Connecting Oil City and Franklin, the Samuel Justus Trail is a 6-mile segment of a 30-mile trail that follows the former Allegheny Valley Railroad. The A.V. was completed to Oil City in 1868 and connected the oil fields with Pittsburgh. It operated as an independent company until it was absorbed into the Pennsylvania Railroad system in 1910. Conrail stopped using the line in 1984.
The trail begins across the Allegheny River from Franklin (where it also connects to the
Allegheny River Trail), known for its well-preserved Victorian architecture and tree-lined streets. It follows the river north toward Oil City through lush woodlands, passing iron furnaces, several operating oil wells, Pioneer Cemetery and a visitor center located in an 1844 saltbox house.
The trail's paved surface is perfect for bicycling and inline skating. You may also want to visit the mansion of the late Senator Joseph Sibley, who made his fortune by inventing the first formula for refining crude oil.
To access the trail in Oil City, follow Interstate 80 to Exit 29. Follow Route 8 North, crossing the intersection with Route 322, and continue to follow Route 8 (Route 62) to Oil City. Cross the Allegheny River on the Petroleum Street Bridge. Continue to the second light and head right on West 1st Street. Continue about 1.5 miles to trailhead parking on the right, just past the Penelec building.
To access the trail in Franklin, follow Interstate 80 to Exit 29. Follow Route 8 North to Route 322. Follow 322 East (Liberty Street) through Franklin. After crossing the Allegheny River on the 8th Street Bridge, park at the trailhead on the right.
Rode this route today, very nice ride till you get to Oil City, then its totally confusing on how to get thru town to get to the adjoining trail. How about some better markings or directions??? I was trying to get to The trail to Oil Creek State Park. ...
We stayed in Franklin, PA, at the Quality Inn so we could do a couple days of riding without having to shuttle or camp. The first morning we rode the Sandy Creek Trail starting in Belmar. In the afternoon, we were looking for something that was short ...
"On Saturday the 30th of April I biked on the Samuel Justis Trail. I actually started on the Allegheny River Trail at Belmar, and rode North towards Franklin, where the Samuel Justus Trail starts. In Franklin, it started to rain, so I pulled into a pavilion ...