Keep to the left and continue down S. 18th under the railroad bridge. The underpass is one of seven that cuts beneath the railroad along the base of the Slopes. In a joint project between the South Side Local Development Co., SSSNA and the city, all of the underpasses were fitted with lights in 2004 and several of the sidewalks were replaced. Continue along S. 18th St. to E. Carson St.
StepTrek Route: Church Route
Church Route
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S. 18th Street Steps
These steps were upgraded in 2012 through a combination of the state’s Elm Street funding and a grant from Duquesne Light’s “Power of Light” program to repair, pressure wash and stain the concrete steps and install LED light fixtures below each stair tread. The fixtures not only serve the practical need of increasing lighting levels at the footfall areas of the steps, but they also serve as beacons to passersby, highlighting and celebrating this neighborhood icon. Climb down the 140 steps to 18th St. below.
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Optional Detour to Saint Josaphat Church
It’s about a 15 minute diversion to visit this Byzantium-influenced church. To skip this detour, jump to #16 in this narrative. Otherwise, turn right on Pius and walk to the stop light at Pius & S. 18th streets. Cross S. 18th and continue east on Mission St. across the two bridges to Sterling St. Dedicated in 1916, the church was built to serve a Polish parish that was established in 1901. The building is Romanesque with a Byzantium influence evident in the arches, pillars and bell tower. The consolidation of Catholic churches a few years ago had limited its usage to weddings and funerals. The church closed permanently after a section of ceiling collapsed about the casket of the last caretaker during his funeral mass. The main altar held relics of St. Josaphat. In the rear, beneath the choir balcony, hung a picture of the Black Madonna. The church is slated to be converted into multiple living units by a Slopes resident. Many Polish descendents continue to inhabit this section of the Slopes. The names of relations and former residents who served in World Wars I & II are seen on the memorial tucked into the hillside across Mission St. from the church. When finished, retrace your steps to S. 18th St. and cross to Pius St. Continue west just before 107 Pius St. are the S. 18th St. steps.
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Pius Street
Look to the right. The green steeple is St Josaphat Church. See optional detour below OR make a left and continue along Pius St. to the top of the 18th street stairs, they will be on the right side of the street.
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Yard Way
Welcome to Billy Buck Hill! Make a left on Yard Way and walk to Shamokin St. View uptown, Oakland and Greenfield across the river. The South Side Works, the former LTV Steel site, sits to the bottom right. The Yard Way steps, built in 1944, contain a total of 301 steps, and extend down to Pius St. Cross Shamokin and descend 63 steps to Winter’s Playground at Huron St. and another 52 steps to Baldauf St. From Baldauf descend 186 steps past Roscoe St. and Magdalene St. to Gregory St. Cross Gregory. The last 13 steps of Yard Way were rebuilt in preparation for the first StepTrek in 2000.
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St. Paul St.
Walk the sidewalk along the right of St. Paul to Yard Way.
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Monastery Ave.
From the steps of the church, turn left and walk one block and turn left onto St. Paul St.
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Monastery St.
Cross Monastery St. and make a left. Ascend the 15 steps on the right side which were rebuilt in 2013. Ahead is St. Paul of the Cross Monastery.
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St. Thomas St. Steps
These next 78 steps continue up to St. Joseph’s Way. Walk one half block up to Monastery St.
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Hackstown St.
Make a right on Hackstown. Across the street and down 15 yards are the St. Thomas St. steps.