 700 public stairways created, Pittsburgh became the most stair-rich city in the U.S., with a cumulative height estimated at roughly 24,000 feet—just 5,000 feet shy of the summit of Mount Everest.
Decline and Revival
The collapse of the steel industry in the mid-1980s had a significant impact on Pittsburgh. The city faced a population decline and a loss of tax revenue, leading to diminished upkeep of the stairways. Many of these stairways fell into disrepair, posing accessibility issues for residents whose homes were only reachable via these steps.
In 2015, Bob Regan, a geographic systems professor, published Pittsburgh Steps: The Story of the City’s Public Stairways. His guidebook, which cataloged hundreds of these forgotten stairways, rekindled interest in them. Regan’s mapping efforts were later utilized by the city government to create a public interactive map of the accessible stairways. This revival effort continued with the publication of City Steps of Pittsburgh: A History & Guide by local stair enthusiasts Laura Zurowski, Charles Succop, and Matthew Jacob. This sequel includes original photos and suggested walking routes that highlight some of the most interesting stairways and scenic views in the city.
Exploring the Pittsburgh Steps
South Side Slopes: The Heart of Pittsburgh’s Steps
For those eager to experience Pittsburgh’s stairways, the South Side Slopes neighborhood offers the highest concentration. The South Side Slopes Neighborhood Association organizes StepTrek annually, a popular event where participants use maps to explore two curated routes through the neighborhood’s stairways. This event not only provides a chance to enjoy some of the finest vistas in Pittsburgh but also serves as a fundraiser for neighborhood projects, including step cleanups and preservation efforts.
Board member Jami Szalla notes, “As awesome and fun as StepTrek is, the steps are also part of our everyday lives. There are houses here that can only be reached via public steps.”
Notable Stairways
Yard Way: For a more gentle introduction to Pittsburgh’s stairways, Yard Way is one of the longest flights of stairs in the city. It provides direct access to Winters Park, offering a panoramic view of the Monongahela River, downtown’s high-rises, and the northern hills.
Saint Michael’s Street Steps: Descending this stairway reveals a striking view of an enormous green church steeple set against the backdrop of the river. The elevated perspective often leads to unexpected vistas through alleyways and between trees.
Rising Main: For those seeking a more challenging hike, Rising Main in the Fineview neighborhood offers a grueling climb with approximately 370 steps and a vertical gain of over 300 feet in just two-tenths of a mile. At the top, hikers can stagger down Lanark Street to Fineview Fields for a sweeping city overlook, enjoying the sunlight and breeze like a mountaineer.
A City of Stairs and Stories
Pittsburgh’s stairways offer more than just a physical challenge—they are a testament to the city’s rich history and a unique way to experience its urban landscape. Whether you’re an avid urban hiker or a curious traveler, exploring these steps provides a chance to connect with Pittsburgh’s past while taking in some of the most spectacular views the city has to offer.
