The Airport Connector is a spur off the impressive Montour Trail that circles the western outskirts of Pittsburgh. The paved pathway begins just off the extended-term parking lot on the western end of the Pittsburgh International Airport. Follow the signs and pavement markings through the lot to reach the trail.
Note that at the Interstate 376 (Airport Expressway) crossing, you'll be on Clinton Road sharing the roadway with traffic for about a mile. The route becomes designated trail again once you head southeast on McCaslin Road. You'll travel through mostly residential neighborhoods with a mixture of shaded areas and open vistas.
Another on-road section will come at the south end of the trail on Enlow Road, but it's a quiet street with little traffic. The trail ends at the Five Points intersection of Imperial-Enlow, where you can continue your journey on the Montour Trail on the south side of Main Street.
Paid parking is available at the Pittsburgh International Airport (1000 Airport Blvd.).
Just wanted to make people aware that the last 2 times I biked this trail I saw a coyote. Please be aware of your surroundings. The first time it bolted when it saw me but the second time it ran parallel to me for abt 40 feet. I was just abt to do a u-turn and it ran into the woods. I just want to remind everyone you are in what is left of the woods in these areas so please keep your eyes open as these animals don’t have a lot of places to go. I also saw one on the Montour Trail this year near mile marker 5 and last night there was a wounded raccoon lying in the middle of the Montour Trail near mile marker 15.
Perfect... I was Lookin for a trail just like this one... One that had as much coasting as it did pedaling on good smooth pavement... Goin one way is chill and a piece a cake... Comin back... Not so much... A good leg workout but still worth it... Perfect...
If you start at the airport a short portion of the route is on Clinton Rd which is a very busy road with no berm to ride on. Definitely ride this part at your own risk. Once you turn onto McCaslin Rd (right past the Dollar General) you pass a few houses and the road turns into a bike trail to Enlow. The trail is paved. It starts out smooth but about half way thru the pavement gets a little rough but it is better than a lot of trails. You are mostly going downhill in this direction but there are several hills. Once you reach Enlow you are back on a road but it’s a nice residential street. When you reach the end there is a 5 way intersection and you can cross to get on the Montour Trail. Note: if you are going in the other direction there are numerous hills and you will get a good workout.
Wife and I rode trail today starting at the main Montour trail. On road to trail head, didn't see a single car. Entrance to trail well marked. It was asphalt the entire way. Asphalt was pretty rough in some areas, but rideable. Only disappointment was at airport end where it meets Clinton Road. Very heavy and fast traffic on road with no shoulder at all. Wife didn't want to risk it so we never made it the last mile to airport. Would rate it a four star if there was better road at end, five star if trail portion was just a bit smoother. Very secluded and quiet ride, though.
Wife and I rode trail today starting at the main Montour trail. On road to trail head, didn't see a single car. Entrance to trail well marked. It was asphalt the entire way. Asphalt was pretty rough in some areas, but rideable. Only disappointment was at airport end where it meets Clinton Road. Very heavy and fast traffic on road with no shoulder at all. Wife didn't want to risk it so we never made it the last mile to airport. Would rate it a four star if there was better road at end, five star if trail portion was just a bit smoother. Very secluded and quiet ride, though.
Based on the previous review I believe a clarification is needed. This portion of the trail is and always has been entirely asphalt. It's my primary winter/early spring route solely because it's available well before the crushed limestone portions. The description on the website is accurate.
Hi,
I sought out this trail after some wet weather here in Western PA. It was noted on TrailLink that this trail was asphalt. I picked up the trail at its southernmost end and I can tell you that for at least 3 miles going north, this trail is crushed limestone and not asphalt. The trail was very messy and muddy. I would recommend that the TrailLink staff correct the inaccuracy on the trail description. Thanks.
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