Overview & Orientation
Leechburg is a small borough in Armstrong County on the Kiskiminetas River, northeast of Pittsburgh. It covers about half a square mile. Leechburg is known for its Pennsylvania Canal history, the Hyde Park Walking Bridge, Riverfront Park and the Tow Path Trail, the Leechburg Area Museum, and the Leechburg Area School District.
Where Leechburg Is
- County: Armstrong County
- Municipality type: Borough, incorporated on March 22, 1850
- Size: About 0.48 square miles
- ZIP code: 15656
- Neighboring communities: Gilpin Township in Armstrong County, plus West Leechburg and Hyde Park across the Kiskiminetas River in Westmoreland County
- Main street: Market Street is the borough’s main thoroughfare.
Typical Drive Times
Times are approximate. Traffic varies by time of day.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| New Kensington | 15–20 minutes |
| Pittsburgh Mills (Frazer) | 20–25 minutes |
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 45–55 minutes |
| Oakland | 45–55 minutes |
| Pittsburgh International Airport | 65–75 minutes |
A Brief History
Leechburg is named for civil engineer David Leech, who arrived in 1827 to build a dam and lock for the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal. The first canal boats passed through in 1829, making Leechburg a canal port, and Leech became the borough’s first burgess. See Leechburg history.
The Leechburg Rolling Mill opened in 1872 and produced tin plate. Steelmaking continued nearby for generations, with Allegheny Ludlum and later ATI operating plants in West Leechburg and Bagdad.
Notable Landmarks
- Hyde Park Walking Bridge: A suspension footbridge about 600 feet long over the Kiskiminetas River, linking Leechburg with Hyde Park. The current metal bridge dates to 1955, replacing a 1920 wooden bridge, and it is one of the few pedestrian bridges in the country that connects two counties.
- Leechburg Bridge: A five-span truss bridge opened in 1935, carrying Third Street across the river to West Leechburg
- Leechburg Area Museum and Historical Society: At 116 and 118 First Street, including the 1830s David Leech House, one of the oldest buildings in town
- Riverfront Park and Veterans Memorial Field: The borough’s riverside park and its athletic field
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
- Canal and mill town: Leechburg grew as a canal port after 1829 and a mill town after 1872, so its housing sits on a compact street grid close to the river and Market Street.
- Compact borough: At about half a square mile, the borough is small. Many nearby addresses are in Gilpin Township or across the river in West Leechburg and Hyde Park.
- Riverfront setting: Parts of town sit along the Kiskiminetas River. Check flood zone status for any property near the water.
Types of Homes
Much of Leechburg’s housing is older homes on town lots close to Market Street and the river. Newer homes and larger lots are more common in the surrounding townships.
Prices and availability change daily. That means the live feed is the place to check. See current homes for sale in Leechburg.
Schools
Public Schools
Leechburg is served by the Leechburg Area School District, with offices at 210 Penn Avenue. The district serves Leechburg Borough, Gilpin Township, and West Leechburg, from pre-K through grade 12.
- David Leech Elementary School
- Leechburg Area Middle/High School
Confirm school assignment for any address with the district.
Nearby Colleges & Universities
- Penn State New Kensington (Upper Burrell Township), scheduled to close after spring 2027
- Butler County Community College (Butler)
- University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and other Oakland campuses
For school performance data, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Future Ready PA Index and the district’s own website. School assignments can change. Confirm directly with the district.
Getting Around
Major Roads
- PA Routes 66 and 56: The main state routes serving Leechburg. Route 66 meets the Leechburg Bridge approach, and Route 56 connects toward Vandergrift, Lower Burrell, and New Kensington.
- Market Street: The borough’s main street
Public Transit
Leechburg has limited public transit. Westmoreland Transit runs routes on the Westmoreland County side of the river, including the Vandergrift and New Kensington area. Check its routes for current service.
Walkability & Bikeability
See Walk Score for Leechburg, PA for walking and bike ratings. The Tow Path Trail and the Walking Bridge connect Leechburg with a growing regional trail network.
