Hiking a Hidden Path on Pittsburgh’s Mount Washington

You know Pittsburgh for its skyline, its rivers, and the views from Mount Washington. What most people miss is what sits just below it.

Emerald View Park is a tucked-away trail system on the backside of Mount Washington that climbs the same hillside, trading crowds for quiet while leading to the same iconic views.

Explore the trail network here at Pittsburgh Parks.

The trailhead can be a little confusing if you are not familiar with this side of the city. It sits on the backside of Mount Washington near Route 51 and Saw Mill Run. It is the kind of place you have likely driven past without realizing there is a trail system climbing the hillside above you.

The new parking lot makes access much easier, but it still feels like a discovery. This is not the typical front-facing Mount Washington experience.

Finding the Trailhead

I recommend starting here if you want to earn the views. You can also begin at the top along Grandview Avenue and work your way down, but climbing up from below gives the hike its character.

Uniquely, you can also access the trail from the top by taking the Duquesne Incline up to Grandview Avenue. From there, head to the right of the incline entrance, pass a few of Mount Washington’s well-known restaurants, and walk about a mile along the overlook before the trail begins to appear.

The Climb Begins

I parked and started up just before sunset, taking the first right and choosing the longer route to the top.

The trail is narrow, steep, and well-maintained. It still feels natural and a bit rugged, tucked into the hillside rather than built for crowds. Early in the climb, the city starts to appear through the trees. Small openings reveal bridges and water, just enough to keep you moving.

Along the Hillside

As I worked my way up the backside of Mount Washington, the trail followed along Route 51 and Saw Mill Run before opening up above the West End Circle. From this vantage point, you can see the movement of the city below while standing in total quiet on the hillside.

At one point, the trail crosses a road and passes through an area that almost feels like someone’s backyard before dropping you back into the woods. It is unexpected, but it adds to the character of the hike and reinforces how tucked away this route really is.

The trail ultimately loops through a residential neighborhood and connects to several side paths, giving you options to extend or shorten your route depending on your mood or the weather.

A Trail That Is Growing

I first found this trail in 2020, and coming back in 2025, the difference stood out. There is clear investment in the hillside now, with restoration work and trail improvements that show real dedication to the long-term growth of this space.

It still feels hidden, but it is evolving.

Earning the View

The climb stays steady the entire way. It is not overly long, but it is enough to feel like you earned the view. Along the way, more glimpses of the skyline start to appear, especially as the light begins to shift toward sunset.

By the time I reached the upper views near Grandview, the city was glowing. From here, you are standing roughly 450 feet above downtown Pittsburgh, high above the rivers, looking out over the Monongahela and Ohio as they cut through the city. Bridges, water, and skyline all stack beneath you in a way that only this elevation can deliver.

It is one of the most visited viewpoints in the city, but getting there by trail instead of by car completely changes the experience.

Why It Is Worth It

What makes this hike so worth it is the contrast. You start in quiet woods on a steep hillside, and within a short climb you are looking out over one of the best skyline views in Pittsburgh.

Parts of the trail are steep and secluded. Even though you can hear traffic and the city around you, you are still in a tucked-away environment. Use caution when exploring, especially if you are solo or conditions change.

From there, you can loop back to the parking lot or continue a bit farther before turning around. Either way, it is a quick escape that delivers a big payoff, right in Pittsburgh’s backyard.

Trail Scorecard

• Views: 9/10
• Workout: 8/10
• Trail Quality: 7/10
• Crowds: 9/10
• Accessibility: 8/10
• Uniqueness: 9/10

Overall: 9/10

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Rina

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