Field guide
Pittsburgh running routes and active spots for visitors
Find practical information on Pittsburgh running routes. Learn about the 33-mile Three Rivers Heritage Trail and the accessible trails at Frick Park.
Pittsburgh offers distinct environments for running and walking. The Three Rivers Heritage Trail is an extensive urban system along the city's rivers, connecting green spaces with shopping and entertainment districts.
Frick Park provides a different experience with its Sensory Nature Trail. This accessible route is located at the Frick Environmental Center and is designed with a series of sensory experiences.
| Place | Distance (official) | Hours | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Three Rivers Heritage Trail | 35-mile; 33‑mile | Not listed | Not listed |
| Frick Park | Not listed | Not listed | Accessible route |
Three Rivers Heritage Trail
The Three Rivers Heritage Trail is a 33-mile nonlinear system that follows the banks of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers. The trail provides access to city neighborhoods, business districts, and green space.
Runners and walkers will find some sections are free of vehicle traffic, while other parts are shared with vehicles. The trail system is equipped with 11 bathrooms, 7 drinking water stations, 24 parking areas, and 9 Fix-It Stations. Signage along the route identifies local cultural heritage.
- Type of trail
- Designated National Recreation Trail system and recognized Heritage Trail
- Trail type
- nonlinear trail
- Trail type
- urban riverfront trail system
- Location
- segments on both banks of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers within Allegheny County with access to city of Pittsburgh neighborhoods, river town business districts, and local attractions.
- Location
- along both sides of all three rivers in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County
- Total length
- 35-mile
- Total length
- 33‑mile
- Number of parking areas
- 24
Source: Three Rivers Heritage Trail (friendsoftheriverfront.org). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Full notes: Three Rivers Heritage Trail parking and access points
Frick Park
Frick Park contains the Sensory Nature Trail, located at the Frick Environmental Center. The trail is an accessible route that winds through a natural landscape.
It is organized as a series of sensory experiences and teaching moments. The associated Sensory Classroom is designed for learners and park users with disabilities.
- Open feature
- Outdoor Discovery Space and Sensory Nature trail
- Specific location within Frick Park
- Frick Environmental Center (FEC)
- Sensory Nature Trail surface
- Accessible route
- Sensory Classroom purpose
- Geared towards learners and park users with disabilities
- Sensory Nature Trail description
- Series of different sensory experiences and teaching moments of various sizes and scales, organized along an accessible route that winds through the natural landscape at the FEC.
Source: Frick Environmental Center Sensory Classroom (engage.pittsburghpa.gov). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Before you go
- Confirm the location of parking areas and drinking water stations before you start.
- Be aware that some sections of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail are shared with vehicle traffic.
- The Sensory Nature Trail in Frick Park is an accessible route.
- The Three Rivers Heritage Trail is a nonlinear system with multiple segments.
- Restrooms are available at 11 locations along the riverfront trail system.
More cities: City running and hiking guides.