Monogahela Incline
8 Grandview Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15211
Monday through Saturday: 5:30 AM-12:45 AM; Sunday: 8:45 AM-12:00 AM
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local-highlights, outdoor-adventures
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The Monogahela Incline is one of two inclines that are still in operation in Pittsburgh today.
If you’re not familiar with what an incline is, it’s a car that runs on a cable and track up and down a very steep hill. Think of it like a trolley that goes up the side of a mountain. Numerous inclines have serviced the area over time. Pittsburgh visitors have the opportunity to experience a bit of Pittsburgh’s history with this unique ride.
The Monogahela Incline’s upper station is in the Mt. Washington neighborhood while the lower station serves South Shore. The incline is 635 feet long and rises 367 feet. It was built in 1870 but the cars that service this amenity today were replaced in the ’80s. Each of the two open-air cars has three different, connected compartments each with a bench and windows. The view from the front compartment is the best if you’re able to snag it!
The lower station, in the South Shore neighborhood, is convenient to the parking lots and restaurants available at Station Square (100 West Station Square Drive). You can dine at one of the large family-friendly restaurants such as Hard Rock Café and Joe’s Crab Shack, board the Gateway Clipper, and walk along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, all from Station Square. If all you’re interested in is a ride on the incline, you can take advantage of the paid, flat rate parking lots in Station Square and walk across the street to the lower incline station.
While the actual ride on the incline is fun, the real highlight is the view from the upper station. Once you arrive on Grandview Avenue at the upper Mt. Washington station, turn right out of the station and you’ll come to an overlook where you can take in the sweeping views of the city below. After you’ve gotten your fill of the view, you can grab some ice cream at DiFiore’s on Shiloh Street, just behind you. You’ll also be able to find some other quick, carry-out-style restaurants on Shiloh Street if you’re in need of some real sustenance.
The other incline that still runs in Pittsburgh, the Duquesne, is about a mile from the Monogahela. The walk along Grandview Avenue does involve a rather steep hill but could be traversed with a child in a stroller or an older child with good stamina!
Whether you’re a visitor or a local, a ride on the incline is something you just have to experience!