Rode the majority of this trail on 8/22/11 first riding the Sandycreek trail from east to west. The western entrance of the Clarion Highlands trail has no markings. The entrance is about 200 yards up the hill and across the road from the marked western entrance to the Sandyceek trail. My hope was to ride both trails out and back starting at the eastern entrance of the Sandycreek trail. The two trails could not be more different. The Sandycreek trail is paved with beautiful bridges over the creek. The Clarion river trail is no more than a fire road with two "ruts" I assume from maintenance vehicles. The trail is very remote no signs or mile markers. There were multiple times where the trail meets a road that it was necessary to leave the trail then find the entrance on the other side. Near the western end there seemed to be some trail development going on but the surface was obviously not complete and was very soft especially since that day there was significant rain. This trail is more a mountain bike ride than a trail ride at this point. Not suitable for any tire less than 1 inch.

"On Saturday the 30th of April, 2005, I started off by parking at the Belmar Bridge parking lot of the Sandy Creek trail. I rode across the bridge, crossing the Allegheny River, and continued for 2 miles on the Sandy Creek Trail. I rode the paved trail over several nice bridges, and finally reached the Deep
Valley Tunnel. The tunnel was under construction, so I had to turn around there. According to a sign that was posted, the tunnel construction should be done by June 2005. I then rode 2 miles back to the Belmar Bridge. I hope to come back and see the rest of the trail someday. "

"I rode the entire trail on October 8, 2004. I started at Belmar at around 11:00 AM and finished back at Belmar before 1:00 PM riding at a lesurely pace. I rode my Trek hybrid, but any type of bike will do as the trail is asphalt and is in excellent condition.

The view from the bridge at Belmar is wonderful, as are all of the views from the following bridges. All of the bridges are located on the western half of the trail near Belmar. There is also a double wide tunnel near the western end of the trail that has a good riding suface (as rail tunnels go).

I plan on riding the entire trail. The scenery is excellent. The entire trail is remote, so bring everything you need. There are some nice spots to stop, relax, enjoy some food, while you take in the peace and quiet."