Three Rivers Heritage Trail – Hot Metal Bridge loop from Glassport
Three Rivers Heritage Trail – Hot Metal Bridge loop from Glassport
4.8
(6909)
6,910
riders
Three Rivers Heritage Trail – Hot Metal Bridge loop from Glassport
05:21
101km
870m
Road cycling
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Tips
The surface along some of this route may not be suitable
Some segments of your route comprise a surface that may not be suitable for your chosen sport.
After 22.5 km for 121 m
After 54.9 km for 2.25 km
After 60.4 km for 290 m
After 61.0 km for 7.98 km
After 74.4 km for 1.41 km
After 76.5 km for 1.91 km
Waypoints
Start point
Get Directions
12.5 km
Three Rivers Heritage Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
19.5 km
South Side Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
23.7 km
Great Allegheny Passage Trailhead – Point State Park
Highlight • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
26.6 km
Eliza Furnace Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
29.4 km
Hot Metal Bridge
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
39.0 km
Homestead Pump House
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
47.6 km
McKeesport Connecting Railroad Bridge
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
101 km
End point
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
39.5 km
33.4 km
13.9 km
8.51 km
5.56 km
390 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
56.0 km
29.9 km
13.7 km
949 m
792 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (370 m)
Lowest point (210 m)
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Weather
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Today
Friday 26 June
25°C
17°C
22 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a substantial road cycling adventure that blends industrial history with vibrant cityscapes, the Three Rivers Heritage Trail – Hot Metal Bridge loop from Glassport is a challenging ride worth your time. This difficult 62.9-mile (101.2 km) route, with 2861 feet (872 metres) of elevation gain, will take you approximately 5 hours and 21 minutes to complete. It's an ideal choice for experienced cyclists seeking a long-distance journey through Pittsburgh's unique riverfront landscape.
What to expect on Three Rivers Heritage Trail – Hot Metal Bridge loop from Glassport
This route offers a dynamic journey along the Monongahela River, transitioning from Glassport's industrial heritage to the iconic Pittsburgh skyline. You'll primarily ride on the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) and Three Rivers Heritage Trail (TRHT), which are largely flat former railroad beds. While much of the TRHT within Pittsburgh is paved, be prepared for sections of hard-packed crushed limestone, especially on the GAP, where a hybrid or gravel bike with wider tires might offer more comfort than a pure road bike. The ride provides continuous riverfront views, often with coal barges and pleasure boats, and culminates in spectacular city vistas from the Hot Metal Bridge. Expect a long day in the saddle, but the relatively gentle grades make the distance the primary challenge, rather than steep climbs.
Planning your visit
The starting point in Glassport offers direct access to the Great Allegheny Passage, which seamlessly connects to the Three Rivers Heritage Trail network. While specific parking details for Glassport aren't highlighted, you'll find trail access points along the river. Given the route's length, an early start is advisable to allow ample time, especially if you plan to explore the city sections. The trail is accessible year-round, but spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, making them the best times to visit for cycling.
Trail details
- Distance: 62.9 miles (101.2 km)
- Elevation gain: 2861 feet (872 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 5 hours and 21 minutes
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