Name: Riverview Park Adventure
Rating: 4.5

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Plan in onX Backcountry

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Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Swimming · Views · Wildlife

Family Friendly This is an easy hike in an area that has a playground the kids will love.

Overview

Along this adventure, you'll see the old Bear Pitt/Zoo where there used to be live animals (but not anymore), the Chapel Shelter, the Allegheny Observatory, and the Riverview Stables.

Need to Know

Real bathrooms are available in the park facilities along the way (during open hours), but porta-potties are located throughout just in case.

Description

This is a great scenic hike at Riverview Park, starting and ending at the Allegheny Observatory. Hiking down the road from the Observatory, head left on Old Barn Road to reach Bob Harvey Trail. You’ll go past the pool, where you can then take the road down to Chapel Shelter. Take the Short-Cut Trail to the Overlook Trail. Follow the Overlook Trail down to Old Kilbuck Road and the Riverview Stables. Come back up and follow Riverview Avenue back to the Observatory.

History & Background

In the late 1800s when Mary Schenley donated Schenley Park to the City of Pittsburgh, the City of Allegheny (now just Pittsburgh’s northside) got competitive and residents pooled their money to buy this land, which used to be the old Watson Farm. Back in the day, it had a live bear pit, zoo, aviary, and pond.