1.
North Shore Trail – Hot Metal Bridge loop from Allegheny
26.8km
01:35
90m
90m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
By Fede from komoot
·
Updated May 31, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan touring cycling around Hampton Township, you know how overwhelming the options can be. It's tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. We get it – you want the good stuff, not endless scrolling. That's exactly why we've put together this guide. Our komoot community has ridden, reviewed, and mapped these routes, so we're cutting through the noise to give you a curated shortlist of the best touring cycling routes in Hampton Township.
Hampton Township offers a fantastic mix for touring cyclists. Expect a landscape defined by rolling hills, dense hardwood forests, and peaceful stream valleys, with some excellent riverfront paths too. This varied terrain means you can find everything from easy, paved rides to more challenging routes with significant elevation gains. It's a place where you can truly feel connected to nature while still enjoying well-maintained paths.
If you're looking for a classic, easy ride with great views, we'd start with the North Shore Trail – View of the Andy Warhol Bridge loop from Millvale, an easy 13.1 miles (21.1 km) that offers iconic cityscapes. For something a bit more challenging that dives into the woodlands, the North Park Entrance – Marshall Lake loop from North Park is a moderate 17.2 miles (27.7 km) route that's well worth the effort. More than 770 touring cyclists have already explored Hampton Township with komoot, so dive in and discover your next favorite ride!
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Shore Trail – Hot Metal Bridge loop from Allegheny | 26.8 km | 90 m | Easy |
| North Park Entrance – Lake Shore Drive loop from Nature Access Trail parking area | 12.1 km | 80 m | Easy |
| North Park Entrance – Marshall Lake loop from North Park | 27.7 km | 350 m | Moderate |
| Iron Gate Trail – Footpath along Nine Mile Run stream loop from Allegheny Cemetery | 28.5 km | 430 m | Hard |
| North Park Lake – North Park Entrance loop from North Park | 8.55 km | 40 m | Easy |
| Lower Panther Hollow Trail – Westinghouse Memorial loop from Allegheny Cemetery | 25.1 km | 360 m | Moderate |
| North Park loop from North Park | 13.6 km | 210 m | Moderate |
| Acrisure Stadium – Hot Metal Bridge loop from Aspinwall | 78.4 km | 1,470 m | Hard |
| The Strip District – Butler St. Shopping District loop from Allegheny Cemetery | 12.6 km | 40 m | Easy |
| Heinz Factory Complex loop from Millvale | 7.14 km | 10 m | Easy |
Sign up to see all 10 routes
Sign up for free
26.8km
01:35
90m
90m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
12.1km
00:44
80m
80m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
27.7km
01:50
350m
350m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route

Sign up for free
28.5km
02:12
430m
430m
This ambitious route attempts to link three distinct Pittsburgh green spaces, offering a truly varied touring cycling experience that ranges from technical singletrack to serene paved roads. You'll encounter the challenging, rooty terrain of the Iron Gate Trail in Frick Park, designed for mountain bikes, before transitioning to the flat, crushed gravel path along the Nine Mile Run creek with its picturesque views. The journey concludes through the historic and hilly paved roads of Allegheny Cemetery, known for its park-like setting and monuments. This combination is less of a seamless loop and more of an adventurous exploration, best suited for cyclists prepared for diverse conditions and potential off-bike sections.
Planning for this route requires careful consideration, as the Iron Gate Trail is largely unsuitable for traditional touring bicycles, and parts of the Nine Mile Run Trail are currently impacted by closures due to the Commercial St Bridge replacement project. While Allegheny Cemetery welcomes cyclists on its paved roads, be mindful of the 20 mph speed limit and the respectful atmosphere. Given the route's difficult rating, with 1397 feet (426 metres) of elevation gain over 17.7 miles (28.5 km) in an estimated 2 hours and 11 minutes, checking current trail conditions and construction updates is highly recommended before you set out.
