Nine Mile Run Trail

The main section of the trail is about 3.6 miles as an out-and-back route. A typical hike takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.

The trail is predominantly flat and covered with crushed gravel, making it accessible for most skill levels. There is one notable 'big dip' where it crosses Nine Mile Run, featuring a small but steep hill on both sides of a bridge. Caution is advised in this section, especially due to potential speeding cyclists.

The Nine Mile Run Trail is primarily an out-and-back route. However, it connects to other paths, offering options for extended walks.

While specific parking details are not provided, the trail is accessible from a parking area that leads towards the Monongahela River. It is located within Pittsburgh's Frick Park, so park entrances for Frick Park would be the best starting point.

You'll enjoy pleasant views of Nine Mile Run as it meanders through the park, surrounded by woodland, tall grasses, and diverse flora like black-eyed Susans and coneflowers. A wooded boardwalk offers excellent views of the water. The trail also provides glimpses of the Monongahela River, the Homestead Grays Bridge, and Homestead from the View from Duck Hollow area at its terminus. The area is a testament to a significant urban stream restoration project.

The trail can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer vibrant wildflowers and lush greenery, while autumn provides beautiful fall foliage. Even in winter, it offers a peaceful outdoor escape, though conditions may vary.

Yes, two notable viewpoints include the View from Duck Hollow and a View of the Monongahela River and Homestead Grays Bridge. The trail itself is a landmark of successful ecological rehabilitation, having been transformed from an industrial slag dump.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Duck Hollow Trail and the Duck Hollow Hiking trail, offering opportunities to extend your walk along the Monongahela River. It also intersects with parts of the Frick Park Hiking and Firelane Trail systems.

Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly. However, it's always best to keep your dog on a leash and practice Leave No Trace principles by cleaning up after your pet.

No, there are no entrance fees or permits required to access the Nine Mile Run Trail or Frick Park. It is a public park accessible to everyone.

The Nine Mile Run area is unique due to its remarkable transformation from an industrial slag dump into a thriving natural habitat. It underwent one of the largest urban stream restoration projects in the U.S., revitalizing the waterway and surrounding land, and now supports diverse wildlife and vegetation.