Mountains play a prominent – and a gorgeous – role in the Pennsylvania landscape. If you’ve ever been to Pittsburgh, you already know that the best way to experience Mount Washington (and the stunning views it offers) is to climb aboard one of its two inclines: the Duquesne Incline or the Monongahela Incline, the latter of which is the oldest funicular in the United States.

Countless Pittsburghers travel up and down Mount Washington on the Monongahela Incline each day, traveling to and from work and school. However, it's also a popular spot for tourists, who want to drink in the sensational views of the city skyline.
Google/Luigi Zurolo
One of the first places many Pittsburghers take out-of-town guests is for a ride on one of the inclines. The views from Mount Washington have been called some of the best in the country.
While the Duquesne Incline may be the better-known of the two inclines, the Monongahela Incline is the oldest, dating back to 1870. (The Duquesne Incline opened in 1877.)
Google/Joshua Setow
In those early days, it provided transportation for factory and steel mill workers who lived atop Mount Washington, taking them down to the city.
Google/Jeavon Johnson
Today, it still shuttles workers back and forth. It's also popular with Pittsburghers and visitors who want to drink in those gorgeous skyline views.
Google/R.P.
The incline was shut down for eight months in 2022-23 for extensive renovations, including mechanical and electrical upgrades. New glass flooring promises a unique view as the incline crawls up and down the mountain.

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Board the incline at the bottom or at the top of the mountain. Going up you'll be treated to gorgeous views as the city slowly sprawls out before you. Make sure you bring a camera.
Google/Joshua Setow
I always park at Station Square, where there are several parking lots and then walk to the station. It's a short and easy walk.

You might want to save some time, too, to explore Station Square. It's got several restaurants, including Hard Rock Cafe, and you can hop aboard a sightseeing tour with the Gateway Clipper. If you're going to Hard Rock Cafe, make reservations ahead of time, or you might have a bit of a wait. We went on a Sunday evening and had a 45-minute wait.

When you reach the top of Mount Washington, stroll to one of the scenic overlooks for one-of-a-kind city views.
OIYS/Beth Price-Williams
If you can, visit during the day and in the evening. Of all the city skylines I've been fortunate to see, Pittsburgh is one of my favorites, and there are two places that I think boast the best views - from atop Mount Washington and coming out of the Fort Pitt Tunnel at night.
Mount Washington is also dotted with adorable shops and eclectic eateries. It's perfect for spending a few hours before heading back down the mountain.
OIYS/Beth Price-Williams
If you don't have a lot of time, you won't regret just going on this Pittsburgh ride up the mountain. After all...the views.
Head over to the official website of the Monongahela Incline for more information.
Google/Emily
Monongahela Incline hours are Monday through Saturday from 5:30 a.m. to 12:45 and Sunday from 8:45 a.m. to midnight. Be sure to check the website above to confirm hours and for the latest fares.

Get a glimpse of the incline in action with this YouTube video by Timosha21.

Have you been on the Monongahela Incline in Pennsylvania? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments! Since you’re already in Pittsburgh, you might also want to take a ride on the Duquesne Incline.

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More to Explore

Views In Pennsylvania

Beth Price-Williams | December 11, 2023

Where can I go for more of the best views in Pennsylvania?

While you’ll definitely want to ride one of the Pittsburgh inclines for gorgeous city skyline views, here are some other places in Pennsylvania with amazing views:

  • Stroll across the Kinzua Bridge Skywalk for jaw-dropping views of Allegheny National Forest.
  • Drink in sensational views of Pine Creek Gorge, the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, from Colton Point State Park or Leonard Harrison State Park.
  • Keep an eye out for birds circling overhead at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary near Kempton.
  • Have a picnic or go hang-gliding at Hyner View State Park, for some of the best views in Pennsylvania.

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Featured Addresses
Monongahela Incline, 1870 PA-837, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA