Knoxville Incline Greenway, South Side Slopes: 64 Welsh Way
Knoxville Incline Park is part of the South Side Greenway, and this section meanders along the old Knoxville Incline track. From 1890 to 1960, this curious form of public transportation (known in other parts of the world as a funicular) connected the South Side to Knoxville. This location featured a curved track and was the longest built in Pittsburgh at 2,644 feet. Unlike other inclines of the time, the Knoxville line had the design and capacity to transport cars and heavy freight.
In the decades following its closure, the area became an illegal dump site. Fortunately, the South Side community started cleanup efforts in the mid-2000s, which resulted in hundreds of tires and other debris being removed from the hillside. In 2016, the site became an official City of Pittsburgh greenway.
One entrance to this space is at Welsh Way, a heart-stopping, steep street with a 19.7% grade. When the pavement ends, city steps begin, and overgrown conditions are typical in the summer. However, at the top, the trail that connects the old pedestrian bridge to German Square and Fritz Street appears to experience regular use and upkeep.
This is the Slopes, so narrow streets extend like tentacles over the hillsides, and city steps are plentiful. Just remember, few loop around, so you’ll need to walk the long way down Brosville Street or retrace your path by carefully descending Welsh Way. Either way, it’s all downhill!
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