Footpath along Nine Mile Run stream

The Riverview, Irongate, and Firelane Loop offers a refreshing escape into dense woodlands right in Pittsburgh's Frick Park. You'll find tranquil moments along the Footpath near Nine Mile Run stream, where wooden boardwalks wind through restored natural areas. The Riverview Trail portion also provides pleasant viewpoints overlooking southern Pittsburgh, making for a varied and engaging experience.

This easy 3.5-mile (5.7 km) hiking loop, with 465 feet (142 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 37 minutes to complete. While much of it is gentle, be prepared for a notably steep section on the Irongate Trail, which has a 7% average grade. Wooden bridges can be slick when wet, so watch your footing, especially after rain.

This trail is a fantastic example of urban wilderness, showcasing the successful restoration of the Nine Mile Run area from its industrial past. It's a great option for those seeking a quick, accessible outdoor adventure with diverse terrain and scenery, perfect for a solid workout or a peaceful stroll within the city limits.

The Braddock and Tranquil Trail Loop offers a delightful escape into the green heart of Frick Park, guiding you through lush woodlands and alongside the restored Nine Mile Run stream. You'll experience varied terrain, from gentle singletrack with a "rollercoaster feel" on the Braddock Trail to the peaceful fire road sections of the Tranquil Trail, all while enjoying the diverse flora and fauna of this urban oasis.

This easy 4.0-mile (6.4 km) hiking route, with a modest 310 feet (94 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete. It's an excellent choice for a leisurely outing, suitable for families and beginners, though some sections can become muddy after rain. The trails are dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your leashed canine companion.

Frick Park, Pittsburgh's largest municipal park, provides a significant urban sanctuary, showcasing a successful ecological restoration project with the Nine Mile Run. Beyond the trail, the park offers amenities like the Frick Environmental Center and playgrounds, making it a versatile destination for a day out in nature.

The Nine Mile Run Trail offers a surprisingly tranquil escape within Pittsburgh's Frick Park, transforming what was once an industrial slag dump into a vibrant green corridor. As you hike, you'll follow the Nine Mile Run stream on a mostly flat, crushed gravel path, enjoying a mix of forest and tall grasses. Keep an eye out for wildflowers like black-eyed Susans, and enjoy the pleasant views as the trail eventually leads you to the Monongahela River and the Homestead Grays Bridge.

This easy 4.3-mile (7.0 km) route, with only 231 feet (70 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 51 minutes, making it ideal for a relaxed outing. It's suitable for most fitness levels, though you'll share the path with cyclists. The trail is generally accessible, and its less crowded nature compared to other Frick Park trails means you can often find a peaceful experience.

What truly sets this trail apart is its incredible history of ecological restoration. For 50 years, this area was buried under 200 million tons of industrial waste. Today, thanks to one of the country's largest urban restoration projects, the stream is clean enough for fish, and the woodlands have regenerated, creating a beautiful natural space that connects to other routes like the Duck Hollow Trail.