The best road cycling routes in Allegheny County

This section of the Great Allegheny Passage offers a delightful ride through the Monongahela River valley, showcasing a blend of natural beauty and industrial heritage. You'll glide along a smooth, packed crushed limestone surface, occasionally transitioning to paved sections, as the route winds past historical markers like the McKeesport Connecting Railroad Bridge. The scenery is consistently engaging, with river views, lush forests, and remnants of the region's past, providing a rich backdrop for your journey.

Planning your ride on this moderate 38.1-mile (61.2 km) route, which typically takes around 2 hours and 56 minutes with 1110 feet (338 metres) of elevation gain, is straightforward. The trail is easily accessible, and while the surface is generally excellent, tires of 28mm or wider are recommended for optimal comfort, especially if the trail is damp. Numerous trail towns along the GAP provide convenient amenities, making it easy to find refreshments or take a break.

What makes the Great Allegheny Passage truly special is its heritage as a converted rail trail, ensuring a remarkably gentle grade that's perfect for casual cycling. This route is part of a much larger network, connecting to the C&O Canal Towpath for those dreaming of a multi-day adventure to Washington, D.C. It's a fantastic way to experience a piece of American history and enjoy the outdoors without strenuous climbs.

The Panhandle Trail offers a moderate road cycling experience, covering 52.7 miles (84.8 km) with a total elevation gain of 1657 feet (505 metres). You can expect to complete this route in about 3 hours and 32 minutes. As you cycle, you'll pass through diverse scenery, including hardwood forests, open farmland, and alongside creeks like Harmon Creek and Robinson Run. Keep an eye out for decorative birdhouses and memorials, especially as you approach Walkers Mill, adding unique visual interest to your ride.

When planning your visit, be aware that while much of the Panhandle Trail is paved, certain sections require consideration for your bike setup. Specifically, the eastern end from Walkers Mill and the portion extending into West Virginia are composed of crushed limestone or gravel. If you plan to ride these unpaved parts, you might find wider or knobbier tires more comfortable than narrow slick tires, ensuring a smoother journey.

This route is a rail-trail, meaning it follows a former railway line, which often translates to a relatively gentle grade and accessible cycling. The trail is particularly known for its beautiful fall foliage, making autumn an especially scenic time to visit. You'll also cross many bridges over waterways, providing pleasant views and a consistent connection to the natural landscape.

The Three Rivers Heritage Trail Loop offers a fantastic way to experience Pittsburgh's unique urban landscape from the saddle of your bike. This easy road cycling route winds along the city's iconic waterways, providing continuous riverfront views of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers. You'll cycle past a blend of modern architecture and historical sites, including the striking Andy Warhol Bridge and the expansive Point State Park, where the three rivers converge, making for a truly picturesque journey.

Planning your ride on this trail is straightforward, as it features numerous access points with convenient parking. The route is predominantly flat and paved, making it an excellent option for accessible cycling and beginner road cycling routes. You'll find plenty of amenities, such as cafes and shops, in vibrant districts like the North Shore and the South Side Works, perfect for a mid-ride break or a post-ride refreshment.

This 11.5-mile (18.6 km) loop, with a minimal 216 feet (66 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes just over 1 hour and 7 minutes to complete, making it a quick and rewarding outing. The trail is a crucial part of the larger Great Allegheny Passage, connecting you to a vast network of trails, and it offers a unique perspective on Pittsburgh's rich industrial and cultural heritage, with interpretative signage along the way.

Embark on a moderate racebike journey along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail Loop, a 27.4 miles (44.0 km) route that takes about 2 hours and 12 minutes to complete. You'll gain 1364 feet (416 metres) as you cycle past Pittsburgh's iconic skyline, with particularly striking views from the West End Bridge. The trail offers a dynamic experience, blending urban scenery with natural riverfront stretches along the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including bald eagles, as you ride.

When planning your visit, know that the route is generally busy and safe during the day. You should still be aware of your surroundings, especially near certain bridges on the North Side or if you choose to ride after dark. The trail provides numerous access points and amenities along its length, making it convenient to start your adventure. You will find plenty of places to eat in areas like the Southside and The Strip District, and parking is available at various points along the route.

This loop is a fantastic way to explore Pittsburgh's vibrant riverfronts, offering diverse and engaging scenery throughout your ride. You will pass by cultural venues, downtown areas, and historic landmarks, providing a rich backdrop to your cycling experience. The trail uniquely combines urban landscapes with greener areas, ensuring a varied visual journey that highlights the city's connection to its three major rivers.

