Lower Trail:
Pennsylvania
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Description:
The trail follows the Juniata River- at times crossing it, sometimes stretching out a bit more as if a gust of wind caught it for a few moments, but never straying far. The well-maintained, crushed limestone surface and nearly flat terrain makes the travel an easy and pleasant effort.
It glances through the heart of the communities of Point View, Ganister, and Cove Dale and the town of Williamsburg along its way, just like its predecessor: the Petersburg Branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad which operated from 1879 to 1979. Several times you pass over the Juniata River on re-purposed railroad bridges.
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Parking & Trail Access:
To the southern trailhead east of Hollidaysburg: From I-99/US-220 to exit 23 for Hollidaysburg/US-22E/Portage/Roaring Spring. Follow US-22 east for 8.2 miles. Pass Canoe Creek State Park on the left and turn right onto Flowing Spring Road. Cross the bridge and continue for 1 mile to the parking area and trailhead on the left.
To the northern trailhead at Alfarata: Follow US Rt 22 to Alfarata. Turn north (left if coming from the west) onto Main Street just before the metal bridge. The parking is less than a quarter mile ahead on the right and the trailhead is at the far end of the parking area. There also are trailheads with parking, picnic pavilions and chemical toilets at Ganister, Williamsburg, Cove Dale and Mt Etna off of US Rt. 22.
To start the trail at Ganister Station take US Rt 22 from Hollidaysburg past Flowing Springs Road to turning east (right) on PA 866. The trailhead and parking lot are to the right just after crossing the metal bridge. The Williamsburg Station is reached by following PA 866 past Ganister to Williamsburg. You come into town on West 1st Street and go two blocks past the stop sign. Turn left onto High Street and into the parking lot and trailhead. To reach the Cove Dale Station off of US Rt 22 turn right (east) on Yellow Spring Road and then left on Cross Valley Road. Turn right at Fox Run Road, and then left onto Overlook Drive to the trailhead. From Hollidaysburg to Mt Etna trailhead, turn right (east) on Polecat Hollow road and left on Fox Run Road. Turn right into the parking lot.
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Reviews: [4 trail ratings]
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Trails for Trikes: Lower Trail
By virgilgb on August 15, 2010
We ride trikes so our preferences and trail requirements are slightly different from those for two wheelers. Lower Trail is really three different trails in one. At the southern end, the trail is wide and smooth and well maintained and great for trikes. For a mile or more around Williamsburg, the trail is paved and just a pleasure to ride on, no matter what kind of wheels you are using. The top end which is easily two thirds of the trail, is great for bikes but more challenging for trikes. In places, it narrows and grass grows in the center. We had to ride with at least one wheel in the grass which takes more effort. Dirt washed onto the crushed stone in other places, creating mini swamps which we had to go off the path to avoid. However, these rough spots are the exception. There are ample restrooms, which means a lot, and beautiful Pennsylvania scenery. Overall, the ride was very enjoyable, especially the 4 or 5 miles below Williamsburg where there are mini pavilions with picnic tables along the trail. This is a top notch bike trail but not as well suited for trikes.
Beautiful well- kept trail!
By kristinesk on July 29, 2010
I took the lower trail as my first rails-to-trails ride, and it was great! I'll definitely be using this site for more biking trail tips. One correction in your directions to the trail head off of the holidaysburg exit of 99, it's 13.9 miles to Flowing Spring Road, not 8.2 miles, which was a little confusing since I was actually mileaging how far I needed to go. But, the trail is perfect. I used a hybrid, and that worked really well- the small patch of pavement along Williamsburg is a nice break from the gravel. The Porta-jons, benches, and picnic areas along the way make it convenient and accessible to anyone. A really pleasant ride, basically flat. Looking forward to my next ride!
The Best Trail ever!
By ryweston on July 26, 2010
My Brother and I rode this trail a couple of weekends ago and we really enjoyed this one. It was a great ride the whole way. We enjoyed riding into Williamsburg and getting some water. It provided a great workout and the icecream stand at the Water Street parking area was a great treat at the end of our ride. Over all the trail is very nicely contructed and well thought out. We plan on riding it again. I highly recommend this trail to everyone. Enjoy!
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