Pittsburgh PA Bike Ride - City Tour

We would like to share with you our favorite ride to do around the city of Pittsburgh (our hometown). Our town has been working very hard in recent years to update biking infrastructure with groups like BikePGH leading the way. This loop utilizes the Three Rivers Trail system, and the entire loop is about 90% on trails.

This bike ride starts out in the Strip District in the city. We like to park on 21st street. There is a little side lot that is always open almost all times of the day, and it's easy to get on the trail from here. While you're in the Strip, check out La Prima Coffee to get your morning fix. They are also located on 21st. To get on the trail, just head to the river. This trail will take you all the way down to The Point, which offers a great park with awesome scenery for photos. Check out the fountain during the summer months. Spend some time here if you're new to the area or visiting! The Fort Pitt Museum is located here as well. The next step is to make your way to the "Jail Tail". This has to be done by riding on the road. We normally take 1st Ave, but there are many ways to get up to Grant Street, where the trail starts. You could always swing by Market Square, and see what's going on there. Once you get to the "Jail Trail", you'll want to take it down to the Hot Metal Bridge. This is a really cool bridge for bikes. This will bring you into the South Side. When you're coming down the trail into the South Side we highly suggest getting off on 25th street and stopping at OTB Bicycle Cafe. Here you will find amazing food and the best local beers on tap, all while you're surrounded by a bicycling motif. Once you're fueled up and back on the trail, ride down to the Smithfield St Bridge. Cross the bridge and head into downtown. Depending on the time of day, this could be a tricky part of the ride. If you're riding at night downtown is less busy which is great, but it's very busy during the work week, so be very careful! Take Smithfield St. all the way to Liberty Ave. At the Greyhound station make a left, then a right onto Smallman St. This will take you back to your car where you started.

This ride will give you a great tour of the city. You will past historic markers, art pieces, and great areas for photos. The entire loop is almost exactly 10 miles. Since it follows the river there is very little elevation change. It's an easy ride, but is filled with fun. Hope you enjoy, and if you have any questions or comments please let us know below!

Have a fantastic ride!