Duquesne Incline
Pittsburgh, PA
A historic funicular that climbs Mount Washington in a wooden car, ending at an overlook above the confluence of three rivers. Go near sunset for the skyline, and park at the lower station.
The Duquesne Incline opened on May 20, 1877; its designer was the engineer Samuel Diescher. Originally steam-powered, it was later electrified. The incline is about 800 feet (roughly 240 m) long, climbs 400 feet (122 m) at a slope of a little over 30 degrees and travels at about 6 miles per hour (just under 10 km/h). After it shut down in 1962, local residents saved it with donations, and it returned to service in 1963. The two wooden cars were built by the J. G. Brill Company.
At the top, an observation deck awaits you on Mount Washington. A little under an hour is enough for the ride and the view. Shortly before sunset the view of the skyline is especially appealing. Fares are set by the operator; check them in advance.
- Nearest town
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 40.4413, -80.0197
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Gill Hall CampsiteCampsite12 mi from Duquesne InclineTentsFree
- Cecil Henderson (Kurnick) Mountour Trail CampgroundCampsite12 mi from Duquesne InclineTentsFree
- Dravo Hiker-Biker CampgroundCampsite16 mi from Duquesne InclineTentsFree
- Mountain Top CampgroundMotorhome stopover19 mi from Duquesne InclineMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Cedar Creek Trekker CampgroundCampsite23 mi from Duquesne Incline
- Madison / Pittsburgh S.E. KOA JourneyCampsite24 mi from Duquesne InclineTentsCaravansElectricityWaste disposal
All campsites in Pennsylvania · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Duquesne Incline?
Duquesne Incline is in Pittsburgh, PA, at GPS 40.4413, -80.0197. It is about 75 mi from Cooksburg.
Can you camp near Duquesne Incline?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Brown's Mobile Home Park, about 8 mi away; within 25 mi there are 14 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Duquesne Incline?
Places worth a stop nearby: Wheeling Suspension Bridge (45 mi), Fallingwater (47 mi), Ohiopyle State Park (48 mi) and Fort Necessity National Battlefield (49 mi).
When is the best time to visit Duquesne Incline?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)