5 Winter Urban Hikes | Osage, Sawandasse Tula | Pittsburgh, PA | 2.22.22
# 1: Allegheny Commons & Lake Elizabeth
Searching for a still body of water with the promise of skyline reflections to photograph, I discovered Allegheny Commons Park. Located on the North Shore, this 80-acre green space sits at the intersection of the Community College of Allegheny County, the historic Mexican War Streets neighborhood, or the Buena Vista Tract, and the National Aviary. Because of its exciting location, the park is vibrant with students, families, and dog-walkers enjoying the trails and bridges. There is an unenclosed dog park where visitors can admire sweet canines (which can be easily avoided for our dog-hesitant friends). For an official animal experience, stroll past the National Aviary’s outdoor bird exhibit where birds from around the world adapted to the season’s elements inhabit. I enjoyed observing local sparrows interacting with South America’s black-faced ibis.
# 2: Randyland
While you’re in the North Shore, stop by Randyland, a public art space and outdoor museum created by Pittsburgh resident Randy Gilson. When people move to Pittsburgh, Randyland is often first on their list of attractions to visit, yet it was not until 18 years of living within a few miles that my family and I explored this famous place. Situated between row houses, the space greets you from two entrances with welcome signs in a plethora of languages (pictured behind my sister) and features a rainbow mosaic decorating picturesque stairs and gardens composed of plants, painted flowers, and animal sculptures (notably several flamingos). Scraps of mirror, wallpaper-esque murals, and upcycled signs decorate the exterior of the surrounding homes, fully encompassing you in this repurposed repose. Get there by bus or park on an adjacent street.
# 3: Hot Metal Bridge & Southside Flats
While the Hot Metal Bridge used to transport steaming industrial materials, it now serves as transportation for equally steamy humans by foot, bike, or car who seek to travel between the South Side and South Oakland. From the bridge, you can see Pittsburgh’s skyline to the west against the neighborhoods built on the mountain. As for the Southside Flats, (which I am now realizing refer to the ‘flat’ part of Southside rather than British slang for ‘apartment’), you can walk or bike from the bridge along the river, then explore East Carson Street, passing noteworthy attractions like Hofbrauhaus, The Cheesecake Factory, and my personal favorite, Aldi.
# 4: Downtown Pittsburgh
As a family of Jews, our favorite time to visit the holiday lights Downtown is Christmas Eve when everything is illuminated and there are few visitors, plus parking is free! Jews traditionally value making creative connections both within our culture and externally, and this gives me permission to fully embrace the intersection of Christmas and trees. We have three favorite locations to enjoy the illuminated ~trees~ that bedazzle Market Square and Point State Park which also serve as year-round picturesque spots due to their unique architecture and water features, both natural and human-made.
# 5: Mt. Washington…But with Nuance!
In an effort to not bore thou with redundant Mt. Washington trivia, I will share Underrated Anecdotal Factsᵀᴹ about this Pittsburgh overlook. It is the perfect place to watch the moon rise (pictured) and also the sunset, especially from Grandview Overlook’s viewing platforms directly across the Monongahela. On the few days in which the moon appears full in the winter, it rises directly behind the city, illuminated by the setting sun and against the backdrop of a distant gradient. While trekking between the Duquesne Incline and Grandview Overlook provides a beautiful, urban backdrop for a walk, you can transport into the woods right from Mt. Washington. A few steps west of the Point of View statue, a gravel path leads down the hill, then immediately descends into the woods as urban sounds and structures dissolve. Its wooded stretch creates a unique synthesis between city and nature with sparkling skyline to the right and serene woods to the left.
Thank you for reading! For more on Pittsburgh hikes, check out New Year Nature
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