The Three Rivers Heritage Trail and Sewickley Loop offers a dynamic road cycling experience, transitioning from the flat, paved urban paths along Pittsburgh's rivers to the rolling, wooded hills of the Sewickley area. You'll enjoy panoramic city views and landmarks like Point State Park before tackling the more challenging ascents and descents through scenic landscapes of expansive fields and mature oak groves. This moderate 49.6-mile (79.8 km) route, with 2373 feet (723 metres) of elevation gain, is a rewarding journey for cyclists seeking variety.

Planning your ride means being ready for two distinct sections. The Three Rivers Heritage Trail is generally flat and accessible, connecting to public transport in Pittsburgh. However, the Sewickley portion demands good fitness due to its consistent rolling hills. Allow approximately 3 hours and 35 minutes for the full loop, and ensure you carry enough water, especially when tackling the more strenuous Sewickley climbs.

This route uniquely combines a signature Pittsburgh trail system with the diverse road cycling opportunities of the Sewickley area. The Three Rivers Heritage Trail seamlessly connects to the Great Allegheny Passage, while the Sewickley region is known for its varied topography and connections to other extensive trail systems like sections of the Montour Trail. It's a fantastic way to experience both urban riverfronts and the natural beauty of Western Pennsylvania's varied landscapes.

Embark on a moderate road cycling adventure combining Pittsburgh's urban riverfronts with the green expanses of Highland Park. This 23.5-mile (37.9 km) loop offers diverse scenery, from cityscapes along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, passing landmarks like the iconic Hot Metal Bridge, to the tranquil, landscaped beauty of Highland Park. You will gain 1073 feet (327 metres) of elevation, typically completed in about 1 hour and 48 minutes at a steady pace.

For your visit, parking is generally available near the starting point in Pittsburgh. While much of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail is traffic-free, be aware that some sections do share space with vehicles. Once you reach Highland Park, you will find dedicated bike lanes and car-free loops, providing a safer and more relaxed cycling environment.

This route stands out for its unique blend of experiences, allowing you to transition seamlessly from historical riverfront paths to the varied cycling options within a large urban park. It offers a chance to explore both the city's industrial heritage and its natural, cultivated spaces, including views of Reservoir #1, making it a comprehensive tour of Pittsburgh's cycling landscape.

Embark on the Great Allegheny Passage and Three Rivers Heritage Trail Loop, a moderate road cycling route spanning 40.0 miles (64.4 km). You will gain 1916 feet (584 metres) in elevation, with an estimated duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes. This route offers a dynamic experience, blending serene natural river views with the lively urban core of Pittsburgh, where you can spot landmarks like the historic Hot Metal Bridge.

When planning your ride, remember that the Three Rivers Heritage Trail sections are mostly paved or stone-dust, making them suitable for racebikes. Be aware of some on-road sections and occasional gaps within the trail that require your attention. The Great Allegheny Passage, however, is a well-maintained rail-trail, offering a consistently level grade for a smoother journey.

This loop is notable for its journey through diverse landscapes, from tranquil forests to significant industrial heritage sites. It provides a unique opportunity to explore Western Pennsylvania's natural beauty while also immersing yourself in Pittsburgh's vibrant city atmosphere. The combination of these distinct environments makes for a memorable cycling adventure.

Cycle the moderate 29.4-mile Three Rivers Heritage Trail Loop, enjoying Pittsburgh's skyline, bridges, and river views.

The Audubon Greenway Conservation Area 1 from Leetsdale loop offers a moderate road cycling experience through classic Western Pennsylvania scenery. You'll navigate rolling hills, passing through open fields and mature oak groves, and cycling alongside the beautiful headwaters of Little Sewickley Creek. This 15.6-mile (25.1 km) route, with its 1108 feet (338 metres) of elevation gain, provides a rewarding challenge for cyclists with a good fitness level, taking about 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete.

Planning your ride is straightforward, with the best seasons being spring, summer, and fall; autumn is particularly recommended for its vibrant foliage. The route is primarily well-paved, making it suitable for road bikes, though be aware that some sections may be unpaved and more challenging. Always check the weather before you go, as conditions can vary.

This conservation area plays a vital role in preserving a significant green space, protecting areas that were once slated for housing development and safeguarding the water quality of Little Sewickley Creek. It's a hub for outdoor activities, frequented by hikers, birdwatchers, and equestrians, and connects to a broader network of trails in adjacent parks like Sewickley Hills Borough and Sewickley Heights Borough parks.