This is a very nice trail, smooth, well maintained, and very scenic. Both upper and lower sections are great.

My wife and I rode this trail in one day from one end to the other and back. The grade is not bad at all but, I would recommend you start at Alfarata trail head and ride to the west so you have the slight down grade on the return trip as we did not. It is very well maintained and lots of benches, shelters and bathroom along this trail. With riding this trail in the full bloom of summer you have to really look for the highlights of the history but it is well worth it and we will return in the fall of the year as the color should be awesome and also the stone faces of the mountains. The nature along this trail is also awesome as we seen everything from chipmunks to deer, plus there were a number of people canoeing and kayaking the Juniata river. This is one trail you should put on your to do list if you have the time.

We ride trikes so our preferences and trail requirements are slightly different from those for two wheelers. Lower Trail is really three different trails in one. At the southern end, the trail is wide and smooth and well maintained and great for trikes. For a mile or more around Williamsburg, the trail is paved and just a pleasure to ride on, no matter what kind of wheels you are using. The top end which is easily two thirds of the trail, is great for bikes but more challenging for trikes. In places, it narrows and grass grows in the center. We had to ride with at least one wheel in the grass which takes more effort. Dirt washed onto the crushed stone in other places, creating mini swamps which we had to go off the path to avoid. However, these rough spots are the exception. There are ample restrooms, which means a lot, and beautiful Pennsylvania scenery. Overall, the ride was very enjoyable, especially the 4 or 5 miles below Williamsburg where there are mini pavilions with picnic tables along the trail. This is a top notch bike trail but not as well suited for trikes.

I took the lower trail as my first rails-to-trails ride, and it was great! I'll definitely be using this site for more biking trail tips. One correction in your directions to the trail head off of the holidaysburg exit of 99, it's 13.9 miles to Flowing Spring Road, not 8.2 miles, which was a little confusing since I was actually mileaging how far I needed to go. But, the trail is perfect. I used a hybrid, and that worked really well- the small patch of pavement along Williamsburg is a nice break from the gravel. The Porta-jons, benches, and picnic areas along the way make it convenient and accessible to anyone. A really pleasant ride, basically flat. Looking forward to my next ride!

My Brother and I rode this trail a couple of weekends ago and we really enjoyed this one. It was a great ride the whole way. We enjoyed riding into Williamsburg and getting some water. It provided a great workout and the icecream stand at the Water Street parking area was a great treat at the end of our ride. Over all the trail is very nicely contructed and well thought out. We plan on riding it again. I highly recommend this trail to everyone. Enjoy!

If you’re a fan of rails-to-trails you have to make a point to visit this one. My wife and I have done a number of the major trails in the PA/MD area and this is one of her favorites. It is very flat the entire length. The trail surface is fairly wide and in good shape. The tree canopy makes for a well shaded ride and it is very peaceful following the river. Throughout the trail there are a number of benches and picnic pavilions to take advantage of… More than most trails. Along the way you’ll see some interesting rock formations, building remains, wild life and a few educational signs about the history of the trail.

From end to end it is approximately 17 miles long. We happened to park at the southern trailhead off of Flowing Spring Road. There is ample parking space (but it was Friday) and the portable toilet was at least clean and fresh. Near Williamsburg the trail is paved for a few miles and there are a couple of places to grab some refreshments at this trailhead.

At the northern trailhead there is a small bit of trail construction going on as they fix an overpass, but nothing to be worried about or detract from the ride. (Rode trail on May 7, 2010)

The only thing I wish could change and this is typical of most rails-to-trails, is to make the yellow barrier poles near trail entrances a bit wider apart. I know these must be narrow to discourage motorized vehicles, but they are somewhat narrow when your bike is equipped with mirrors, panniers or you’re pulling a kiddy cart like I always have attached. Mine is modified for my dog when he’s not running along side us.

Was it worth traveling 3 hours to ride? YES!

I also encourage everyone using the trail to contribute to the “donation boxes” at each of the trailheads. Someone has to maintain the trail and I’m certain it costs more than what we all realize. I’m also guessing there are a few volunteers who cut the grass, keep tree limbs out of the way and provide other vital services to keep the trial 1st rate. Thank You!

My boyfiend and I live in Tyrone so this is a very close trail for us to get to to spend the day on. I have riden on few including the Pine Creek trail in northern PA, and the Heritage Rail Trail in southern Pa to northern Md. I would have to say has a beginner, this trail has been great at just spending a day riding. The trail is mainly cushed limestone right up untill you get into Williamsburg and then it turns into paved road. I would highly recomend a hybrid bike for this trail as it would easily convert from limestone to paved road, however, with riding a mountain bike I didn't have any issues. Once you get into Williamsburg, there is a Martin's general store right along the trail that is good for just a quick stop. Just a few more yards away is a great little park to sit and relax at. We only made it from Water Street in to Williamsburg and back in a day due to us only being beginers. The wildlife is also abundant on the trail. Ranging from chickens and hens from local homes along the trail to foxes and the chance of seeing a snake or two. Just watch out for the rooster that is a litte agressive as we found when we stoped to let the baby chicks cross...lol!

