Pittsburgh's fall colors can turn Mount Washington's historic inclines into a seasonal sightseeing draw, bringing visitors closer to restaurants, shops and other businesses on and below the hill.
The Monongahela and Duquesne inclines offer views of the changing leaves around Pittsburgh's skyline and three rivers, according to a community announcement. The attraction also puts visitors near businesses along Shiloh Street and across Mount Washington, while the Monongahela Incline connects directly to Station Square.
The combination can make fall foliage season an opportunity for nearby businesses to reach visitors before or after they take in the view.
Fall brings more riders to Pittsburgh transit
Edward Phillips, a Pittsburgh Regional Transit communications specialist, said the Monongahela
Incline provides hundreds of thousands of rides each year.
“With an influx of students returning to the local universities, Pittsburgh Steelers games, and other seasonal happenings, PRT as a whole traditionally sees a ridership increase in September that leads into the autumn months,” Phillips said.
That seasonal increase can bring students, football fans, tourists and other visitors to the area as Pittsburgh's leaves change color.
Businesses near the incline could see some of those visitors stop for food, drinks or shopping while on Mount Washington.
Monongahela Incline connects with Station Square
The Monongahela Incline's lower station connects directly with Station Square, placing riders near another group of restaurants, shops and attractions.
Phillips' ridership information and comments apply specifically to the Monongahela Incline.
Pittsburgh Regional Transit owns the Duquesne Incline, but the nonprofit Society for the Preservation of the Duquesne Heights Incline operates it.
Together, the city's historic inclines give sightseers another way to experience Pittsburgh's relatively short fall foliage season while placing visitors near Mount Washington and Station Square businesses.
This story was produced by reporter Gabby Sartori, [gsartori@usatodayco.com], with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fall foliage draws visitors to Pittsburgh's iconic inclines
