My wife and I selected a rainy 70 degree day to explore the Armstrong Trail. We parked in Rosston and then rode north to MM 49. From the parking lot to the trail is 1/2 mile on a nice uncongested local road. We were pretty happy once we were able to get off the road and onto the paved trail. Passing through Ford City, the trail is just perfect! At the north end of Ford City and through Manorville, you are forced onto local roads. we chose Water St? along the river and did not pass a single car. At the power plant we regained the trail that is now crushed stone. Crushed stone is not that good when wet and no fenders. I did enjoy this part of the ride to Kittanning. Through Kittanning, the trail is either paved or on local roads. Again, no traffic issues on the roads. To the north of Kittanning, the trail becomes crushed stone and I immediately had a flat tire. We walked back to Paul's Auto Parts/ Bike shop ( 2 miles) and as my tube was replaced, my wife's tire went flat. Those are the first flats we ever had. Off again heading north. Enjoyed the ride till MM 49 where the trail surface got worse and it appeared the trail led through fishing camps. The trip back was uneventful till we got home and discovered flat # 3. Aside from the flats, I really liked the trip. I had been looking forward to it for a long time and was not really disappointed. Round trip, including the backtracking for flats, was 23 miles.

My wife and I rode this trail for the first time on June 4, 2011. We parked at the Bernard C. Snyder Picnic Area and began at Cowanshannock Trail, a supplement of the Armstrong Trail. This was our first ride in which we were able to pedal to the bottom of a waterfall. We had a close-up encounter with both a groundhog and snapping turtle on the Armstrong Trail. Despite our attempts, we would not locate the Ore Hill Iron Furnace, we suspect it is overgrown with weeds. In Templeton, we had to refer to our map, but we were spotted by another couple experienced with the trail who were kind enough to show us the way. Gray's Eddy was the most interesting point for us. We would like to explore this area further in the future. There are several unmarked but well-traveled trails here; however, we were scared off by a wild animal. Overall, our experience was positive. There were not many people on the trail, but the ones we encountered were very friendly. This was the first time we saw a lock and dam up close and we had fun riding under the railroad bridges. Some of the bridges were in various states of disrepair, but were able to be safely traveled across. The bridge before Grays Eddy was very fun to ride over due to its bumpy surface. There is a tree down on the trail, but it can be biked around. A path is already being worn around it. We thought that it was sad this trail doesn't get the publicity that other trails nearby do. Our only regret was that we missed the Pine Creek Underground Winery. We recommend bringing a map with you, we referred to ours often.

Yesterday, 07.26.2010, I went online to get the trail map and directions to the Armstrong Trail. I followed the directions to Aladdin road but saw no signage regarding the trail. There were large stacks of steel rails, as if a new railroad was to be built and there was a railbed that was being widened, graded and cleared of trees and other large foliage. I asked a local resident where the rails-to-trails trail was and he pointed in the direction of the construction work going on. He said someone was actually building a railroad, like a short scenic railroad.

I set out on the railbed in an effort to see how far I could go or if I could anywhere at all. I was able to navigate 7.5 miles up the trail and could go no farther because of the heavy construction that was underway. Beyond that, the trail was impassable, even with a mountain bike. Along that 7.5 mile ride I encountered several heavy construction vehicles laying slag, chipping trees, and grading. The riding was very difficult, very bumpy, and, at times, impossible requiring me to walk the bike for varying distances. You could see sharp bits of metal and glass in the material they were laying down on the railbed. I did, in fact, get a flat on my return, fortunately only a quarter mile from my car.

I wanted to be sure rails-to-trails is aware of whatever is happening to this segment of the Armstrong Trail. I don't know how long a segment of the trail is under construction and if this part of the trail will be available in the future as a bike trail. It would probably be a good idea to update the information on the TrailLink.com website to inform riders that they should pick up the trail beyond where the construction is taking place. I drove 65 miles to get to this trail and the trail wasn't a lot of fun :(

Sincerely,
Marc Metcalfe
marc.metcalfe@gmail.com