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: [2 trail ratings]
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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!
Fantastic Trail
By moship on May 21, 2010
If you’re a fan of rails-to-trails you have to make a point to visit this one. My wife and I have done a number of the major trails in the PA/MD area and this is one of her favorites. It is very flat the entire length. The trail surface is fairly wide and in good shape. The tree canopy makes for a well shaded ride and it is very peaceful following the river. Throughout the trail there are a number of benches and picnic pavilions to take advantage of… More than most trails. Along the way you’ll see some interesting rock formations, building remains, wild life and a few educational signs about the history of the trail.

From end to end it is approximately 17 miles long. We happened to park at the southern trailhead off of Flowing Spring Road. There is ample parking space (but it was Friday) and the portable toilet was at least clean and fresh. Near Williamsburg the trail is paved for a few miles and there are a couple of places to grab some refreshments at this trailhead.

At the northern trailhead there is a small bit of trail construction going on as they fix an overpass, but nothing to be worried about or detract from the ride. (Rode trail on May 7, 2010)

The only thing I wish could change and this is typical of most rails-to-trails, is to make the yellow barrier poles near trail entrances a bit wider apart. I know these must be narrow to discourage motorized vehicles, but they are somewhat narrow when your bike is equipped with mirrors, panniers or you’re pulling a kiddy cart like I always have attached. Mine is modified for my dog when he’s not running along side us.

Was it worth traveling 3 hours to ride? YES!

I also encourage everyone using the trail to contribute to the “donation boxes” at each of the trailheads. Someone has to maintain the trail and I’m certain it costs more than what we all realize. I’m also guessing there are a few volunteers who cut the grass, keep tree limbs out of the way and provide other vital services to keep the trial 1st rate. Thank You!
Always a great ride
By dlshaffer26 on March 17, 2010
My boyfiend and I live in Tyrone so this is a very close trail for us to get to to spend the day on. I have riden on few including the Pine Creek trail in northern PA, and the Heritage Rail Trail in southern Pa to northern Md. I would have to say has a beginner, this trail has been great at just spending a day riding. The trail is mainly cushed limestone right up untill you get into Williamsburg and then it turns into paved road. I would highly recomend a hybrid bike for this trail as it would easily convert from limestone to paved road, however, with riding a mountain bike I didn't have any issues. Once you get into Williamsburg, there is a Martin's general store right along the trail that is good for just a quick stop. Just a few more yards away is a great little park to sit and relax at. We only made it from Water Street in to Williamsburg and back in a day due to us only being beginers. The wildlife is also abundant on the trail. Ranging from chickens and hens from local homes along the trail to foxes and the chance of seeing a snake or two. Just watch out for the rooster that is a litte agressive as we found when we stoped to let the baby chicks cross...lol!