Eliza Furnace Trail – Hot Metal Bridge loop from Swissvale
Eliza Furnace Trail – Hot Metal Bridge loop from Swissvale
4.7
(7359)
14,907
riders
Eliza Furnace Trail – Hot Metal Bridge loop from Swissvale
03:50
83.0km
760m
Road cycling
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tips
Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted
After 71.9 km for 415 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
49.9 km
Sewickley Bridge
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
69.2 km
View of Pittsburgh Skyline from West End Bridge
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
72.2 km
Smithfield Street Bridge
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
73.8 km
Eliza Furnace Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
76.6 km
Hot Metal Bridge
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
83.0 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
32.4 km
28.1 km
20.4 km
2.04 km
< 100 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
75.3 km
6.27 km
1.12 km
322 m
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Elevation
Highest point (380 m)
Lowest point (220 m)
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Weather
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Today
Friday 10 July
26°C
21°C
95 %
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 road cycling route that blends Pittsburgh's industrial past with stunning river views, the Eliza Furnace Trail – Hot Metal Bridge loop from Swissvale is a fantastic choice. This moderate 51.6-mile (83.0 km) ride, with 2484 feet (757 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 3 hours and 49 minutes to complete. It's an excellent option for road cyclists with good fitness who want a diverse urban and natural experience without overly technical terrain.
What to expect on Eliza Furnace Trail – Hot Metal Bridge loop from Swissvale
This loop offers a unique journey, starting with urban landscapes and transitioning to scenic riverfront paths. The Eliza Furnace Trail itself is largely flat and paved, built on former railroad tracks, making for smooth riding along the Monongahela River. You'll pass iconic landmarks like the Pittsburgh Technology Center and the South Side, with glimpses of Mount Washington across the water. The highlight for many is crossing the historic Hot Metal Bridge, a dark black truss bridge repurposed for car-free use, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Pittsburgh skyline. While the core trail sections are easy, the overall loop from Swissvale is rated moderate, suggesting the full distance and connections require a good level of fitness. Be aware that some sections of the Eliza Furnace Trail run parallel to I-376, so you might encounter traffic noise.
Planning your visit
The Eliza Furnace Trail is known for its accessibility, with flat, paved surfaces suitable for road cycling. While the overall loop is mostly well-paved, be prepared for the possibility that some segments could be unpaved and more challenging, especially given the route's moderate difficulty rating. The Eliza Furnace trailhead typically provides convenient amenities like portable bathrooms, a water fountain, and a picnic area. For the best experience, consider riding in the late afternoon; the views from the Hot Metal Bridge are particularly captivating at sunset when its decorative LED lighting comes alive.
- Distance: 51.6 miles (83.0 km)
- Elevation gain: 2484 feet (757 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 3 hours and 49 minutes
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