Take a scenic walk for a good cause
A new event this fall is offering people the chance to walk around the top of Pittsburgh for great views and a good cause.
WALKATOP, subtitled “An Urban Adventure,” is an organized hike on the trails of Emerald View Park, which runs along the front and back of Mount Washington, offering exceptional views of Downtown and the West End.
From 8 a.m. to noon Sept. 20, individuals and families can check in at the Duquesne Incline parking lot and set off on their choice of five different routes, from a two-mile “jaunt” to a nine-mile “challenge,”
or take more than one hike. Maps and volunteers will help guide you; there also will be water on the trails. And because these 257 acres of green are woven into the neighborhood, some of the hikes will continue on sidewalks, and you’ll be able to stop at local businesses for drinks and bites to eat.
Cost is $15 in advance through August, and then that price goes up to $20 via showclix.com. It’s $25 at check-in on the day of the event. Children 10 and younger hike for free.
Proceeds benefit the Thomas Brown Alton Foundation, which is dedicated to suicide prevention by helping those in need toward improved mental health.
The foundation’s Tom Brown says that the Brown and Alton families have deep roots in Mount Washington, where he still lives. He’ll be counting on all relatives to help run the event.
Learn more at https:// walkatoppgh.wordpress. Learn more about the park and its trails at http://mwcdc.org/uncategorized/emerald-viewpark