StepTrek Route: StepTrek Route 2020

Cross Sterling and climb 58 steps. Stay left along Sierra to Eleanor St. Above and to the right is Eleanor St. Parklet.

Built in 1951, the steps connect to Mission St. below. Take in the view of the Mon River, downtown and the rooftops of South Side. When ready, descend 188 steps to grassy lot below 494 Sterling St. Across are Sierra St. Steps. A tall, weathered wood fence rises to their left.

For all its steepness, there are play and ball fields throughout the Slopes. This ballfield regularly hosts baseball and softball games under the lights which can be seen from the South Side Flats and Oakland. Take in views of downtown’s tallest buildings and Oakland’s medical complex. The Spray Park opened in 2018. Replacing a deteriorated city pool, the spray functions are many and varied. A children’s playground completes the park. Walk straight through and keep to left of yellow brick Parks Building. Descend 12 steps to Sterling St.

Make left. At the corner of Fernleaf and Eccles St., is the former Engine House #22 which was established in 1894. The new Engine House on Arlington Ave. replaced it. The building now serves as a residence. Continue up Fernleaf to the first set of stairs on the left, just opposite Eccles. Climb 23 steps to Arlington Playground, Ballfield & Spray Park.

Make right and continue west to Fernleaf St.

Turn right and take dirt path uphill to two sets of steps in the woods. About 50 feet in, turn left and walk up the first 8 steps, some made of wood, and another 18 stone steps. The trail will lead to the Henry Kaufmann Center. Pass along the rear of the Center and turn right at its edge. Climb the 11 steps along the side of the building to Salisbury St.

Continue along paved lane into the woods. At “T” intersection, make right and join South Side Trail. Continue along paved lane. No turns. Goats have been brought in to eat the invasive plants that have overcome the area. Improvements include the signage and newly planted trees. Just short of the paved oval is a trail post pointing to the Salisbury Connector Trail.

Efforts continue to reclaim a 64 acre park that extends from the heights of the Slopes to Josephine St. below. In this wooded hillside are streams, ball fields and pathways. Volunteers have removed invasive knotweed and vines that choke the park and built its trails. With funding from The Brashear Association, SSSNA partnered with Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Landforce and the Student Conservation Association to create this neighborhood asset. Friends of South Side Park manage its ongoing work.