Riverview Park, Perry North: Riverview Avenue
Riverview is an underrated show-stopper of a park. Rambling through the furthest reaches of the North Side between Perry North, Brighton Heights, and Marshall-Shadeland, for many, it’s known as the home of The Allegheny Observatory. Operated by the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Pittsburgh, it’s a respected astronomical research station that also offers public lectures, open houses, and memorable night sky viewings. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building is also a brightly shining star.
While the observatory directs gazes skyward, the rest of the park draws attention to sights closer to home. Riverview Avenue is one way for vehicles, allowing everyone a safe way to travel the park. I will not say “easy” because Riverview is HILLY (to put it mildly). Those exploring its many trails will be rewarded with panoramic views, relics of the bygone Allegheny City Zoo, and steep dropoffs, so awareness is necessary.
For those interested in traveling city steps, nearly two dozen flights in concrete, wood, and Great Depression-era stone slabs await. There are also large open expanses (perfect for picnics, cloud watching, or connecting body to earth), a well-appointed playground, dog parks, and an outdoor swimming pool. If you’ve never visited before, or it’s been a long time, do yourself a favor and go. Riverview is a thoughtful, quiet beauty that will steal your heart and stay in your thoughts.
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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.