Things to Do
Parks & Trails
Riverfront Park
The borough’s park along the Kiskiminetas River, with a canoe and kayak launch. It hosts community events and festivals.
Tow Path Trail
Named for the mules that once towed canal boats. A one-mile section connects the Mill Bridge, between West Leechburg and Leechburg, to the Hyde Park Walking Bridge. It links to 4 more miles of Tow Path Trail running to Schenley, and to the Armstrong Trail network.
Veterans Memorial Field
The borough’s athletic field
Recreation
- Kiski River paddling: Canoe and kayak access at Riverfront Park
- Leechburg Area Museum: Exhibits on the canal, local industry, schools, and veterans, plus a research library and a free genealogy group on the first and third Thursdays
Annual Events
- Fall food and craft festival (October): Held at Riverfront Park, with vendor sign-ups through the Leechburg Public Library
- Anything That Floats Regatta (June): A homemade-boat race on the Kiski River from the firehall to Riverfront Park, sponsored by the Kiskiminetas Watershed Association. It was part of the borough’s 175th anniversary celebration in 2025.
Dining & Shopping
- Market Street: Leechburg’s local shops, restaurants, and services
- Vandergrift and Lower Burrell: Additional dining and shopping a short drive away
- Pittsburgh Mills: A larger shopping center in Frazer
Library
The Leechburg Public Library serves the community, (724) 236-0080.
Local Services & Resources
Leechburg Borough Building
260 Market Street, Leechburg, PA 15656
Contact the borough office for council meeting dates and borough services.
Utilities
- Trash, water, and sewer: Contact the borough office for current providers and schedules.
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Police: Leechburg Borough Police. Contact through the borough office for non-emergencies.
- Fire: Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company, (724) 842-3141
Hospitals Nearby
- AHN Allegheny Valley Hospital (Natrona Heights)
Permits & Zoning
For building permits, zoning, and other approvals, contact the Leechburg borough office at 260 Market Street before starting a renovation, fence, deck, or addition. Properties in West Leechburg, Hyde Park, or Gilpin Township follow their own municipality’s rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is Leechburg, PA in?
Leechburg is in Armstrong County, on the Kiskiminetas River. West Leechburg and Hyde Park, across the river, are in Westmoreland County.
Is Leechburg the same as West Leechburg?
No. Leechburg is a borough in Armstrong County. West Leechburg is a separate borough across the Kiskiminetas River in Westmoreland County. Both are in the Leechburg Area School District.
What school district serves Leechburg?
The Leechburg Area School District, which also serves Gilpin Township and West Leechburg.
How long is the drive from Leechburg to Downtown Pittsburgh?
About 45 to 55 minutes. Traffic varies by time of day.
What is the Hyde Park Walking Bridge?
A 600-foot suspension footbridge over the Kiskiminetas River linking Leechburg and Hyde Park. The current bridge was built in 1955.
How did Leechburg get its name?
From civil engineer David Leech, who came in 1827 to build a dam and lock for the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal and became the borough’s first burgess.
Are there trails in Leechburg?
Yes. The Tow Path Trail runs along the river and connects to the Hyde Park Walking Bridge, with links to the Armstrong Trail network.
Is there a museum in Leechburg?
Yes. The Leechburg Area Museum and Historical Society is at 116 and 118 First Street, including the 1830s David Leech House.
Where is the Leechburg borough building?
The borough building is at 260 Market Street, Leechburg, PA 15656.
Thinking About a Move to Leechburg?
Whether you are buying in Leechburg or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current Leechburg listings, or reach out to our team.
Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark
412-214-9494 | pittsburghhometeam.com
Explore Nearby Communities
- Vandergrift (homes for sale)
- Apollo (homes for sale)
- Lower Burrell (homes for sale)
- New Kensington (homes for sale)
- Natrona Heights (homes for sale)
- Kittanning (homes for sale)
Written by Mike Pastor, Team Leader, Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark | PA License RS328638
120+ five-star client reviews.