Seldom Seen Greenway Park, Mount Washington/Beechview: 940 Saw Mill Run Parkway
The Seldom Seen Arch and Greenway are often mentioned as one of Pittsburgh’s hidden and forgotten places that are a “must-visit.” But the reality is that getting there can be very frustrating. The entrance is across from Woodruff Street on Saw Mill Run Boulevard, next door to DPW’s enormous salt dome, but where to turn off to enter the small parking lot isn’t clearly marked. If you miss it, you’re stuck making a big loop on one of the City’s most unpleasant roads. Sadly, for those wanting to walk or bike, there are no sidewalks or bike lanes. While there is a crosswalk at Woodruff, given the average speed of vehicles, it’s an unpleasantly dangerous option.
That said, it’s still worth the hurdles to get here if only to marvel at the stone-and-brick arch (and its corresponding graffiti) and listen to the water splashing and burbling below. Once upon a time, a Pittsburgh History & Landmarks plaque told more about the arch and the German farmers who lived along the dirt lane that traveled up the hillside. Like those families, all traces of the plaque have also disappeared.
As you pass under the arch, you’ll have the opportunity to investigate the railroad tracks above. If you choose to go vertical, keep in mind that the uppermost tracks are live (infrequently used but still active), and the lower tracks are abandoned.
Trails follow the run, and if you want to continue uphill to the other trailhead at Tropical Park in Beechview, you’ll need to cross, and your lower legs will likely get wet. 🙂 But remember, not all adventures need to involve a physical or psychological challenge! Sitting on a rock at the water’s edge, listening to the birds overhead, and watching the ducks paddle around can be thrilling in its own right. The choice is yours.
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