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United States
Pennsylvania
Allegheny County

Blawnox

The best MTB trails around Blawnox

By Fede from komoot

·

Updated May 31, 2026

If you've ever tried to plan mountain biking around Blawnox, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. With so many trails in the greater Pittsburgh area, it's tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has ridden, mapped, and reviewed these trails, and we've distilled all that local knowledge into a curated shortlist, saving you the guesswork.

Mountain biking near Blawnox is less about epic high-country climbs and more about exploring the rich, tree-covered hills and wooded valleys that define this part of Pennsylvania. While Blawnox itself is a charming riverside borough, it serves as a fantastic gateway to the more extensive trail networks found in nearby regional parks. You'll find everything from easy, flowing paths to more demanding routes with significant elevation changes, all winding through scenic landscapes.

If you only do one ride, make it the Frick Park Tour Loop Trail. At 5.3 miles (8.5 km), it’s an easy, scenic introduction to the area's best mountain bike trails, perfect for a first visit or a relaxed spin. For something more challenging, local riders love the Riverview Hill – Riverview Loop Viewpoint loop from Wilkinsburg, a difficult 16.0 miles (25.8 km) route that delivers varied terrain and rewarding climbs. Ready to explore? More than 145 mountain bikers have already used komoot to discover these routes, and they've given them a perfect 5.0-star rating.

If you only do 3 of these routes

  1. 1

    Frick Park Tour Loop Trail
  2. 2

    CMU Bike Loops
  3. 3

    Riverview Hill – Riverview Loop Viewpoint loop from Wilkinsburg

Compare these routes at a glance

Trail

Distance

Elevation

Difficulty

Frick Park Tour Loop Trail

8.53 km

200 m

Easy

CMU Bike Loops

8.22 km

140 m

Easy

Riverview Hill – Riverview Loop Viewpoint loop from Wilkinsburg

25.4 km

420 m

Hard

Riverview Loop Viewpoint – Riverview Hill loop from Rodef Shalom Congregation

23.1 km

320 m

Moderate

Nine Mile Run Trail – Firelane Trail loop from Tree of Life Or L'Simcha Congregation

11.5 km

170 m

Moderate

Iron Gate Trail – Footpath along Nine Mile Run stream loop from Carnegie Mellon University

41.1 km

440 m

Moderate

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1.

Frick Park Tour Loop Trail

8.53km

00:44

200m

200m

The Frick Park Tour Loop Trail offers a fantastic mountain biking experience, winding through dense woodlands and varied terrain that makes you forget you're in the middle of Pittsburgh. You'll encounter a mix of dirt, gravel, roots, and rocks, with some sections featuring switchback berms and optional technical features. Keep an eye out for glimpses of the city skyline from viewpoints like the Riverview Loop, providing a unique contrast to the natural surroundings.

This easy 5.3-mile (8.5 km) route involves about 648 feet (197 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 44 minutes to complete. Parking is available at various access points around Frick Park, but it's wise to arrive early on weekends or during peak times. The trails are shared with hikers, so always be aware of others and ride responsibly.

Frick Park is celebrated as a world-class urban trail system, offering an extensive network of well-maintained paths for all skill levels. While the Tour Loop is beginner-friendly, the park also features more challenging trails like Iron Gate and Rollercoaster, known for their fast, flowy sections with jumps and berms. It's a true natural oasis, providing a significant escape within a major metropolitan area.

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2.

CMU Bike Loops

8.22km

00:40

140m

140m

The CMU Bike Loops offer a delightful mountain biking experience right within Pittsburgh's Schenley Park, winding through urban parkland and pleasant woodlands. You'll navigate a mix of multi-track and gravel paths, making for a smooth and accessible ride. It's a fantastic way to enjoy green spaces and get some exercise, with highlights like the Westinghouse Memorial adding a touch of history to your journey.

This easy 5.1-mile (8.2 km) route, with a modest 469 feet (143 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a quick outing, taking only about 39 minutes to complete. There are no permits needed, and parking is generally available within Schenley Park, making it an incredibly convenient option for local riders. The CMU Bike Loops mountain biking practical info parking makes it an easy choice for a spontaneous ride.

These CMU Bike Loops mountain biking trails routes are particularly notable for their urban accessibility, providing a relaxed and family-friendly option for mountain bikers of all skill levels. While other parts of Pittsburgh's park system offer more technical challenges, these loops are specifically designed for an easy, enjoyable spin, making them a go-to for casual rides and beginners looking to explore the sport.

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3.

Riverview Hill – Riverview Loop Viewpoint loop from Wilkinsburg

25.4km

02:05

420m

420m

The Riverview Hill – Riverview Loop Viewpoint loop offers a demanding mountain biking adventure through the dense woodlands and steep hillsides of Pittsburgh's Riverview Park. You'll navigate a mix of singletrack and doubletrack, with plenty of rocks and roots, and be rewarded with views of the Allegheny Observatory and city overlooks. This difficult 15.8-mile (25.4 km) route, with 1377 feet (420 metres) of elevation gain, is best suited for advanced riders looking for a technical challenge that takes about 2 hours and 4 minutes.

