Clarion Highlands:
Pennsylvania
Trail Map
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Description:
The Clarion Highlands Trail is one of the highest rail-trails in the Commonwealth. It traverses the Allegheny Plateau, passing over the divide between the Clarion and Allegheny Rivers, and follows the Old Clarion Secondary Rail Corridor. Its highest point, at Phipps Cemetery near Elmo, is 1,472 feet above sea level.
The trail corridor itself varies from 40 to 200 feet wide. All non-motorized uses are permitted on the eastern five miles of trail, while horseback riding is prohibited on the western mile of trail. A number of bridges over township roads have been removed. In these places, the rail bed has been graded back to a dangerous 2:1 slope, so care must be taken going up and down. At Phipps Cemetery the railbed has been filled in where an overhead bridge was removed.
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Parking & Trail Access:
To Station Road trailhead: From I-80E, take exit 53 towards Knox and merge unto SR3007. Turn right at PA-338/Route 338 and follow PA-338 for 3.2 miles. Turn right at PA-208/E State St and follow PA-208 for another 3.8 miles and turn left at Main St,/PA-208/Route 322 for just under a mile. Turn right on Route 419/Black Rd. and then take an immediate right on Station Rd./T406 to the trailhead.
There is no suitable area for parking at Kline Road, the trail's western terminus.
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Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
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Sandy Creek Trail Review
By Troy Bogdan on May 03, 2005
"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. "
Great Trail
By Cavan Smith on October 10, 2004
"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."
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