StepTrek Route: Gold Route 2026

At the sign, make right to enter the Greenway. Dedicated in 2016, the Greenway honors the history of the Knoxville Incline. A trail, created in partnership with GTECH Strategies as part of its ReClaim South program, follows what was Fritz St. and leads to a bridge. Under the bridge is a deep ravine lined with large-stone retaining walls, through which the incline ran 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.

Terraced into the hillside is this quiet green space. The fabricated canvas of COR-TEN steel plate was created by SSSNA board member and architect Peter Kreuthmeier and installed against a curved retaining wall. The scrim replicates a section of a Slopes neighborhood from a lot and block map. As part of an Elm Street project, a beautification initiative funded by the state, it was dedicated in 2007. It has garnered a number of awards for excellence and design. Continue up Brosville St.

Turn left and walk to St. Joseph Way Steps

Cross Monastery and walkup sidewalk to St. Thomas St.

Make right, keep right and enjoy the view of the 10th Street Bridge, Mercy Hospital, Duquesne University, the Golden Triangle, the Point and North Side hills behind downtown. Descend the 78 steps to Monastery St. Look up Monastery for a glimpse of St. Paul of the Cross Monastery. These steps and sidewalk were rebuilt a few years ago as part of a project to replace a larger set of steps that ran the length of Monastery. When ready, cross Monastery and continue on St. Thomas to St. Joseph Way.

Descend these 77 steps to Brosville St. Note that the last few houses have access via the steps only.

On your left is the Brosville-Monastery Welcome Garden. When ready, cross to opposite side, make left, and walk up the right side of Brosville to Knoxville Incline Greenway.

Though not part of this route, up to the right is the Monastery. In 1852, the first bishop of Pittsburgh invited over the Passionists, an Italian order known as the barefoot missionaries. The Passionists vowed to live a life of prayer, poverty, penance and solitude. Their first retreat in the New World was held here in 1855. Designed by the architect Charles Bartberger, the church was completed in 1859 in the midst of an 11-acre compound chosen for its serenity and seclusion. The architectural style is Romanesque. The interior rose window is a copy of one in Reims, Germany. The renovated chapel is exquisite and opens daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Make left and continue along St. Paul past the brick wall that forms the boundary between the neighborhood and St. Paul of the Cross Monastery and Retreat Center. The monastery was founded in 1853. This section of the wall appears to be the original one that shielded the enclave from the world outside. Within the enclave is a garden that features the Stations of the Cross. Farther along St. Paul St. is the orange brick building of the St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center, which is available for individual retreats. Continue to Monastery Ave. and cross over to St. Martin St.

Ascend the 82 steps to St. Paul St.