Pittsburgh, PA: North Park Bridle Trail

This 5.8-miler in Allegheny County's sprawling North Park visits maple and oak forests, babbling creeks, and a scenic overlook.

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Trail Facts

  • Distance: 4.7

Waypoints

NPB001

Location: 40.5997505187988, -79.996452331543

Head W, passing Beaver Shelter. Next 100 yds.: Take sharp L toward lake; cross creek on grassy causeway. Turn R @ sign for Rachel Carson Trail; head up hill, leaving creek

NPB002

Location: 40.6014785766602, -79.9981307983398

Continue straight where bike trail crosses path

NPB003

Location: 40.6054916381836, -80.0018615722656

Trail winds next to N. Ridge Dr. for .2-mi. stretch

NPB004

Location: 40.6076202392578, -80.0030517578125

Meander NW; a steep cliff borders trail on R. In 500 ft., bear R @ Y, following faded yellow blazes

NPB005

Location: 40.6107482910156, -80.0065765380859

Begin moderate climb through corridor of maples, then cruise through clearings, passing ferns and vine-draped trees

NPB006

Location: 40.6110610961914, -80.0092620849609

Keep straight @ 3-way, then pass Montana and Wisconsin pavilions on L

NPB007

Location: 40.6133117675781, -80.0095291137695

Straight @ 3-way

NPB008

Location: 40.6171798706055, -80.0080871582031

Trail turns L where gaps in trees reveal wooded hills and lush ravine on R; raspberries flourish by trail. In 100 yds., trail merges onto bike path, then crosses 4WD road (ignore multiple intersecting paths)

NPB009

Location: 40.6198501586914, -80.0116882324219

Bear R (NW). In 250 yds., trail follows tree-lined road 100 ft., then veers into woods @ “authorized vehicles only” sign

NPB010

Location: 40.6199684143066, -80.0181732177734

Descend SW to creek, passing through boggy area covered in logs

NPB011

Location: 40.6184196472168, -80.0207901000976

Cross dam over small creek. In 500 ft., straight @ 4-way with side trail that cuts across field on L to ice-skating rink

NPB012

Location: 40.6189613342285, -80.0229263305664

Follow white blazes through woods bordered on L by large, grassy field

NPB013

Location: 40.6199607849121, -80.024772644043

Backtrack to trailhead @ T with Pierce Mill Rd.

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