This route is a fascinating, if challenging, way to experience Pittsburgh's urban green infrastructure, showcasing the city's efforts to reclaim natural spaces like the Nine Mile Run area, once a polluted site. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance within Allegheny Cemetery, and the rugged, woodland escape of Frick Park. For those seeking a conventional touring cycling route, individual sections like the Nine Mile Run Trail or the paved roads of Allegheny Cemetery might be more suitable, but this combined loop offers an unparalleled adventure for the prepared cyclist.
View route
8.55km
00:30
40m
40m
The North Park Lake – North Park Entrance loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience around Allegheny County's largest lake. You'll enjoy continuous, expansive views of the water, with opportunities to spot wildlife like Bald Eagles and Great Blue Herons, all while cruising on a fully paved surface. The route also passes by the historic Boathouse, adding a touch of local history to your ride.
This easy 5.3-mile (8.6 km) loop features a gentle 146 feet (45 metres) of elevation gain, making it suitable for most fitness levels and road bikes, and can be completed in about 30 minutes. Convenient parking and restroom facilities are available along the route, ensuring a hassle-free visit. It's a popular spot year-round, perfect for a leisurely spin or a light training session.
What makes this route particularly notable is its accessibility and the blend of natural beauty with historic landmarks. The paved path is wide enough to accommodate various users, and recent upgrades have improved safety for both cyclists and pedestrians. It's a fantastic option for those seeking a scenic, low-effort ride in a well-maintained park setting.
View route
25.1km
01:51
360m
360m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
13.6km
01:12
210m
210m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
78.4km
05:37
1,470m
1,470m
The Acrisure Stadium – Hot Metal Bridge loop from Aspinwall is a challenging touring cycling route that immerses you in Pittsburgh's dynamic riverfronts and urban landscape. You'll pedal along the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers, passing the impressive Acrisure Stadium and crossing the historic Hot Metal Bridge, which offers spectacular city views. The route combines the generally flat, paved sections of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail with significant climbs, making it a demanding yet incredibly rewarding ride for experienced cyclists.
Planning for this extensive 48.9-mile (78.7 km) loop, which includes 4812 feet (1467 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 5 hours and 38 minutes, means an early start is essential. The trail system is popular, so expect company, especially on fair-weather weekends. While specific parking for this exact Aspinwall cycling route isn't detailed, Aspinwall provides various entry points to the wider trail network. Always check local conditions, particularly for any impacts on crushed stone sections after rain.
This difficult route is a fantastic way to experience Pittsburgh's transformation from an industrial hub to a modern city, showcasing its extensive trail network. The Hot Metal Bridge, a highlight of the ride, is a testament to this evolution, having been repurposed from an industrial railway to a recreational path. This loop also offers connections to the larger Great Allegheny Passage (GAP), providing options for even longer excursions if you're up for it.
View route
12.6km
00:44
40m
40m
This touring cycling route offers a unique blend of Pittsburgh's urban vibrancy and serene history, guiding you from the bustling markets of the Strip District to the peaceful, park-like setting of Allegheny Cemetery. You'll experience varied terrain, from the flat, paved Strip District Trail along the Allegheny River to the winding, hilly roads within the historic cemetery, providing a dynamic ride through the city's character.
To make the most of this easy 7.8-mile (12.6 km) loop, which typically takes about 43 minutes with 125 feet (38 metres) of elevation gain, plan your visit during daylight hours. Starting from Allegheny Cemetery, you'll find parking options nearby. This route is particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a mix of city exploration and quiet, scenic paths, allowing for stops at the many shops and cafes along Butler Street.
What makes this route truly stand out is its ability to connect Pittsburgh's diverse landscapes and historical significance. You'll cycle through the industrial past of the Strip District, the lively commercial hub of Butler Street in Lawrenceville, and the tranquil, monument-filled grounds of Allegheny Cemetery, established in 1844. It's an accessible way to discover the city's heritage and natural beauty all in one go.
