Riding in this month we are going to head 15 miles North of Downtown Pittsburgh to one of the flagship recreation areas in the region, Allegheny County’s North Park. While riding to the park is possible, routes typically includes both roads with heavy traffic and hills that are challenging for beginners. Driving to North Park is fairly simple however and there is ample parking around the lake.
Easy Ride: Around the North Park Lake
Type of Ride: Park / Wide Roadway Shoulder
Hills: Mostly Flat
Distance: 5.2 miles (1 time around)
Start / Finish: North Park Boat House
Map
Perhaps one of the most popular destinations to ride in the County the North Park Lake offers a simple 5 mile loop that is great for runners, walkers, and people on bikes. We recommend this ride for December as it is an easy ride, is mostly flat, and has an amazing destination for warming up pre or post ride. Do a couple of loops around the lake based on your skill level to make this trip worth the drive.
Pro tip: Download the Nowait app to book a table at OTB before you get back to the boat house.
Intermediate / Advanced: Mountain Biking!
Type of Ride: Mountain Bike – Red Blue Loop at North Park.
Distance: 9 Miles
Hills: Yeah! With downhill fun!
Start / Finish: North Park Boat House
MTB Project Map
When temperatures dip below freezing riding in the woods is great way to go for a spin while getting a bit of protection from the wind. You won’t need the lightest or most expensive high tech gear for the Red Blue loop at North Park but be sure to have a mountain bike that is in good working order, a Hybrid or Road Bike won’t due this time.
On the ride you will find an equal amount of climbing and descending with a nice mix of flowy trails and technical sections that will take you around North Ridge. Download the MTB Project app for detailed route information and to see more mountain bike trails in the area. To get to the trail head exit the Boat House Parking lot to the left and ride towards the Ice Skating Rink. At the North Ridge Rd you will see a trail head heading off into the woods on the right hand side, follow this up for some of the best single track in the area.
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