State of the Stream Hike

Nine Mile Run was voted Pittsburgh’s most iconic stream (by our staff), and its restoration embodies the city’s own transformation post industrial boomtown. Join UpstreamPgh and the Pittsburgh Water Collaboratory for a hike along the stream, starting where it pops out of an underground culvert in Frick Park to where it flows into the Monongahela River. Along the hike, we’ll hear from graduate student researchers, learn about the restoration of the stream under the Commercial Street Bridge, and talk about the health of the stream and what is being done to help it.

The hike will start at the South Braddock Ave entrance to Frick Park near the CLASS Building, and end at Duck Hollow, which is approximately two miles. From there, we will provide a ride share voucher and assist with coordinating rides for participants to get a ride back to our starting point. Participants will also have the option to walk back to the start with UpstreamPgh staff, or you could walk to Browns Hill Road to a bus stop that serves the 52L, 53L, 57, 61C, 61D, and 64. The hike will be from 10-12pm, so please allow extra time in your schedule for the ride or walk back.

Depending on weather conditions, participants will also have the option to borrow footwear and walk in the stream for a section of the hike. You can also stay on the path, which is smooth and wide, with some minor hills. There is one porta potty in Frick Park near the beginning of our route. Parking is available in the parking lot off South Braddock Ave, near the CLASS building, which is also near a bus stop for the 61B,71, and P71.

Please wear weather-appropriate clothing, sun protection, comfortable hiking shoes, and bring a water bottle. You may want to consider bug spray, and don’t forget to check for ticks after the hike.

This event will be cancelled if there are moderate to heavy rains or other inclement weather, and the rain date will be Sunday September 20th. We will meet at the parking lot off South Braddock Ave, near the CLASS Building.