Planning your ride on this Riverview Hill Riverview Loop mountain biking trail means preparing for a hard mountain bike ride. The park's proximity to downtown Pittsburgh makes it a convenient option, and the trails are managed by the City of Pittsburgh. While specific parking isn't detailed, the park is easily accessible, but always check for local access information before you go.

Established in 1894, Riverview Park is famous for its dramatically steep hillsides and extensive trail network, often used for cross-country riding and training. This particular loop is one of the more advanced mountain bike trails in the Wilkinsburg area, providing a rigorous workout for those looking to practice on hills. It's a great way to experience the natural features of Riverview Park Wilkinsburg.

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4.

Riverview Loop Viewpoint – Riverview Hill loop from Rodef Shalom Congregation

23.1km

01:41

320m

320m

The Riverview Loop Viewpoint – Riverview Hill loop offers a dynamic mountain biking experience through Pittsburgh's green spaces, blending challenging climbs with scenic rewards. You'll navigate a mix of dirt, gravel, and paved paths, winding through dense woodlands and over rolling hills. The highlight is undoubtedly the city overlooks from Riverview Park, providing a moment to catch your breath and enjoy the urban panorama amidst the natural setting.

Starting near Rodef Shalom Congregation, this moderate 14.4-mile (23.1 km) loop involves 1044 feet (318 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete. While specific parking information isn't detailed, it's wise to plan for early arrival, especially during peak times. The trail is best ridden in dry conditions to ensure optimal traction on its varied surfaces.

This route is a prime example of Pittsburgh's extensive urban green spaces, offering accessible mountain biking within city limits. Riverview Park, established in 1894, provides a unique historical backdrop to your ride with its distinctive topography and numerous wooded trails. It's a great way to experience the city's natural beauty and diverse trail network.

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5.

Nine Mile Run Trail – Firelane Trail loop from Tree of Life Or L'Simcha Congregation

11.5km

00:50

170m

170m

This moderate 7.2-mile (11.5 km) mountain bike loop, featuring the Nine Mile Run Trail and Firelane Trail, offers a delightful ride through Frick Park with 551 feet (168 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 50 minutes. You'll cruise along mostly flat, wide crushed gravel paths beside the Nine Mile Run creek, enjoying the lush, restored wetlands and woodlands. The Firelane Trail then guides you through scenic wooded sections, connecting various parts of this urban oasis. It's an accessible route, perfect for a relaxed outing or for those new to mountain biking, providing a refreshing escape from city life.

Accessing this Nine Mile Run Trail Firelane Trail loop from the Squirrel Hill neighborhood is straightforward, with the Tree of Life Or L'Simcha Congregation serving as a convenient reference point. You can find parking for Frick Park trails at various entrances, including those near Beechwood Boulevard or the main Squirrel Hill and Regent Square access points. Be mindful that these trails are shared with hikers and runners, so courtesy is key.

The Nine Mile Run area is a testament to successful ecological restoration, transforming a former industrial dumping ground into a thriving natural habitat. This makes the trail not just a ride, but an experience through a revitalized landscape. The Firelane Trail acts as a vital connector, linking you to other parts of Frick Park and allowing for varied route planning within Pittsburgh's beloved "woodland park."

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Tips from the Community

mtm05005
June 20, 2025, View of the Monongahela River from Duck Hollow

Great view of the Monongahela River. There are several points along Old Browns Hill Road that have a nice view of the river.

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Sue
June 20, 2025, Firelane Trail

This trail is a fantastic wide multi-use gravel path popular with hikers, runners, and mountain bikers, winding its way through the park's beautiful woodlands. The towering trees and vibrant foliage create a peaceful setting ideal for a lovely day in the park. Several access points and connections to other trails on the grounds offer plenty of options to shorten or extend your time on the trail.

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Cool place to take a stroll at sunset and enjoy the art...

Translated by Google

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Sue
December 24, 2024, Firelane Trail

This trail is a fantastic wide multi-use gravel path popular with hikers, runners, and mountain bikers, winding its way through the park's beautiful woodlands. The towering trees and vibrant foliage create a peaceful setting ideal for a lovely day in the park. Several access points and connections to other trails on the grounds offer plenty of options to shorten or extend your hike.

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Sue
December 24, 2024, Tranquil Trail

This lovely trail in the park's northern section is a relatively flat, well-maintained path that runs alongside Fern Hollow Creek. Along the way, there are several benches, providing a perfect spot to sit and enjoy the soothing sounds of the babbling water.

