StepTrek Route: Black Route 2023

Take right and and climb the 9 steps on the right side. Continue walking along the paved portion of Berg to the steps at the street’s end. Stop. Relax. Take in the view of the rivers, downtown and the rooftops of South Side.

Turn left and walk one block to Berg St.

Each November, Pittsburgh cycling enthusiasts host a 50-mile bike race that goes up 13 of its steepest hills. Eleanor St. is one of the Dirty Dozen. Cyclists start this leg at Josephine St., at the base of the Slopes, and race up Holt and Eleanor to finish at Cobden St.

Make right and walk one block to Eleanor St.

In this section of the Slopes are a couple of smaller churches. Cobden Street Baptist Church is on the left corner at 2500 Cobden St. The Second Primative Methodist Church is at 2430 Cobden St.

Ascend 51 wooden steps to Cobden St.

Make left and climb one block to Wellington St. and Clover St. Steps.

Continue along Burham past Niles St. to Clover St. Notice views to right of Uptown and Oakland across the Mon River.

At Oakley Way, cross Sumner to sidewalk on left. Take in the view of Oakland. Rebuilt in 2012, the concrete walk continues below grade as it rises along the left side of Sumner. Sets of wooden steps rise to the street. Here, the lots start to widen into yards with gardens and fruit trees. Walk up 17 steps to 2725 Sumner and climb 9 wooden steps to Sumner. Look right and take in the view of downtown. Cross to Burham St.

These 85 steps lead through a canopy of trees. After the last step, keep right and walk along Sumner St. to Oakley Way.