North Shore Riverfront Park & Trail

A paradigm shift in embracing Pittsburgh’s riverfronts

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  North Shore Riverfront Park’s Great Lawn and Water Steps add “green breathing room” to where the city meets the water’s edge.

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  Prior to the construction of North Shore Park, the area on the northern bank where the Ohio River meets the Alleghey featured limited access to the water’s edge. New football and baseball stadiums in 2000 brought with them the beautifully designed North Shore Park, and a new attitude toward riverfront development.

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  PNC Park and Heinz Field opened up the riverfront to new opportunities and standards for riparian use and design. Pittsburghers can now enjoy pedestrian access linking these world-class venues.

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  Outdoor enthusiasts flock to North Shore Trail throughout the year.

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  Illuminated at night, the North Shore is a stunning destination for entertainment and recreation.

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  The Market Street Pier by the Del Monte Building, one of many amenities found along Pittsburgh’s North Shore.

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Overview

Anyone who’s ever crossed a bridge from downtown Pittsburgh to the North Shore knows that the view of the city across the Allegheny River is breathtaking. Riverfront planners realized the opportunity as plans for the city’s North Shore took shape, and oriented amenities like PNC Park toward the city to maximize the views.

North Shore Riverfront Park

Dramatic changes improved Pittsburgh’s North Shore during the near-simultaneous construction of the Heinz Field football stadium and PNC Park baseball stadium in 2000.  Planning and designed embraced the spectacular riverfront location, taking full advantage of the views of Downtown across the water. The stadiums were oriented toward the rivers, and spaces were intentionally created to promote boat and bike access.

The result: two world-class sporting venues that not only featured some of the most scenic urban vistas in the country, but also connected fans and visitors directly to the banks of the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers.  The promenades along the North Shore are now popular places for joggers, cyclists and families, not to mention recreational boaters mooring alongside the banks to enjoy Pirates and Steelers games from the water.

Along with the stadiums came new greenways and park spaces, linking entertainment venues, restaurants, corporate headquarters and cultural amenities. The North Shore’s Great Lawn accommodates many outdoor events, including one of the country’s top three rowing regattas, and the interactive Water Steps fountain has become a destination for families looking to cool off on hot days.

North Shore Trail

As the North Shore’s Main Street, connecting offices, residences, restaurants, sports venues and culturalinstitutions, this urban riverfront trail has become a favorite spot for residents and a must-see destination for visitors.  Thanks to a gently meandering trail with a wide berth and beautifully manicured green spaces, throngs of walkers, joggers and bikers make daily use of recreational concessions and flock along its length for special events.