Riverfront history and walking

Point State Park

About 1.3 road mi

A 36-acre state park at Pittsburgh’s three-river confluence, pairing the incline panorama with accessible riverfront walks, Fort Pitt history, the fountain, and the regional trail network.

The place

About Point State Park

Point State Park occupies the tip of Pittsburgh’s Golden Triangle where the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers form the Ohio. The 36-acre National Historic Landmark preserves the strategic landscape associated with the French and Indian War and the historic Forks of the Ohio.

The park combines the fountain, river overlooks, fort outlines and markers, the Fort Pitt Block House, amphitheaters, and a one-mile segment of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. It is an outdoor, self-guided stop rather than a single-ticket attraction.

Paved riverfront promenades, overlooks, fishing piers, and both amphitheaters have published accessible routes. The official parking lot charges a fee, while limited metered parking and a visitor drop-off are also available on Commonwealth Place.

What stands out

The three-river confluence

Stand where the Allegheny and Monongahela meet to form the Ohio River—the defining geography seen from the incline.

Fort and frontier history

Markers, fort outlines, and the surviving Block House interpret the strategic Forks of the Ohio.

Accessible riverfront loop

Paved promenades, overlooks, benches, and trail connections support a flexible outdoor visit.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a Duquesne Incline trip

Point State Park is about 1.3 driving miles from Duquesne’s lower station and is the landscape visible directly across the rivers from the upper observation deck. Visit after the incline to turn the panorama into a river-level history and walking experience.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • HoursThe park is open every day from sunrise to sunset; day-use areas close at dusk. The office follows separate hours.
  • AdmissionNo park admission or facility reservation is required for an ordinary self-guided visit.
  • ParkingThe official Commonwealth Place lot is open 6 a.m.–11 p.m. for a fee. Limited metered parking, a drop-off, and other downtown garages are also available.
  • Accessible routesDCNR publishes accessible paved riverfront promenades, overlooks, fishing piers, and access to the top and bottom of both amphitheaters.
  • Trail connectionOne mile of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail crosses the park with modern restrooms, water, and benches; the Great Allegheny Passage terminates at the Forks marker.
  • Time to allowAllow 45–90 minutes for the fountain, riverfront, fort markers, and Block House area; add more for a long trail walk or a program.

Continue along the river

Add Kamin Science Center & Miniature Railroad

Pair the city view with the region’s largest model-train display and five floors of family science exhibits.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

Is Point State Park free?

The state publishes no general park admission fee. Parking and some nearby facilities or events can cost extra.

When is the park open?

Every day from sunrise to sunset, with day-use areas closing at dusk.

Is the riverfront accessible?

Yes. DCNR identifies paved promenades, river overlooks, fishing piers, and amphitheater routes as accessible.

Is parking free?

No. The official lot charges a fee; limited metered street parking and other garages are also available.

How does it connect to the incline?

The park is the river confluence visible from Duquesne’s observation deck and is about 1.3 driving miles from the lower station.

Trust and accuracy

Sources