Trip #399 Bark Street, Perry South, Pittsburgh took place on January 24, 2020, and was published on February 12, 2020.
Some say that immersing yourself in nature can lead to enlightenment. If that’s true, the Bark Street stairs are exceptionally wise. At one time, these 76 steps went somewhere – either to a long lost road below Wurzell Avenue or “orphan houses” without street access further down the hill. A decade of isolation brought about by an official CLOSED sign has resulted in stairs and nature becoming one: mossy concrete and rusted rails thickly covered in fallen leaves and branches, rambling vines and weeds. In long-ago days, Bark Street was pre-occupied with the daily happenings of worldly matters. Today, it is a renunciant who has left society for a life of solitary contemplation. Alone, but surrounded by nature’s teachings. Silently welcoming the occasional traveler. Offering wisdom through quiet patience.
Field Notes: According to Google Maps Streetview, this flight has been closed since at least 2007. It was still open when Bob visited it, but that would have been closer to the early 2000s. I’m not sure if it once went to a street (none appears on today’s maps) or perhaps an orphan house? This neighborhood has changed so much in the last 50 years – so much of it is just gone.
Want to visit these stairs? You can locate them on the Pittsburgh City Steps Plan website!
See the Risograph print of this photo and story in the Mis.Steps Shop.
Be a good neighbor! Have you visited these stairs and found them in poor condition or that illegal dumping (large items like tires, old furniture, and construction debris) and trash were abundant in the area? There are two things you can do to take action and make our city steps cleaner and safer for everyone! First, grab a photo if you can, and submit a report to Pittsburgh 311. All problems, both broken stairs, and railings, as well as trash and dumping, should be reported to the city. You can easily do this online or by calling. If the location has an abundance of illegal dumping and trash, also contact Allegheny Cleanways, letting them know the location and the nature of the garbage. Thank you!!
