Grandview Overlook, Mount Washington: 136 – 160 Grandview Avenue
Unlike the four other regional parks (Frick, Schenley, Highland, and Riverview), Emerald View is a horseshoe-esque-shaped collection of parks, playgrounds, and trails scattered throughout Mount Washington, Duquesne Heights, and Allentown.
While many visitors and residents aren’t aware of all the amenities offered throughout Emerald View (which is a shame because the bounty is plentiful), chances are they’re familiar with the Grandview Overlook. Calling it a promenade is perfect because “promenading” is exactly what everyone does as they take photos and videos, marvel at the view, slurp cold beverages and nosh on treats from Shiloh Street, chit-chat, and people-watch. Bookended by the Duquesne and Monongahela Inclines, the walk from one end to the other is a little under one mile and includes four overlook platforms named in honor of a former Pittsburgh mayor (Thomas Gallagher), the first black member of City Council (Paul F. Jones), a local labor leader (Patrick T. Fagan), and veterans of the Vietnam and Korean Wars.
The panoramas are Pittsburgh’s best and offer a visual feast of 150+ years of downtown architectural trends, clusters of hillside homes, and oh, so many bridges spanning those muddy green rivers. Whatever your point of view, there’s always a grand view to behold here.
Love Pittsburgh’s City Steps? Get a Copy of the NEW Book!
City Steps of Pittsburgh: A History & Guide explores the history of the steps and the neighborhoods in which they were built. It also includes 13 guided walks and 20+ locations worth visiting—all with detailed descriptions, directions, and resources for creating your own urban hiking adventure. All areas of Pittsburgh are represented: north, south, east, and west. The book is available through all online shops (including our publisher) and local and independent bookstores.