History of the French and Indian War Hike

Pittsburgh is known for many unusual things, but did you know that this region was so strategic in the middle of the 18th century that it started a war that spread around the world and launched the military career of America’s preeminent founding father, George Washington?  Known to the rest of the world as the Seven Years war and in North America as the French and Indian war, its beginnings were focused right here at the confluence of our rivers in a desperate struggle to control the interior of the continent and led directly to the American Revolution just two decades later.

Join living historian and ecotourism advocate, John McNulty, as we climb some of Pittsburgh’s most dramatic staircases visiting little known green spaces and having lunch at the iconic West End Overlook.  Along the way, we’ll pause from time to time to learn about the dramatic story of the founding of Pittsburgh, when it literally changed the maps of the world at the time.

Starting and ending at the West End Library parking lot, this hike will cover around 3 miles with 400+ feet of elevation gain. It is considered a moderately strenuous hike given the city staircases we will climb though there will be many opportunities for breaks.

Participants should bring their own lunch. Restrooms will be available at the start and end of the hike.