Republished with permission. Not for republication in any medium. The Eliza Furnace Trail , a converted rail line, is a wonderfuly smooth, paved exercise trail that takes you from the east-end of Pittsburgh straight into downtown. However, the trail isn't your typical recreation path that winds through mother nature's scenic wonders. The trail is wildly popular, especially on the weekend when you'll have to pass with care on certain sections of the trail.
Parking is available at either end of the trail.
The eastern end point is at a shuttle parking lot on Swinburne Street, off Second Avenue where Greenfield, Hazelwood and Oakland come together. Most of the route will eventually be fenced in, but there are exit points at Bates Street, at Second Avenue across from the Pittsburgh Technology Center and at Brady Street under the Birmingham Bridge. On the Downtown end, park at the city's First Avenue lot adjacent to the Municipal Courts Building or the Second Avenue Parking Plaza, just east of the jail.