Allegheny River Trail:
Pennsylvania
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Description:
With a wide, paved pathway and adjacent equestrian trail running through lush woodland and riverside terrain, the Allegheny River Trail (ART) has something to offer every trail enthusiast. Following a segment of the Allegheny River that is part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, the 32-mile trail extends south from the Samuel Justus Recreation Trail in Franklin, to a point south of where the Allegheny and Clarion rivers meet in Brandon south of Foxburg.

The Scrubgrass Generating Company acquired the rail corridor after the Allegheny Valley Railroad stopped using it in 1984. Scrubgrass Generating donated the property to the nonprofit Allegheny Valley Trails Association, which is building an extensive rail-trail system in northwestern Pennsylvania.

The trailhead begins 5 miles downriver from the Franklin Belmar railroad bridge. Built in 1907 the picturesque bridge offers a spectacular view of the river and wildlife. At the Belmar bridge, the trail connects with the 8-mile, paved Sandy Creek Trail, which runs east to the village of Van. Eventually it will connect with the Clarion Highlands Trail to offer 46 miles of trail.

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Parking & Trail Access:
To reach the Franklin trailhead, take Route 8 North to its junction with US 322. Take US 322, which becomes 8th Street in Franklin and crosses the Allegheny River. The trailhead parking lot is on the right. The lot sign says SAMUEL JUSTUS TRAIL, which is the rail-trail going north from Franklin. The Allegheny Trail goes south from the lot.

To reach the Belmar trailhead for both the Allegheny River and Sandy Creek trails, take Route 8 South from Franklin. Continue 3 miles, turn left on Pone Lane and pass Sandy Creek High School. Continue to Belmar Road. Turn right on Belmar and follow the road to the trailhead parking lot at the river.

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Reviews: [4 trail ratings]
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Overcast day...
By acullen in October, 2011
My husband and I only rode a few miles on this trail. We parked at the trailhead on rt.322 just before crossing the bridge into Franklin. We actually started out on the Samuel Justus trail which links at that parking area. The trail in both directions was paved and flat, so riding was easy. It was an overcast day, so I think that may have influenced the 2 star rating..... There are picnic tables at the parking area, so packing a lunch is a good idea. The fall colors are beautiful, so I'm glad that we experienced it!
Dont forget to bring a light!
By cpbhk in September, 2011
My Daughter and I joined the Allegheny River Trail at the Little Sandy. We followed the trail to Emlenton. The trail is great except for a short portion where the locals did not allow trail builders access to the old railray. You must detour on a rather poor gravel/dirt road. Not fun on our road bikes . . .

We came to the long tunnel and had no lights. We started into the tunnel and could not see out the other side. After a while we could not see our hands in front of our faces and could only go forward walking and feeling the edge of the pavement with our feet. It was creepy! I was just about to suggest that we turn around when we heard voices behind us. Two cyclist armed with great lights were bearing down on us. We joined them and made it through the tunnel just fine. I have been on the trail two more times and made sure to have a light!

There was one more short tunnel before we came to Emlenton, but no light was necessary. The trail is in great condition, an I plan on riding at least one time every year.
An excellent ride
By Flyhot in September, 2011
On Sept 12,2011 my wife and I rode the ART from Emlenton. We wanted to ride up through the 2nd tunnel but my wife got a migraine and we had to turn around short of the 2nd tunnel. This is a really nice trail! During the 22 mile RT, we saw more deer than people. We didn't really have enough light for the tunnel. You really want a strong light to ride comfortably through. The trail is flat and paved for all the distance we traveled.
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