TrailLink.com (powered by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy) TrailLink.com (powered by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy)
Armstrong Trail:
Pennsylvania
Trail Map
  • Get Personalized Driving Directions!
  • Find Trail Side Shops with Google Search!
  • See Users’ Geocoded Photos!
  • Get a Print-Friendly Map and Get Outdoors!
Description:
The winding Armstong Trail traces the course of the scenic Allegheny River along the former Allegheny Valley Railroad line. The passenger and freight railroad ran from 1855 until 1941. North of Templeton, the trail terrain is rough and best suited for mountain biking and hiking. Relics of the rail line here include a gigantic concrete coal elevator. Several river locks also are visible along the way. Between Templeton and Rosston the trail is asphalt, with quiet on-road sections. South of Rosston, the terrain gets rougher again. Visit shops and eateries near the trail at Kittanning. (In Kittanning, the trail is wheelchair accessible.) The best access points are in Templeton and at Buttermilk Falls. The Armstrong Trail is part of an initiative to connect all of the open trails between Pittsburgh and Lake Erie called the Erie-Pittsburgh Trail Alliance.
... Click to read more
Parking & Trail Access:
To the midpoint Buttermilk Falls trailhead: From Kittanning, follow Johnston Avenue north out of town. Continue north until McMillen Road. Immediately after McMillen, turn right into the parking lot for the Bernard C. Snyder Picnic Area. The Armstrong trailhead is on the other side of Johnston Ave. The Cowanshannock Trail also is accessible from this parking lot. To the Templeton trailhead: From Kittanning, travel north on Route 28. Turn left onto Ridge Road, and left again onto SR 1034. Turn right onto SR 1031 (Mosgrove-Templeton Road), and left to continue on 1031. Follow 1031 into the town of Templeton. Turn left on 1st Street, and right on Allegheny Avenue. Park by the boat ramps on the left next to the Allegheny River. The trailhead is accessed next to Allegheny Avenue.
... Click to read more
... Click to read more
Reviews: [1 trail ratings]
[View all reviews for this trail]
[register/login to Submit a Review of this Trail]
Armstrong Trail
By like2bike on August 30, 2009
We rode from Ford City to Templeton and about 95% of it is great! There are some areas where you ride in a quiet residential area on the streets with little traffic. Can't wait to try some other area trails.
Enjoyable ride
By like2bike on August 30, 2009
We rode from Ford City to Templeton and found the majority of the trail to be in great condition. Although in some parts you do ride on streets, it is in small towns and not a lot of traffic. Scenic areas and friendly people along the way. We are anxious to try other areas on this trail!
Disappointing
By LisaP on July 26, 2008
Much of the trail cannot be ridden unless one has a mountain bike....it seems the rails and ties were removed, but the "gravel" is the size of that used on the railroads. It is also not well marked. The section in Ford City is nice, though.
Trail Photo
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Schenley to Catfish
Counties: Armstrong, Clarion
Trail Length: 42.8 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt, Ballast, Grass, Dirt
Trail Activities: Walk, Horseback, Bicycle, Cross Country Ski, Inline Skates, Mountain Bicycle, Fishing

Related Links