Leave the hiking boots at home -- you can scale Mount Washington via the Pittsburgh's Duquesne Incline.
Built in 1877, the incline closely follows the tracks of an old coal hoist. In the late 19th century, the residents of Pittsburgh used 17 of these inclines to transport people, freight, horses and even cars to and from the residential areas on Mount Washington (then known as Coal Hill).
Today, of course, we have roads and cars to schlep (we love this word) our baggage around. Even so, you haven't seen Pittsburgh until you've ridden to the observation tower, which is 400 feet above the three rivers.
This thrifty indulgence will cost you $2.25 each way.
From the top of Mount you'll see the Golden Triangle, Heinz Field and pretty much all of Pittsburgh. Go at night for a sparkly and gleaming view of the city.
Free tours of the upper station, which houses the 19th-century machinery, are available for groups of 10 or more. The tour brings you into the machine room, where you can watch a huge wooden gear tooth hoisting the car up the hill. (Makes you feel extra safe about your trip, right?)
Also in the upper station, you'll find a museum of Pittsburgh's history, along with photos and the 411 on inclines from around the world.
Worth the Trip
Be sure to bring exact change or NO RIDE FOR YOU! No really, you do need exact change. Free parking is available at the lower station. Cash fares and Port Authority bus passes are accepted.
The incline is open Mon.-Sat. 5:30 a.m.-12:45 a.m., and Sundays 7 a.m.-12:45 a.m. It's located at 1197 West Carson St., Pittsburgh, Penn. -- about four and a half hours from downtown D.C.).It's located
What else are you doing while you're in town? Check out this handy list here, which includes the Andy Warhol Museum, the Children's Museum, the Mattress Factory Art Museum (really), an amphibious boat tour and more.
