An alternative and more affordable way to enjoy the beauty of Spring with Pittsburgh's take on the iconic Cherry Blossom. 

From mid-April, Pittsburgh's black and gold heritage colours fade to welcome various shades of pink as redbuds bloom across the city. The native eastern redbud is one of the first signs of spring and the rose-tinted flower buds frame the iconic bridges and skyscrapers downtown beautifully. And, while Cherry Blossoms only offer a small window of opportunity, the redbuds in Pennsylvania typically flower between 2-3 weeks, allowing visitors longer opportunities to enjoy them.

In 2016, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy launched the Pittsburgh Redbud Project, an initiative to plant thousands of these and other native trees alongside the city's three rivers to help beautify but also aid the local wildlife. Redbud blossoms draw in butterflies, honey bees, and songbirds who eat the seeds and nest in the tree's canopies. 

Best places to see the Pittsburgh Redbuds, on foot, by paddle or on two-wheels:

• Using the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, park near the stadiums and walk alongside the Allegheny, cross into Point State Park and then into the South Side and view a large number of the redbuds in one short trip. This entire walk is only about 2 miles, mostly flat and will take about 40 minutes.
• For bikers, consider expanding your travels to include the 10th Street Bypass area redbuds and enjoy the Allegheny Riverfront, and including the entire stretch of the North Shore from the Science Center all the way to the 16th Street Bridge. This route takes riders past all the redbuds available. It is also highly recommended to take the Fort Pitt Bridge from the South Side for an exhilarating entrance into Point State Park.
• For a truly unique view, consider putting in your kayak or booking a spring sail aboard the Gateway Clipper riverboat to see the redbuds from the three rivers.

Click here for the official redbud map.

For more information, please visit: visitpittsburgh.com