South Side Slopes Neighborhood Association

"Neighbors working together to make the Slopes a more livable, beautiful, and safe community"

StepTrek Route: Black Route 2026

StepTrek Black/East Route 2026

  • South Side Park & Sterling Connector Trail

    Make left & cross upper trail to the overlook. The many trees shielded by plastic guards and the flower gardens are proof of the continuing effort to replant and improve the park, which includes a fruit orchard with apple, cherry, persimmon, pawpaw and peach trees downhill from the Sterling Connector Trail.

  • Salisbury St.

    Turn right and walk past Brashear Association and Arlington Community Center to Sterling St.

  • Fernleaf St.

    Make right. Across is the former Engine House #22 which was established in 1894. The view from the roof tower covered several surrounding neighborhoods and provided an ideal lookout for smoke and fires. Ahead at the intersection with Salisbury is the Brashear Association’s Kaufmann Neighborhood House. Continue past Kaufmann House to Salisbury St.

  • Eccles St. Steps

    At end of park, keep left and descend the 23 steps to Fernleaf St.

  • * Arlington Ballfield & Spray Park

    For all its steepness, there are play and ball fields throughout the Slopes. This ballfield regularly hosts baseball and softball games under the lights which can be seen from the South Side Flats and Oakland. Take in views of downtown’s tallest buildings and Oakland’s medical complex. The Spray Park opened in 2018. Replacing a deteriorated city pool, the spray functions are many and varied. A children’s playground, rebuilt in 2021, completes the park. Keep right and walk past the playground equipment to a set of steps.

  • Arlington Park Steps

    Make left and ascend 13 steps to Arlington Park. You have now reached the highest point of South Side Slopes!

  • Sterling St.

    Make right. Walk past Fort Hill St. to steps on far side of yellow brick building.

  • Arlington Ave.

    Turn right. Arlington Ave. runs along the tops of South Side Slopes and marks the division between it and Mt. Oliver. Just before 2405 Arlington is Old Arlington Avenue Streetcar Loop. In this paved lot trolleys once entered and turned around. On the side of 2505 Arlington is a colorful mural depicting the former transit loop. At Eleanor St. is Hilltop Coffee where you’ll find a restroom stop. Continue along Arlington to Sterling St.

  • Clover St. Steps

    Climb these 49 steps to Eccles St. and another 103 steps to Arlington Ave.

  • Clover St.

    Make left. Continue down Clover past Salisbury. Ahead lie the Clover St. Steps.