StepTrek Route: Gold Route 2026

Turn right and walk 100 feet to S. 10th St. Steps & Pedestrian Bridge.

Named after the German families who settled on the hillside, the square features parallel sets of steps that climb into the Slopes.

Take right. Notice the beautiful views of South Side and downtown. That’s Cupples Stadium directly below. The city bought the few remaining houses along Newton and will close the street to vehicular traffic because of landslides. Walk Newton to its end, where a path leads through the woods to Owl Way Steps.

Descend 128 steps to German Square & Fritz St.

Make right and descend 95 steps to Newton St.

Turn right and descend along right sidewalk. The trolley tracks here are used as a bypass to the light rail tunnel that begins at Station Square. Continue past Behring St. to Lauer Way Steps located next to 801 Arlington.

Take right. The homes are tucked in tight on this narrow street overlooking the rivers. Keep left and ascend 28 wooden steps. Afterwards, cross and take an additional 17 steps up the right side of Hartford. Continue to Arlington Ave.

Make left and climb 70 wooden steps to Hartford St.

Cross the bridge. Be careful as you walk the trail through the woods to Hartford St. Steps. It’s hard to believe you’re in the city!

The Knoxville Incline began on Bradish St. in the South Side Flats. It followed the ravine going uphill to Fritz St. and Allentown. A deep trough carved into the ground permitted the incline to dock at street level. Later renamed the Pittsburgh Incline, it boarded horses, wagons, carts and passengers and was the last remaining of two city inclines to curve up the hill. The track extended 2,644 feet and was the longest incline in the city. During the Depression, it cost three cents to ride.