Urban Hike

To kick off the 2014 season, Urban Hike is visiting an old friend — Greenfield! Since our visit last fall featured more pouring rain and low-hanging clouds than the picturesque panoramas Greenfield is known for, we’ve decided to head back and try again. Hopefully this time the weather will cooperate — but as always, the hike is on, rain or shine.

We’ll meet Saturday, May 3 at 10:00 a.m. right in front of Big Jim’s Restaurant in “The Run”. There should be plenty of street parking available in the immediate vicinity, with additional parking near the Junction Hollow Trail.

The hike is about 5 miles long. Hills and steps abound — so it’s not the easiest hike for kids in strollers. Or for the adults pushing them. Or for anyone. Period. But after the winter we’ve had, we think it’s time to get out, get some fresh air, and get moving! The hike will last around three hours, and we’ll end with an optional lunch at Big Jim’s afterward.

Details:
Urban Hike’s going back to Greenfield
Saturday, May 3 at 10:00 a.m.
Meet across the street from Big Jim’s Restaurant at 201 Saline St. 15207

We’re trying a new style of hike. We’re returning to a neighborhood we hiked years ago, but this time with no map, no speakers, and no frills. Just a big group of friends out enjoying a Pittsburgh hike — steps, views, old houses, paper streets, and some fresh fall air.

We’ll start in Allegheny Commons, hike up into Fineview, and return to East Allegheny for some optional after-hike refreshments. The hike should only take about an hour and a half, so plan to warm up afterwards at the historic James Street Gastropub and Speakeasy.

Besides James Street, we won’t be going inside at all, so this is a great hike for dogs. We will be going up and down lots of steps however, so it is probably not ideal for strollers.

Details:
Urban Hike’s No Frills Fineview Hike
Sunday, November 3 at 1:00 p.m.
Meet at the northwest corner of E. Ohio Street and Cedar Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Thanks for coming out for our hike! Rain like we had helps put the “green” in Greenfield. 😉 Our small but hardy group walked nearly five miles, handling the hills and steps in stride. Along the way, we:

• Heard from two Greenfield Community Association speakers on current neighborhood initiatives
• Toured Greenfield Presbyterian Church‘s sanctuary and cozy community space
• Paid a visit to Frank Gorshin’s final resting place in Calvary Cemetery
• Refueled with a satisfying meal at Big Jim’s in the Run
• Ended at the impressive Saint John Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church

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September 21st is the last day of summer — get out and enjoy it with Urban Hike! We’re headed to Greenfield; Despite the tranquil-sounding name, we won’t find many flat fields here. Winding streets, steps, hills and heights are more this neighborhood’s style.

But we know you can handle it! Come prepared for whatever the late summer weather brings … we’ll hike rain or shine. We are starting and ending at 201 Saline St.  (Right in front of Big Jim’s restaurant in “The Run”.) There should be plenty of street parking available in the immediate vicinity, with additional parking near the Junction Hollow Trail.

From there we’ll head up and down Greenfield’s hills, taking in the sights and hearing from a few local speakers along the way. The hike is just under five miles long. We’ll begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. The hike will last around three hours, and we’ll end with an optional lunch at Big Jim’s afterwards. We look forward to seeing you this weekend!

View from the corner of Lydia and Bigelow streets

Here’s the recap:

What: Urban Hike’s Greenfield hike
When: Saturday, September 21 at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Meet outside 201 Saline Street in Greenfield.
Why: Winter is coming. Get outside while you still can.

Thanks for coming out to our West View hike! We (poorly) dodged raindrops, hiked hills, covered over five miles, met new friends, and generally had a great time. Follow our route here. Hike highlights include:

• Visiting St. Athanasius Church
• Walking by the defunct Highland Country Club
• Hearing the colorful history (and sad dismantling) of West View Park
• Touring Pinball Perfection‘s museum and player’s club, and
• Ending with a true Pittsburgh lunch at I.s.a.l.y.’s.

Stay tuned for our next hike … details to come in a few short weeks!

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Big thanks to the great speakers and to all the hikers who came out! Check out our route here.

Here at Urban Hike, we appreciate the importance of a well-rounded neighborhood education. A is for Ambridge, B is for Beechview, C is for Crafton … and Z is for Zelienople! Join us for a hike this Saturday, June 29, that will take us not only to Zelienople, but also to its historic next-door neighbor, Harmony.

Meet us at Wunderbar Coffee House at 11:00 a.m. this Saturday. We’ll hike first through the quiet neighborhoods of Harmony, then we’ll take a short jaunt over to Zelienople, where we’ll explore its business district, iconic theater, as well as its parks and residences.

The hike is 3.3 miles long and should take a little over two hours. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle if it’s warm. This hike will stick to sidewalks, so it should be stroller-friendly. Dogs are always welcome too, but note that we will go inside a couple of buildings along the way.

Wondering where to park? Check out this map for a list of public lots in Harmony. For reference, the coffee shop where we will begin the hike is #25 on the map.

After the hike, feel free to stay for a late lunch at the Harmony Inn!