Places to run, and do people run up the steps? (Washington: lofts, home)

[Caladium]

Originally Posted by LIRefugee

I know of at least one person who leads somewhat frequent five-mile hikes up and down the steps on the South Side, organized through the Pittsburgh hiking group on meetup.com.

That would be such a cool thing to do the next time I'm in Pittsburgh.

I've always been a fan of the Pittsburgh steps, and even though I know some of them might be a little dangerous for running, I like the idea of at least vigorously hiking up and down them. For one thing, you don't usually have to think about getting around other people or obstructions. And some of them have really interesting views.

[Caladium]

As a related topic--if you were to choose your five favorite steps for running/brisk hiking, which would you recommend?

Bonus points if they happen to be somewhat easy for a visitor to find/park near/take a bus to. Because yes, I actually am looking for suggestions for my next visit. Thought taking a little "step tour" might be fun & different way to spend an afternoon.

[Copanut]

Originally Posted by Sealtite

Were you in the military?

Nope, thanks to President Nixon I had a 250 lottery number, never got called.

[Caladium]

Oooh! Look what I just found!


Hiking The Steps of Pittsburgh - YouTube

I definitely want to do this on my next trip.

[I_Like_Spam]

Originally Posted by Caladium

As a related topic--if you were to choose your five favorite steps for running/brisk hiking, which would you recommend?

Bonus points if they happen to be somewhat easy for a visitor to find/park near/take a bus to. Because yes, I actually am looking for suggestions for my next visit. Thought taking a little "step tour" might be fun & different way to spend an afternoon.

Two suggestions for a "step trek".

Several steps at Belle Isle, Stetson and Ray connect West Liberty Ave. and Pioneer. Both of those arteries are connected to the city by public transport, and the Ray steps are the longest in the city.



On the North Side, steps can be taken up to Fineview at James St., and you can walk along Henderson St. for a view of the city and go back down the steps at Carrie St. down to Compromise.

[EveKendall]

Originally Posted by gortonator

Although EveKendall has convinced me that Cathedral of Learning running/walking is beyond the bounds of civility.

Excellent. My work here is done.

[LIRefugee]

Originally Posted by Caladium

Oooh! Look what I just found!


Hiking The Steps of Pittsburgh - YouTube

I definitely want to do this on my next trip.

Here's a different video from one of the hikes I mentioned before.

It's great exercise and usually ends at The Milk Shake Factory.

[pghdude28]

Originally Posted by gortonator

thx - great info.

Although EveKendall has convinced me that Cathedral of Learning running/walking is beyond the bounds of civility.

I ran to the top of the Cathedral plenty of times. I challenge you to beat me. Try not to be hungover the day of the race .

[pghdude28]

On weekends, especially with all the Pitt students gone for break, try running up Cardiac Hill. Lothrop, Darragh, and DeSoto are pretty challenging. There is a long stretch of steps behind the Chevron Building (Pitt Engineering), which takes you up to Pennsylvania and Panther Halls, fraternity row (University Drive area). You'd want to do that when there are very few students on campus or mostly weekends.

[mountainlove]

Cathedral Stairs are definitely beyond civility....but are also absolutely a kick ass workout. I start with running clothes, work my way up to hiking boots, then back pack with various amounts of weight in the backpack...every 3rd time up, I walk back down to work both sets of muscles without beating up the knee joints too badly.