View route
7.14km
00:25
10m
10m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
The bridges of Pittsburgh are just magnificent
0
0
The Hot Metal Bridge is one of the most recognizable landmarks along the GAP. It crosses the Monongahela River and was an important bridge during the city's industrial heyday. Now, it is a great place to cross by bike and get a wonderful view of the city and river below.
1
0
Cool place to take a stroll at sunset and enjoy the art...
1
0
The impressive fountain boasts a 200-foot-wide basin with an infinity waterfall, situated at the confluence of the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers that come together to form the Ohio River, which eventually flows into the Mississippi. There are plenty of seating areas, making it an ideal spot to stop, enjoy the views and take some memorable photos.
2
0
North Park is a large 3,075 acre park in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. It is the largest park within the county’s 12,000-acre network of nine parks. Established in 1925, North Park aims to preserve natural resources for future generations and features a range of facilities including an archery range, ballfields, basketball courts, boating, a cafe, and a nature center. In the winter you can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and in the warmer months, fishing, pickleball, and hiking, biking, and jogging numerous trails.
0
0
Hampton Township offers over 35 touring cycling routes. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 14 easy routes, 17 moderate routes, and 4 more challenging options.
Yes, Hampton Township has several family-friendly options, particularly those with mostly paved surfaces and minimal elevation gain. The North Shore Trail – View of the Andy Warhol Bridge loop from Millvale is an easy 13.1-mile route along the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers, suitable for families. Additionally, the North Park Entrance loop from North Park is another easy option, covering 8.5 miles within North Park.
Touring cycling routes in Hampton Township showcase a diverse landscape of rolling hills, hardwood forests, and stream valleys. Along your rides, you might encounter natural attractions like North Park Lake and Lake Elizabeth. The North Shore Trail offers views of the Andy Warhol Bridge and runs alongside the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers. For nature enthusiasts, the Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve is also nearby.
Yes, many touring cycling routes in Hampton Township are designed as loops, offering convenient starting and ending points. Examples include the easy North Shore Trail – View of the Andy Warhol Bridge loop from Millvale and the moderate North Park Entrance – Marshall Lake loop from North Park, which navigates through forested sections with varied elevation changes.
Parking is generally available at key access points for popular parks and trails. For routes around North Park, you can often find parking near park entrances or designated trailheads, such as the Nature Access Trail parking area, which serves routes like the North Park Entrance – Lake Shore Drive loop.
The best seasons for touring cycling in Hampton Township are typically spring, summer, and fall. These seasons offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, from blooming spring flowers to colorful autumn foliage. The varied terrain, including hardwood forests, provides beautiful backdrops throughout these months.
Absolutely. Hampton Township offers several easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or those seeking a relaxed ride. The North Shore Trail – Point State Park Fountain loop from Millvale is an easy 9-mile route. Another great option is the North Park Entrance – Lake Shore Drive loop from Nature Access Trail parking area, which is 7.5 miles and mostly flat.
The touring cycling routes in Hampton Township are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an average rating of 4.8 stars from over 150 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from scenic riverfront paths to challenging woodland climbs, and the well-maintained trails that cater to various fitness levels.
While specific public transport options directly to every trailhead may vary, the broader Pittsburgh region, which Hampton Township is part of, has public transportation services. For routes like those along the North Shore Trail, access from urban centers with public transport connections is often feasible. It's advisable to check local transit schedules for specific route access.
Many routes, especially those passing through or near community parks and urban areas, offer access to amenities. For instance, routes around North Park or along the North Shore Trail may have facilities, cafes, or restaurants nearby. The North Shore Trail, in particular, runs alongside the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers, often near urban amenities.
Yes, the region offers several scenic viewpoints. The North Shore Trail – View of the Andy Warhol Bridge loop from Millvale provides iconic views of the Andy Warhol Bridge and the rivers. Routes through North Park, such as the North Park Entrance – Marshall Lake loop, offer picturesque views of forested sections and lakes like North Park Lake.


Browse the best Cycling routes in other regions.