Fairhaven Greenway, Overbrook: 2300 Kingwood Street
Greenways are city-owned public properties, but they differ from parks or playgrounds. Since the official designation began in 1980, there are now 12, covering a total of 605 acres (~14% of public space). Think of Greenways as something similar to a nature preserve. Chances are, they won’t have public restrooms or play equipment, but you might find a few parking spots, trails, scenic overlooks, or 100-year-old artifacts, such as old stone foundations and long-forgotten railroad tracks. When it comes to exploring a Greenway, it’s best to keep an open mind and set aside any expectations.
The Fairhaven Greenway in Overbrook has been official since 1998, and in the last few years, more attention has been given to this hillside area on the edge of city limits. In case you were wondering where the name came from, before being annexed to Pittsburgh in 1930, this area was part of Baldwin Township and known as Fairhaven. While the Greenway isn’t large, its green meandering trails are easy to identify and pleasantly fragrant with honeysuckle.
If you want trail maps for Fairhaven or other Greenways in the City, visit pittsburghpa.maps.arcgis.com and search Trails under the Gallery function. The Pittsburgh Trails Map (created by Matt Jacob of @pghsteps) will get you started. Please note that Fairhaven is in a residential neighborhood, so be mindful of parking, keep dogs leashed, and report any illegal dumping or downed trees to 311. Active stewardship by all helps maintain the beauty of these semi-wild spaces and ensures they’ll be enjoyed for years to come.
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