Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – The unique geography of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, shapes a city filled with hidden wonders and challenges for its residents. With a landscape littered with hills, neighborhoods nestled in valleys, and defunct steel mills, Pittsburgh offers a landscape ripe for exploration for those willing to wander its streets and staircases.
Growing up in Pittsburgh, I spent my childhood discovering the South Side Slopes, “The Run” in Greenfield, and the forests of Hays. But perhaps the most iconic feature of Pittsburgh is its extensive collection of public steps, estimated to be around 800 individual sets, each presenting a unique encounter for those who traverse them.
For many, Pittsburgh’s steps are more than just a means of navigating the city’s hilly terrain; they are gateways to hidden realms and neighborhoods waiting to be explored. The thrill of discovering the Joncaire Street Steps at Isis Way or stumbling upon a hidden section of Schenley Park kept me eager to uncover what lay at the top or bottom of each staircase.
As I grew older, health issues complicated my relationship with Pittsburgh’s steps. A chronic vitamin D deficiency led to sudden bouts of fatigue and dizziness while climbing the city’s steep staircases, highlighting the challenges faced by pedestrians with limited mobility. Suddenly, the once magical stairs became daunting reminders of the city’s neglected infrastructure.
Venturing halfway around the world to Vienna, Austria, I stumbled upon a Facebook group named “Death Stairs,” dedicated to showcasing dangerous and intimidating staircases from around the world. Surprisingly, many of the posts featured Pittsburgh’s own staircases, sparking discussions among group members about the city’s unique topography and history.
Pittsburgh’s “death stairs” serve as relics of the city’s industrial past, now maintained through volunteer efforts and makeshift repairs. As I navigated these aging structures, I witnessed both the ingenuity of Pittsburghers in caring for their community icons and the shortcomings of an infrastructure in need of proper maintenance.
Despite the challenges, Pittsburgh’s steps remain a cultural touchstone and badge of honor for its residents, embodying the city’s resilience and rugged charm. Moving forward, efforts to make the steps more accessible aim to preserve Pittsburgh’s unique character while ensuring all residents can enjoy its distinct and mysterious allure.
In the end, Pittsburgh’s steps symbolize the city’s spirit — a blend of resilience, creativity, and community pride that defines the Steel City and its residents. As I reflect on my experiences navigating Pittsburgh’s staircases, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia for the city’s quirks and challenges, knowing that its rough-edged charm will always hold a special place in the hearts of Pittsburghers.