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Lower Trail:
Pennsylvania
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Description:
The trail follows the Juniata River- at times crossing it, sometimes stretching out a bit more as if a gust of wind caught it for a few moments, but never straying far. The well-maintained, crushed limestone surface and nearly flat terrain makes the travel an easy and pleasant effort. It glances through the heart of the communities of Point View, Ganister, and Cove Dale and the town of Williamsburg along its way, just like its predecessor: the Petersburg Branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad which operated from 1879 to 1979. Several times you pass over the Juniata River on re-purposed railroad bridges.
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Parking & Trail Access:
To the southern trailhead east of Hollidaysburg: From I-99/US-220 to exit 23 for Hollidaysburg/US-22E/Portage/Roaring Spring. Follow US-22 east for 8.2 miles. Pass Canoe Creek State Park on the left and turn right onto Flowing Spring Road. Cross the bridge and continue for 1 mile to the parking area and trailhead on the left. To the northern trailhead at Alfarata: Follow US Rt 22 to Alfarata. Turn north (left if coming from the west) onto Main Street just before the metal bridge. The parking is less than a quarter mile ahead on the right and the trailhead is at the far end of the parking area. There also are trailheads with parking, picnic pavilions and chemical toilets at Ganister, Williamsburg, Cove Dale and Mt Etna off of US Rt. 22. To start the trail at Ganister Station take US Rt 22 from Hollidaysburg past Flowing Springs Road to turning east (right) on PA 866. The trailhead and parking lot are to the right just after crossing the metal bridge. The Williamsburg Station is reached by following PA 866 past Ganister to Williamsburg. You come into town on West 1st Street and go two blocks past the stop sign. Turn left onto High Street and into the parking lot and trailhead. To reach the Cove Dale Station off of US Rt 22 turn right (east) on Yellow Spring Road and then left on Cross Valley Road. Turn right at Fox Run Road, and then left onto Overlook Drive to the trailhead. From Hollidaysburg to Mt Etna trailhead, turn right (east) on Polecat Hollow road and left on Fox Run Road. Turn right into the parking lot.
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Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
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Beautiful Spring Day in Huntingdon PA
By cathie3459 on May 05, 2008
My boyfriend and I decided to take a bicycle ride yesterday (5-4-08). We haven't been our bikes since last year, it was such a beautiful day we decided to ride from Alexandria to Williamsburg. That is 11 miles one way! Well these two old farts rode the ENTIRE 11 miles down and back!! This morning my knees and butt are wondering what the heck happened. The aches and pains are well worth it, the trail is absolutely beautiful with plenty of places to stop and rest and take pictures. We saw a Blue Herion, a mother duck with ducklings and another mother duck laying on her eggs at the Mt. Atena Stop. What a great day! We will be back.
Link to the past
By mbwiel on May 01, 2008
I just got back to riding this trail after a number of years. In those years I've taken some time to learn about the history of the Pennsylvania Mainline. Riding this trail really takes you back to what it may have been like back then. The views along the river are nice, and there are some really nice rock formations.

Just the other day as I was riding the trail, a turkey crossed my path...you don't get that on a city street!
"Beautiful, relaxing trail"
By LISA BATES on October 30, 2007
I began riding this trail in April. It is such a beautiful trail and provides a calm atmosphere. Everyone should experience it.
Trail Photo
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Flowing Springs in Blair County to Alfarata in Huntingdon County
Counties: Blair, Huntingdon
Trail Length: 17 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Crushed Stone
Trail Activities: Walk, Horseback, Bicycle, Cross Country Ski, Mountain Bicycle