Trip #612 Jacob Street, Brookline, Pittsburgh took place on July 10, 2021, and was published on July 21, 2021.
Standing near a moving freight train is a bit like swimming in the ocean: All pulsations of buoyancy are countered by a pull more potent than a giant magnet. Even when experienced from a safe distance, it’s still a shocking rush to the senses, and I imagine two hundred years’ worth of people have felt the same. These massive mechanized creatures of human engineering radiate a dynamic allure, but 14,000 tons of steel will not suffer fools gladly, and there is no forgiveness for mortal transgressions. Still, stepping into the all-enveloping force field is like downing a cup of very good, very strong coffee – and who doesn’t enjoy a dose of euphoria from time to time? All this, and more, are easily accessible via the Jacob Street city steps – the second-longest flight in the city. With its opposing stairways, walkway traversing a babbling crick, blooming wildflowers, and hiking trails leading to Brookline’s Memorial Park, it’s an ideal spot for old-school trainspotting and marveling at beauty both manufactured and natural.
Field Notes: This is the second-longest flight of city steps in Pittsburgh! However, it is not one continuous flight. I started at Sunbeam Way in Overbrook, went down a long flight of stairs (shown in the Polaroid), traversed a very nice concrete walkway that appears to be used by DPW and then climbed UP another flight that leads into Brookline. It’s a lovely spot and worthy of investigation. Added bonus – it’s near the freight rail train tracks!
Love city steps? Get yourself the latest issue of Mis.Steps: Our Missed Connections with Pittsburgh’s City Steps! Each copy is unique and features 10 randomly selected “trading cards” of Pittsburgh’s 739 public stairways. Visit the Mis.Steps online store to see all issues and place your order.
Want to visit these stairs? You can locate them on the Pittsburgh City Steps Plan website!
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.
