Seldom Seen Rock Climbing

People have been climbing at the Seldom Seen Greenway for several decades, and, as a result of a major renovation in recent years, the area has seen a surge in popularity. As of the Spring of 2021, there are now 27 different routes that have been fully equipped (or re-equipped) with either stainless steel or titanium hardware. The routes are mostly 30-45’ tall on the vertical walls of quarried sandstone blocks that make up a complex of bridges, tunnels, and retaining walls. Although there is one route that is 5.6, and another that is 5.8, most of the routes are in the 5.9 - 5.10 range.  There are also four 5.11s and one 5.12. While no formal permission has been granted to climb at Seldom Seen, there have also been, to date, no serious access issues; nevertheless, anyone wishing to climb here should REVIEW THE ACCESS NOTES BELOW and as always take care to be as low key as possible when climbing at places with sensitive access. A guide/topo for the area is currently available at Ascend, and has great pictures of all of the routes here.  Although this was NOT a SWPACC project, all proceeds from the sell of the guides will be donated to SWPACC to be used on future projects.

Please be reminded of a few critical points in regard to the climbing at Seldom Seen.  

1. Acting independently, individual climbers, wishing to expand outdoor climbing opportunities for all residents and visitors to our region (including those who might not have access to climbing areas at more remote geographic locations) developed, equipped, and cleaned these areas. Neither the SWPACC nor the City of Pittsburgh cleaned/equipped these routes. 

2. Given the exciting potential for Seldom Seen and other urban climbing areas to expand and diversify our climbing community, the SWPACC has established an on-going dialogue with various city officials to develop a plan that would secure formal permission for climbing on various structures around the city. Historically, climbing at Seldom Seen has taken place discreetly, and as with so many other popular climbing areas, climbers should maintain a low profile. 

3. While the dialogue with the City is ongoing and no major access issues have arisen yet, AS OF YET NO FORMAL PERMISSION HAS BEEN GRANTED FOR CLIMBING ON ANY OF THE WALLS AT SELDOM SEEN.  

4. Only you and those in your party are responsible for your legality and safety when climbing at Seldom Seen.  YOU ARE CLIMBING AT YOUR OWN RISK when you choose to climb at Seldom Seen!!!

5. PLEASE, stay off of the railroad tracks above the walls, to avoid interference with train operators. Any activity on or around those tracks will jeopardize access to this location.

6. The earth behind the walls at Seldom Seen (as well as moisture after heavy rains) is constantly making its way through the cracks on these walls. Thanks to the revitalization of the past few years, and thanks to many hundreds (probably thousands!) of hours the routes are in their cleanest state ever. Nevertheless, their maintenance will require an on-going effort, especially in the spring when seepage and growth is at its highest. This area will only remain clean if climbers regularly carry a scraper and/or wire/nylon brush to remove any dirt and weeds from the cracks, and dirt from the climbing surfaces. The place will remain in the best possible condition if people spend just a little time cleaning upon lowering.

7. As is a good routine habit to practice at all climbing areas, please consider taking a plastic bag with you when visiting this area and make an extra effort to pick up any trash that you notice in the vicinity. Because of the high traffic of non-climbers at the Greenway, Seldom Seen is likely to be a local area with significant impact on how the local climbing community is perceived by the general public. Please make every effort to be a steward of the area and an ambassador for the climbing community in all of your dealings with the various user groups of the area.