Explore Your Local Greenway: Emerald View Trails

Pittsburgh defines “greenway” as permanent, passive open space that benefits nearby neighborhoods and the public. In 1980, the Greenways for Pittsburgh program was created to protect hillsides and preserve open space by consolidating unbuildable land. Currently, Pittsburgh has 12 greenways covering 605 acres, with 14% of the city’s public open space being greenways. There are plans to add 21 more greenways that could increase the system by over 450 acres. Frick Park, the largest park in Pittsburgh, is 644 acres.

Emerald View Park, originally known as Coal Hill due to coal mining in the mid-1700s, has undergone a significant transformation since being named a regional park in 2007. Despite illegal dumping issues, remediation and reforestation efforts have transformed the park into a beautiful space with winding trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, ballfields, and overlooks. The work of groups like the Mount Washington Community Development Corporation and the city of Pittsburgh led to the creation of a master plan for the park.

Join Venture Outdoors as we explore this beautiful park with a gorgeous overlook of Downtown Pittsburgh and learn more about the history of Greenways in the City. We will take a moderately paced 4 hour mile hike which includes some significantly hill climbing as well as some city streets through Mt. Washington.