Nine Mile Run
As you make these hikes, keep a number of things in mind.

• When crossing the stream: On the worst days (rain days), the stream water is up to 6 times above the federal guidelines for fecal coliform contamination. Keep in mind this stream doesn't need to be in this condition. The Nine Mile Run Watershed committee is forming; If you have questions about the stream or the public space that will surround the stream as it flows to the Monongahela, you can contact the John Stephen, Regional Director of the Pennsylvania Resource Council (PRC) at 661-4447.
  
• Poison ivy runs amuck in these woods. Dress appropriately if you are allergic. Remember "leaves of three, let it be!".
  
  1. From Foodland: Downstream hike
  
• Park in the lower lot of Foodland.
  You have two choices as you follow the old trolley tracks to the bottom of the parking lot. This is a downstream hike, starting from the culverted section of the stream. (The original stream had two legs which are currently culverted.)
  a. The high dry road to the right, which looks down on the stream at various points.
  b. The low wet road to the left, which provides the best view of the existing culverts and stream bed. You will need to cross the stream further down.
  
• Both trails lead to the Frick Park soccer fields. There are many shady plants and wetlands plants in this area.
  
  2. From Frick Park: Upstream or downstream hike
• Parking is available near the soccer field.
  If you want to travel upstream, reverse the direction above! You will begin by walking toward the soccer field. As you walk toward Nine Mile Run, notice the Fern Hollow Creek flowing from Frick Park and Homestead Cemetery. Downstream there are again two choices. Both paths lead to Commercial Avenue near the Irish Center.
  a. The high dry path which veers to the right between the woods and lawn just beyond the parking lot. (You can't see the stream) but you can listen and look for cardinals along this trail.
  b. The low wet road. You follow along the right side of Fern Hollow Creek, (soccer field on the left). This trail will take you along the stream and through a wetland. This is a wet meadow landscape, often pretty muddy. It is also amongst the most biologically diverse areas of the stream corridor. Look for deer!
  **Be careful as you approach Commercial Avenue, this road crossing is dangerous.
  
• On the other side of Commercial cross the stream on the trail enter the field underneath the Squirrel Hill Tunnel roadway. (spectacular engineering from below!) You will be walking towards Swisshelm Park. Move through the field and follow the clearly marked path. You will be passing through meadow, some mature forest, and be able to look down on riparian forest and glimpse the slag on both sides of the ravine. When the trail goes downhill suddenly you are approaching the stream again. Walk down and look but do not cross this dilapidated bridge.
  
  3. From Duck Hollow fishing area: Upstream/slag hike (strenuous)
  
• Parking is available.
  
  Walk back under the railway bridge and enter the trail just above the stream. You will be walking along with slag on your left and the stream on your right. Keep your eyes peeled for mockingbirds! You will walk along a relatively flat area. There is one blocked turnoff that leads to the dilapidated bridge mentioned above. Keep moving straight ahead and uphill, this hike will circumnavigate the slag pile and provide views of some of the opportunistic plants that are attempting to establish a foothold. This hike is not very clearly marked once you are up on the slag, although you can see housing/trees on the right and the stream/slag precipice is always on your left. Travel through the site bearing towards your right. (but don't forget to take in the views of the Monongahela!) you will come out at Brownsville Road, and can walk down Old Brownsville back to Duck Hollow. Keep your eyes peeled for the slag top wetlands!
  
  4. From Brownsville Road/Old Brownsville Rd: Slag hike
  
• Parking is difficult but doable here.
  
  This is the best entry point to easily view the slag vistas and the tiny slagtop wetland. Enter the trail under the pipes that keep out the cars. Walk in along the trail; notice the vegetated spots amongst the slag. You will be walking toward the wetland, beyond that are some of the most spectacular views of the Monongahela Valley, Duck Hollow below and behind you, the recent Rosemont Development. Wander as far as you like, Return the way you came.