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.

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!

I began riding this trail in April. It is such a beautiful trail and provides a calm atmosphere. Everyone should experience it.

"The trail was wonderful. I haven't been on a bike since I was a child, but this was excellent. We had a lot of fun and it was nice & shady."

My wife and I both native Blair Countians rode this trail today a first for us. It is a true gem and worth a repeat ride and many more for sure!

We really enjoy riding the Lower Trail. It is beautifully maintained with benches and flowers along the trail and a nice fine gravel riding surface. We enjoyed the flowing river side view. It was a wonderful morning ride.

The Lower Trail is our first bike tour. We're riding small parts at a time in the evenings and really enjoy the gorgeous scenery and well-groomed trail.

"The trail has been extended from Williamsburg out to Flowing Springs road near Canoe Creek, giving the trail a total of around 16 miles in length. There is a trailhead parking lot off Route 22 on Flowing Springs Road at the end of the trail. The trail meets the road here, but the actual parking lot is a few hundred feet up a dirt road just to the right of the limestone trail surface. Park here because it's fenced in and has a pretty good sized lot with a small pavillion.I've seen cars parked on the end of the trail itself next to the road, but just use the lot.
The trail extension is nice and is the same surface as the Williamsburg to Alexandria section. It follows along the Juniata River and through an old campground. On the section between where the trail crosses Route 866 and the electrical substation, on the opposite bank of the Juniata River across from the trail there is a vertical ""spine"" of rock going up the side of the hill that looks like spires.Very interesting. All in all this is a nice extension to a great trail. "

I start at the Alexandria entrance and bike up to Williamsburg. There is a great ice cream stand there. So I have my treat and then bike back to my starting point. It's 22 miles round trip. What a great ride!

This is one of the nicest and prettiest trails that we've ever ridden.

Picturesque and lovely. A Great Escape!

"This is my ""home"" trail as I live in Hollidaysburg, and it's also the one that I guage all other Rail Trails by. The trail itself is always kept in really good condition, and there are mile markers along the length of the trail. In Williamsburg where the main trail head is there is a paved parking lot with a picnic pavillion, and a trailside store that sells food and rents bikes. There is also a UniMart convenience store right next to the trail there. One of the nicer things about this trail is that there are many places along the trail where they have benches to sit on if you want to rest, and there are porta-johns at both trail ends and at the midpoint at Mount Etna. Mount Etna access area has a gravel parking lot, a porta-john, a picnic pavillion and a small covered bridge over a stream. The end of the Trail at Alexandria also has a gravel parking lot, porta-john, and picnic pavillion.

The trail has three main bridges that pass over the Juniata river, and several sites where you can see remnants of the original Pennsylvania Canal. There are several signs on the river side of the trail explaining the history of the Mainline Canal that was operated in the 1830's. There are many areas along the trail where you can see the remains of local iron furnaces and stone quarries. The trail is mostly shaded by trees, and provides a good place to ride in the summer when the temps get up into the 90's.

There is an extension of the trail just outside of downtown Williamsburg that takes you alongside the Juniata river for around 5 miles that takes you to Flowing Springs, probably about a 1/2 mile from the entrance from Canoe Creek State Park. The extension isn't crushed limestone like the main trail, but is hard packed dirt and fine crushed cinders/ballast. No problems riding on it, but might be a little muddy after a recent rain because of all the shade.

If you're visiting this trail make sure you also to check out the Allegheny Portage Railroad Museum near the town of Cresson that's run by the National Park Service. It's a really nice museum that will teach you a lot about the Mainline Canal system and the Portage railroad with it's inclined planes. There is a replica of the engine house that helped pull the canal boats up the inclined planes between the canal basin in Hollidaysburg and Cresson. There is also a replica of one of the steam engines that pulled the canal boats on trains across the top of the mountain.

Also check out the two mile long trail leading to the Staple Bend Tunnel, a railroad tunnel from the Portage Railroad. This trail is crushed limestone too, with a paved parking lot and permanent restroom facilties. This trail runs alongside the mainline of the modern railroad so you'll see many freight trains making their way over the mountains. The tunnel at the end of the trail is restored and you can ride or walk through it.

There is also a Canal basin park they are opening in Hollidaysburg near the railroad shops that features a restored canal era house and recreation of part of a canal lock. Don't know when it's officially opening.

If you're in Hollidaysburg also check out the small park and overlook above Hollidaysburg at Chimney Rocks. This park has a paved lot, permanent restroom facilties and a picnic pavillion. The view from Chimney Rocks is excellent and you can see the entire valley around Hollidaysburg and mountains surrounding the area."