OHIO RIVER TRAIL COUNCIL

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Underground Railroad Bicycle Route

Underground Railroad Bicycle Route - Pittsburgh Spur

The Underground Railroad Bicycle Route memorializes the Underground Railroad, a network of clandestine routes by which African freedom seekers attempted to escape slavery before and during the Civil War. The Underground Railroad Pittsburgh Spur, whichs runs between Pittsburgh and Erie, Pennsylvania. 

The Pittsburgh region played a vital role in Underground Railroad history. Due to the many roads leading in and out of the area and the rivers which represented natural landmarks to follow to freedom, the city became an important stop for freedom seekers making their way north. It was also a strong hold for the abolitionist movement and Blacks themselves became active in securing the freedom for enslaved Africans. The route begins at the Senator John Heinz History Center where travelers can view the Underground Railroad exhibit and African American collections before crossing the Allegheny River and following the 3.5 mile North Shore Trail, a portion of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. Point State Park, the tip of Pittsburgh's "Golden Triangle" where the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers join, can been seen as cyclists follow the shores of the Ohio River and the Ohio River Greenway Trail. Once the route reaches Rochester it follows the Beaver River North through the community of Beaver Falls towards Mercer and Erie.

 

A complete map of the route with directions and amenities is available from the Adventure Cycling Association.

 

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Historical Images

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