Make a right at the top of St. Michael Steps. At 112 Hackstown is the Kanyuscak-Zofcin House. Built and inhabited circa 1890 – 1920, it was the residence of a steelworker from the Jones & Laughlin works along the Monongahela River. Follow Hackstown as it curves left and drops to St. Joseph Way Steps and Brosville St.
StepTrek Route: Gold Route 2024
Gold/West Route 2024
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St. Michael Steps
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.
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Brosville 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.
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* The Dirty Dozen
Each fall, a Pittsburgh cycling 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 both this and the East Route. The event this year is Sat., Oct. 26.
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Welsh Way
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.
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Welsh Way Steps
Just before the bridge are Welsh Way Steps. Make left and descend the 111 steps. Enjoy the rustic beauty.
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* Knoxville Incline Greenway
Dedicated in 2016, the Greenway 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, now closed for repairs, 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.
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Fritz St. & Knoxville Incline Trail
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.
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Hartford St. Steps
Make left and descend 70 wooden steps to Fritz St. and Knoxville Incline Trail.
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Hartford St.
Turn left. Notice the houses constructed below street level on left. Ahead are both St. Michael and St. Josaphat church steeples. Keep to right to descend 27 wooden steps to street’s end.