Five Star Trail

Pennsylvania

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Description

Trail users on this inviting corridor follow the path of an old Southern Pennsylvania Railroad line, in some places traveling alongside unused tracks (not to be confused with the newer Southwest Pennsylvania Railroad, which operates along 66 miles of track through here). Riding the trail makes for a nice afternoon outing, combining pleasant scenery and historical attractions

The Five Star Trail runs nearly 8 miles through Westmoreland Country, extending south from Greensburg to Youngwood and then eastward to Armbrust. The Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corp. purchased the trail corridor from Conrail in 1995. The Westmoreland County Parks and Recreation Department is a partner in this project, along with the municipalities of Greensburg, South Greensburg, Southwest Greensburg, Youngwood and Hempfield. The trail's name honors these fives municipalities. PA Cleanways keeps the trail clean

Park at Lynch Field, a sports complex in Greensburg. The trail branches off to the east. Before embarking on this last 2-mile section, you may wish to stop in the Youngblood Trail Station, a museum focused on local railroad history. You will cross the campus of Westmoreland County Community College, along with a little park that features a pool, a playground and a few war relics, including an Apache helicopter

At the south end, the trail splits at Depot Street. The short, 1.5-mile stretch is paved and makes for a scenic walk or ride. Along the main trail, you'll see old rail cars and a converted caboose, once used as a restaurant.

Parking and Trail Access

Access points are located off Route 119, beginning in Greensburg at Lynch Field, and continuing south to Huff Avenue, Willow Crossing Road, Trolley Line Avenue (Buncher Commerce Park) and finally Depot Street in Youngwood. At the Westmoreland County Community College the trailhead is located on College Avenue across from the baseball field

Reviews    Add a Review

FIVE-STAR HISTORICAL TREASURE

By rich ballash in September, 2012

This was the first rail-trail I rode when I started out riding five years and 1700 trail miles ago. It was time to go back and document the historical treasures which remain on this trail. Five Star Milepost 0 is posted at Lynch Field, on US-119 on the ...

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February '05 review

By in March, 2005

"I went for a long run on the trail in February 2005. For the first four miles the trail is very nice and well marked with many quarter miles marked. Winter has been rough on the trail by creating some ruts and washed out sections. Only the first 4-1/4 ...

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