StepTrek Route: Gold Route 2022

Continue up St. Thomas to Monastery St. Stay right to climb 5 steps. Look right to view downtown and the rivers.

Make left and ascend 78 steps that lead to St. Joseph’s Way and St. Thomas St.

At corner of Brosville & Pius Streets is the former St. Michael Church. When ready, cross to St. Michael Steps on the opposite side and climb these 150 steps to Hackstown St.

Make a right at the top of St. Michael Steps and cross Hackstown to St. Thomas St. Steps.

Welsh Way bends to the right and meets S. 12 St. at Brosville St. Be careful as you cross to opposite side and turn right to climb 44 steps on left side of street.

Each fall, Pittsburgh organization hosts a 50-mile bike race that goes up 13 of its steepest hills. Welsh Way is one of the Dirty Dozen. Another is Eleanor St. on the East Route. This event his year is Sat., Oct. 22.

Continue down Welsh Way. The Knoxville Incline, which began below on Bradish St., once climbed through the ravine to the right behind the collection of small, 1890’s houses. Remnants of the incline’s retaining walls can still be seen in the rear yards. It was the longest incline in Pittsburgh and the only one to curve as it ascended.

Just before the bridge over the former Knoxville Incline are Welsh Way Steps. Make left and descend the 111 steps. Enjoy the rustic beauty.

Dedicated in 2016, the Greenway is the most recent Slopes park and honors the Knoxville Incline’s history. Created in partnership with GTECH Strategies as part of its ReClaim South program, the trail follows what was Fritz St. and leads to a bridge over a deep ravine lined with large-stone retaining walls. The incline ran through there from 1890 to 1960. Over the years, SSSNA members have pulled several hundred tires from the ravine as part of an area clean up. SSSNA and Allentown CDC donated the trees planted at the entrance from Brosville St.

Turn right. The trail follows a permanent greenway that connects the Flats to the top of the Slopes along what was Fritz St. It’s hard to believe you’re in the city! Be careful as you walk Knoxville Incline Trail to Welsh Way Steps.