Even though this year has been a roller coaster, we’re trying to make the most of our summer! Getting outside is one of the best (and safest) ways we can do that, which is why we’ve compiled some bike trail resources for you. So dust off that old bike in storage or make an appointment with your nearest bike shop and hit the trails!
Rails to Trails
Rails to trails riding means you’re on a multi-use trail, so you might encounter people walking or running, or even horseback riding. These trails are usually fairly flat – and they might be abandoned railways or run along rivers. Lucky for us, Pittsburgh has plenty of rails to trails riding, especially along the rivers! Bike PGH has an amazing interactive map, so you can plan out your ride no matter where in the city you live. We also posted about 5 of our favorite trails for exploring the city. It includes everything from a historic route to a culinary route, or a sightseeing route perfect for appreciating Pittsburgh. We also have a few suggestions on where to fuel up after your ride…although make sure you check restaurants for their outdoor dining and takeout options!
If you’re really serious about riding, you can ride the whole way from Pittsburgh to Washington D.C.! The Great Allegheny Passage starts in Pittsburgh and connects to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath, which takes you into D.C. (Fun fact: Lauren has done this whole ride…and loves to answer questions about it!) You can stay in bed and breakfasts or even camp the whole way, making for a rewarding socially distant vacation.
Mountain Biking
There’s a surprising amount of mountain biking in and around Pittsburgh. Most of the local parks – like Frick, Schenley, Boyce, North Park, Hartwood Acres, and South Park – have trails. Or you can travel outside of the city a bit to Yellow Creek or Raystown for a mountain bike adventure. All of these options have different riding styles, so don’t be put off from trying one if you didn’t like another. If you’re not sure where to start, try talking to the people at your favorite bike shop. They’re likely very knowledgeable about each area and can point you in the right direction.
City Rides
Don’t forget that riding on the road is always an option, too. Make sure you have the proper gear to be on the road – like your helmet, lights, and reflectors. Bike PGH has tons of great resources for riding on the road and even for commuting by bike. This might be the perfect time to get comfortable on the road since there are fewer cars driving around the city! And Healthy Ride is a great option for riding around the city if you don’t have your own bike.
Want to get outside but not sure you’re up for biking? Check out our summer outdoor bucket list or our favorite outdoor adventure and camping spots near Pittsburgh!
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.