Emerald View Park
A hidden gem on Mt. Washington offering breathtaking, unobstructed city views and serene woodland trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Emerald View Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hidden gem on Mt. Washington offering breathtaking, unobstructed city views and serene woodland trails.
"This park is definitely a hidden gem with beautiful vistas and a peaceful atmosphere."
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking can be easier at Emerald View Park compared to other overlooks. Get there early for the best spots!
👟 Watch for Broken Glass
Some trails have reported broken glass. Be cautious, especially if walking dogs. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Vistas
Grandview Avenue
Experience breathtaking, unobstructed views of Pittsburgh's skyline, rivers, and stadiums. A true hidden gem.
Woodland Trails
Various park entrances
Explore serene, wooded paths with glimpses of the river, perfect for a peaceful stroll or dog walk.
Playground and Picnic Areas
Near main entrances
Family-friendly spaces with playgrounds and picnic spots, ideal for a relaxed day out.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for the Best Views
Trail Safety and Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking can be easier at Emerald View Park compared to other overlooks. Get there early for the best spots!
👟 Watch for Broken Glass
Some trails have reported broken glass. Be cautious, especially if walking dogs. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Drone-Friendly Spot
Perfect for flying drones with fewer people around and great views of stadiums. :camerawithflash:
🗺️ Explore Multiple Parks
Emerald View Park is made up of several smaller parks. Discover them all!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking can be easier at Emerald View Park compared to other overlooks. Get there early for the best spots!
👟 Watch for Broken Glass
Some trails have reported broken glass. Be cautious, especially if walking dogs. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Drone-Friendly Spot
Perfect for flying drones with fewer people around and great views of stadiums. :camerawithflash:
🗺️ Explore Multiple Parks
Emerald View Park is made up of several smaller parks. Discover them all!
🧥 Dress for the Weather
It can get cold, especially with wind. Dress warmly for your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Emerald View Park is lauded as a hidden gem offering spectacular, unobstructed city views and a more peaceful experience than other overlooks. Visitors appreciate the accessible trails, family-friendly amenities, and suitability for drone photography. However, some caution is advised due to reports of broken glass on certain trails.
"This is clearly a hidden treasure of a park at the far end of Grandview Ave (the main straight across Mt. Washington). It gives a totally different perspective view of the point and Ohio River than the lookout spots closer to the incline. I actually went there for the purpose of flying my new drone and this park is perfect for that. I was there for a couple hours and saw 2 other people the whole time. The other overlooks on Mt. Washington were loaded with people. And parking is way more accessible at Emerald Park. There's also a much better perspective and vision of Acrisure stadium and PNC Park which you don't get from the incline observation point. And there's also a nice patch of grass there and nice big flat rocks to sit on. Additionally there's a small gravel trail that you can walk down towards the river. Emerald Park is definitely a hidden gem. It is so clean and just "nice". Good job Pittsburgh we see ya beautiful vistas!"
David Sever
"First time visit today to this pleasant little park. Porta potties by the stage near the entrance. A pleasant trail leading downward along the hillside, lined with lots of berries. Not particularly long, but wooded all around with some river views and very private. Also public areas with hills and a playground."
Jerry M
"It has a really great view but the trails were covered in broken glass so if you walking your dog be careful."
Stephanie Nicole
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Emerald View Park is accessible via Grandview Avenue on Mt. Washington. Parking is often more available here than at other overlooks. It's also noted that the entrance might be the same as Grandview Park, with residential street parking available.
While it offers a different perspective than the main incline overlooks, it's located at the far end of Grandview Ave. It's a bit of a hidden gem, so using GPS is recommended.
Information on direct public transport routes is limited, but Mt. Washington is generally accessible via Pittsburgh's public transit system. Check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Parking is generally considered more accessible at Emerald View Park compared to other popular overlooks on Mt. Washington. You'll find it along Grandview Avenue and in surrounding residential streets.
While Emerald View Park offers beautiful views, it's a local Pittsburgh park. For a day trip from Toronto, consider destinations like Elora Quarry Conservation Area for a similar natural oasis feel.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Emerald View Park is a public park and does not require an admission fee or tickets for entry.
As a public park, Emerald View Park is generally open from dawn until dusk. Specific hours for facilities like playgrounds may vary.
No, there is no entrance fee to visit Emerald View Park. It's a free public space for everyone to enjoy.
While the park has picnic areas and a stage, specific booking information for events or private gatherings would need to be confirmed with the Pittsburgh Parks Department.
No special access passes are required for Emerald View Park. It is open to the public for general use.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main draw is the panoramic city view from Grandview Avenue, offering unique perspectives of stadiums and the skyline. You can also explore wooded trails and find playgrounds and picnic areas.
While the park offers pleasant wooded trails, some visitors have noted that sections can be covered in broken glass, so caution is advised.
Yes, the park features playgrounds and open green spaces, making it a good option for families. It's also dog-friendly.
Yes, the park is considered a good spot for drone flying due to fewer crowds and excellent views of Acrisure Stadium and PNC Park.
Expect stunning, unobstructed views of Pittsburgh's downtown skyline, the confluence of the Ohio and Allegheny Rivers, and both Acrisure Stadium and PNC Park.
📸 📸 Photography
The primary photo opportunities are the sweeping panoramic views of the Pittsburgh skyline, especially during sunrise or sunset. You can also capture shots of the stadiums and the rivers.
Absolutely. The elevated position provides a fantastic vantage point for capturing the urban landscape of Pittsburgh.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for cityscapes. Weekday mornings are also ideal for capturing photos without crowds.
Yes, drone photography is popular here, offering unique aerial perspectives of the city and stadiums.
The overlooks along Grandview Avenue provide the most iconic and accessible viewpoints for capturing the city.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The accessible trails offer a chance for gentle exploration, though parents should be mindful of potential hazards like broken glass on some paths.
🐶 Dog Owners
However, it's crucial to be aware of the park's conditions. Some reviews mention that certain trails may have broken glass, so it's advisable to keep a close eye on your dog and consider appropriate paw protection if necessary.
📸 Photographers & Drone Enthusiasts
The park's layout, being a collection of smaller parks, offers varied angles and perspectives.
Drone users will appreciate the open spaces and the ability to capture aerial shots of Acrisure Stadium and PNC Park without significant obstruction. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Emerald View Park's Layout
This unique structure means you can discover different vantage points and trail experiences within the broader park designation. Key areas include overlooks along Grandview Avenue, offering classic Pittsburgh cityscapes, and more secluded wooded trails that descend towards the river. The park's history is tied to its former use as a coal mining area, which has been reclaimed and transformed into recreational land.
This transformation has created a landscape with varied topography, from open grassy areas and playgrounds to dense woodlands. When planning your visit, consider which aspect of the park you want to experience – the iconic city views, a peaceful nature walk, or family-friendly amenities.For those interested in photography or drone operation, the Grandview Avenue section is particularly appealing due to its unobstructed views of the city skyline and sports stadiums.
Capturing Pittsburgh's Skyline
The best times for photography are undoubtedly sunrise and sunset, when the city lights begin to twinkle or the golden hour bathes the buildings in a warm glow.
When visiting for photography, remember to check the weather and dress appropriately, as it can be windy at this elevated location.
While the main overlooks are paved and accessible, some of the smaller trails might require more careful footing, especially after rain. Regardless of your photographic skill level, Emerald View Park offers a rewarding experience for anyone looking to capture the beauty of Pittsburgh. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit