Scale the slope of Mount Washington in a wooden carriage and experience an amazing panoramic view of the Pittsburgh cityscape from a 120-metre vantage point.
The Duquesne Incline was built in 1877 and was used to transport coal and cargo up and down the mountainside. Along with Monongahela Incline, it represents one of the last two funicular railways left in the city. It closed in 1963, seemingly for good, until local residents raised funds to restore and refurbish the incline for use once again. Today, instead of fossil fuels, the carriages are filled with locals and tourists who want to catch the view from the top.
The wooden carriages run at 10 kilometres an hour along 240 metres of railroad, gently raising you 120 metres to the top of the hill. The cabins have been beautifully renovated to evoke their original style, but don't spend all of your time admiring the inside as, just outside the window, there's an ever-changing view of the Golden Triangle, where the Monongahela, Allegheny and Ohio rivers meet.
The upper station houses a museum of photos, tools and other interesting artifacts from the mining era. Tours will take you into the machine room where you'll find the original hoisting mechanisms with their famous wooden teeth. Don't forget to pick up a souvenir or two at the gift shop before heading back out to the observation area for one more look. See the sun sink behind the buildings and watch as thousands of colourful lights illuminate the city below.
The Duquesne Incline is regularly used as a mode of public transport by local South Side residents. It operates 365 days of the year from 5.30 a.m. until 12.45 a.m. (7 a.m. to 12.45 a.m. on Sundays and public holidays). Buses from the city centre will take you to the incline's lower station or, if you'd prefer to drive, free parking is also available.
