Ghost Town Trail

Despite its eerie name, there's nothing scary about the Ghost Town Trail. The trail is named for the numerous towns that were served by the Ebensburg & Blacklick Railroad, as well as the Cambria & Indiana Railroad. It winds through scenic Blacklick Creek watershed, from Ebensburg to Grafton, passing historical artifacts and offering opportunities to see a variety of wildlife. The trail, originally established in 1991, is a designated National Recreation Trail

If you hit the trail early enough, you're likely to encounter deer and more than a few chipmunks. Once the sun gets high, watch out for the occasional snake sunning itself on the warm pathway. A few interpretive signs along sections of the trail provide information about the mining towns, as well as some of the historical features. Mining slag and old railroad ties can be found at numerous points along the trail. Just west of Vintondale, you come to Eliza Furnace, on the National Register of Historic Places and one of Pennsylvania's best preserved iron blast furnaces.

East of Saylor Park, the trail passes a salvage yard of discarded rail cars. They make for a pleasant surprise, as the rusted hulks seem to bloom among the trees. In 2009 two beautiful bridges were installed to cross the Blacklick Creek west of Dilltown, one of the most popular trailheads along the route

Some portions run though game lands—wear orange during hunting season. Bring your camera along to capture the natural beauty and historical features that you'll encounter during your visit. At the west end of the trail in Saylor Park, follow signs to connect to the Hoodlebug Trail

To reach the Ebensburg trailhead from Altoona, take Route 22 west to Ebensburg and turn right (north) onto South Center Street. The street snakes left and then right. Before it veers right, you will see the trailhead and parking straight ahead.

To reach the Grafton trailhead from Altoona, take Route 22 west to Highway 119. Head north on 119. Proceed about 2 miles and turn right onto Main Street. Turn left onto Burrell Street. Parking is available across from the ball fields on Burrell Street, and the trailhead is visible at the end of the street.