Seldom Seen Greenway Loop
The Seldom Seen Greenway Loop at Beechview Seldom Seen Greenway in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is an easy 0.5-mile loop trail that features a beautiful brick tunnel and a waterfall.This short section of the Beechview Seldom Seen Greenway is the most accessible and scenic as it gives hikers a chance to hike within a seemingly-forgotten park tucked away behind Mount Washington and Emerald View Park in Pittsburgh.
Upon entering the trail, visitors will immediately find the Seldom Seen Arch - a beautiful old brick tunnel and historic landmark that was constructed in 1902.
Just after walking through the arch, hikers will find a waterfall that sits within the gorge along Saw Mill Run. The waterfall is approximately 3-feet tall, but the water cascades down into a blueish-gray slate gorge that gives it a much more scenic feel - similar to Fall Run, north of Pittsburgh.
After the waterfall, the trail continues to follow Saw Mill Run until it reaches an old bridge crossing. This old bridge crossing is technically where the trail continues, but most hikers do not plan on getting their feet soaked to explore this park; hence why this trail is a short loop and does not cross the creek. To explore the other side of the creek, check out the Seldom Seen Greenway Pipeline Trail. In the map provided, the track shows a section of the trail that heads down along the creek and then back up to the main trail to continue the loop, which is optional.
To continue along this loop, the trail heads uphill along a steeper hillside, heading toward the railroad tracks. Hikers can find small rock ledges indicating the trail's continuation, but the trail is not easy to find here. Follow the steep trail up toward the railroad tracks, but before you reach the train tracks, hikers will reach the trail needed to head back. Take a left-hand turn here and head back toward parking to complete the loop. Alternatively, for a more scenic hike back to parking, hikers can head back the same way they came in, despite the short distance.
Again, to explore this park further, head to the parking area for the Seldom Seen Greenway Pipeline Trail after this hike.
Parking
Visitors can find parking at the parking coordinates provided. The parking lot is located directly next to the large white salt/sand dome at the intersection of Saw Mill Run Blvd and Woodruff Street - along the right turn off ramp that leads from Saw Mill Run Blvd to Woodruff Street. The parking lot is large enough for about 10 cars; however, this is not a very popular hiking area as of November 2019.
Pets
Dogs are allowed and must be kept on leash at all times. Also beware this area is known for broken glass, ceramics, and other trash so if you plan to bring your dog, keep this in mind when exploring the area.
History
This park was established by the City of Pittsburgh on July 15th, 1985 dedicated to the memory of Edward E. Smuts whose vision inspired the greenway program to preserve Pittsburgh's wooded hillsides. Twenty-two acres of this greenway given as a living memorial by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy in tribute of Mr. Smuts.
Warning
Hikers should be aware that while the trail technically heads to the railroad tracks (and graffiti), it is federally illegal and extremely dangerous to follow these active train tracks. If you wish to explore more of Beechview Seldom Seen Greenway, check out the Seldom Seen Greenway Pipeline Trail for further parking options and safer ways to explore this hidden gem of a park.
