Pendleton, Over-the-Rhine, Mount Auburn
2.6 mi
DISTANCE
17
STAIRCASES
2
HIGHLIGHTS
A 2.6-mile urban exploration route featuring five historic stairways connecting Pendleton, Over-the-Rhine, and Mount Auburn neighborhoods. This challenging route climbs multiple hillside stairways that have connected these neighborhoods for over a century, including the Sharp Alley Steps, Fritz Stairs, Rice Street Steps, Peete Street Steps, and the landmark Main Street Steps - Cincinnati's longest public staircase with 354 steps.
This route includes significant elevation gain and multiple stairways. The Main Street Steps alone follow the path of the former Mt. Auburn Incline railway, which operated until 1898, and connect Mulberry Street in Over-the-Rhine to Eleanor Place in Mt. Auburn. The Rice Street Steps connect Peete Street to Mulberry Street, while the Peete Street Steps extend down to Vine Street. Many of these stairs have been restored through community efforts by Spring in Our Steps, a local organization dedicated to preserving Cincinnati's historic pedestrian infrastructure.