Panhandle Trail:
Pennsylvania, West Virginia
Trail Map
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Description:
Almost 17 miles of flat, wide trail are open to pedestrians, cyclists and horseback riders, with many easy access points along the way. The Panhandle Trail connects to the Montour Trail between the Village of Primrose and the Town of McDonald and will eventually link to Washington, D.C.
The Panhandle Trail is recognized as a valuable resource and landmark for residents, becoming the 100th successful rail-trail project in Pennsylvania. Officials from Washington and Alleghany counties, the West Virginia Rail Authority, PennDot, the United States Surface Transportation Board, the Pennsylvania Department of National Resources, and the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, continue to work to preserve the historic corridor and develop the trail.
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Parking & Trail Access:
Montour Trail/Panhandle Trail trailhead: Follow 22W from Pittsburgh to 980S just west of Champion. Take 980S to McDonald and turn right on SR4012. Continue on SR4012 to the village of Primrose. The trailhead parking and access is at the intersection of John's Road and Noblestown Road.
To Carnegie trailhead: Take I-79 South to Noblestown Road. Turn and head west 1.7 miles to Walker's Mill. Turn left on Walker's Mill Road, then go 0.1 mile to parking lot on right where the trailhead is marked.
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Reviews: [1 trail ratings]
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left me wanting more
By bman5252000 on August 01, 2010
wow wee what can i say i rode this trail round trip starting in wv( fantastic ) left me wanting more
it was a littly ruff in some places but it was a great ride and i will ride again next time im in the area great scenery i saw Deere rabbits ground hogs and turkey and other critters my round trip time was 5 hours and 20 min not pushing to hard it was a fantastic ride and i recommend to every cant wait to do it again
enjoy
Nice Trail
By flashknit on September 15, 2009
We road the entire length from West Virginia to Walker's Mill and back Labor Day weekend. A very pretty trail but not many facilities on the western part. No water available on the western end so make sure you have a full bottle. The beginning 6 miles or so are very rough with big loose stones so you have to watch where you are going and even then you will hit the rocks. We have hybrids so it kept us busy trying not to get a flat.

Hunner's Deli in Sturgeon is yummy.
Trail now complete
By jstech on September 29, 2008
The trail now connects through Burgettstown. I rode the entire length recently while traveling from Pittsburgh to Columbus. (Actually, it was one leg of a cross-country trip: http://www.john.stechschulte.net .)
This is where the Panhandle Trail crosses under the Montour Trail.  Notice the surface changes here from pavement to gravel.
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Carnegie, PA to Weirton, WV
Counties: Allegheny, Brooke, Washington
Trail Length: 29 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Crushed Stone, Gravel
Trail Activities: Bike, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6032178

Related Links
Guidebook: Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic rail-trails in RTC's Mid-Atlantic Guidebook.