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The Westinghouse Memorial was unveiled in 1930 in honour of George Westinghouse, who founded the Westinghouse Electric Corporation. This memorial includes a pond and a large bronze monument. There is a sculpture of a schoolboy, looking at the 3 panels which depict the life of George Westinghouse. This is a peaceful place to enjoy the park.

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This is an alternative to the Nine Mile Run Trail that simply goes closer to the stream. You don't have to worry if you take this trail, as it eventually redirects you back to the Nine Mile Run Trail when it ends.

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This viewpoint on the Riverview Loop Trail in Frick Park offers views of southern Pittsburgh, as well as a variety of terrain, including dirt, gravel, and paved sections. Enjoy the beauty of Frick Park and the city skyline on this fun and easy trail.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many mountain bike trails are available around Blawnox?

There are over 10 mountain bike trails around Blawnox, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. The region features a mix of easy, moderate, and difficult routes, with 6 easy trails, 7 moderate trails, and 1 difficult trail available.

Are there mountain bike trails suitable for beginners or families in Blawnox?

Yes, Blawnox and the surrounding area offer several easy mountain bike trails perfect for beginners and families. For example, the Frick Park Tour Loop Trail is an easy 5.3-mile route that navigates through scenic Frick Park. Another great option is the CMU Bike Loops, an easy 5.1-mile path with varied surfaces.

Where can I find more challenging mountain bike routes near Blawnox?

For those seeking a more challenging ride, the Tranquil Trail – Riverview Hill loop from Wilkinsburg is a difficult 16.0-mile trail with significant elevation changes, often completed in about 2 hours 7 minutes. Additionally, areas like Frick Park within Pittsburgh offer challenging trails, and the Laurel Highlands provide everything from casual dirt roads to extremely challenging singletrack.

Are there any loop trails for mountain biking in the Blawnox area?

Yes, several loop trails are available. The Frick Park Tour Loop Trail and the Tranquil Trail – Riverview Hill loop from Wilkinsburg are both popular loop options. The Iron Gate Trail – Footpath along Nine Mile Run stream loop from Swissvale and the Footpath along Nine Mile Run stream – Iron Gate Trail loop from Swissvale also offer moderate loop experiences.

What kind of natural landscapes can I expect to see while mountain biking around Blawnox?

Mountain biking around Blawnox offers diverse natural landscapes. You'll encounter trails along the Allegheny River, winding through tree-covered hills and wooded valleys. The region's topography features picturesque backdrops, lush regional flora, and serene environments, with many routes following natural waterways and forested areas.

Are there any notable attractions or landmarks along the mountain bike trails?

Yes, you can find several interesting attractions near the trails. For instance, Panther Hollow Lake and the Westinghouse Memorial are accessible. The Homestead Pump House is another historical site you might encounter. Many trails also pass through areas like Highland Park and near the Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve.

What do other mountain bikers enjoy most about the trails in Blawnox?

The mountain bike trails around Blawnox are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from 6 reviews. Users often praise the varied terrain, the scenic riverfront paths, and the well-maintained routes that cater to different ability levels.

Is it possible to access mountain bike trails near Blawnox using public transport?

While Blawnox itself is a small borough, the wider Pittsburgh area, which hosts many of these trails, has public transport options. For specific trailheads, it's advisable to check local bus routes or consider ride-sharing services that can get you closer to the starting points of trails like those in Frick Park or near CMU.

Are there specific parking areas or trailheads for mountain biking in Blawnox?

Many of the popular mountain biking spots, such as Frick Park, have designated parking areas. For trails like the Iron Gate Trail or the Footpath along Nine Mile Run stream, trailheads are typically accessible from nearby neighborhoods like Swissvale. It's always recommended to check the specific route details on komoot for precise parking information.

What is the best season for mountain biking in the Blawnox area?

The tree-covered hills and wooded valleys around Blawnox make for beautiful riding conditions, especially in spring and fall. Spring offers lush greenery, while autumn provides stunning foliage. Summer can be enjoyable, but be mindful of warmer temperatures and potential humidity. Winter riding is possible, but trail conditions may vary with snow and ice.

Are there any long-distance trails accessible from Blawnox for mountain biking?

While Blawnox is a base, it's strategically located near longer trail systems. The Allegheny River Trail offers scenic rides, and the renowned Great Allegheny Passage (GAP Trail) is accessible from the wider Pittsburgh area, providing diverse long-distance riding experiences. Armstrong Trails, extending over 48 miles, also connects riverfront towns along the Allegheny River with varied surfaces.

Can I find places to eat or drink near the mountain bike trails in Blawnox?

Blawnox and its neighboring communities offer various amenities. While specific cafes or pubs directly at trailheads might be limited, you'll find options in the boroughs and towns surrounding the trail networks. It's a good idea to plan your route to pass through or end near a town if you're looking for refreshments.

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