Westmoreland Heritage Trail:
Pennsylvania
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Description:
The Westmoreland Heritage Trail is an excellent example of a family-friendly multi-use rail-trail. This crushed-limestone trail features reclaimed railroad bridges over the Conemaugh River and Loyalhanna Creek, both offering great views of the river hydraulics below. The trail offers opportunities for bird watchers and other naturalists as well.

The Westmoreland Heritage Trail runs along a section of the former Penn Central rail line, which fell into disuse in 1972. The rail line was originally opened in 1852 by a subsidiary of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, led by George Westinghouse, Jr. to connect Saltsburg and Export. The line served to transport both passengers and freight between the many towns along its route.

Even on the hottest summer day you will find yourself enveloped in a lush deciduous canopy on this scenic trail. A portion of it runs along a small tributary that attracts various wildlife, and natural seeps can been seen in the limestone railroad cuts at various points. At its eastern end in Saltsburg the Westmoreland Heritage Trail connects to the West Penn Trail. The Westmoreland Trail has a distinct uphill grade virtually the entire 5-mile length from Saltsburg to Slickville, offering a fine opportunity for a quick downhill ride back to Saltsburg.
The trail currently ends at State Highway 819 in Slickville, but the Regional Trail Corporation hopes to extend it all the way to Trafford, for a 22-mile rail-trail experience and connections to other trails.

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Parking & Trail Access:
To reach the Saltsburg trailhead from Blairsville, take US Highway 22 West. Turn right onto State Route 981 North, toward Saltsburg. In approximately 7.5 miles, turn right onto Washington Street and take the bridge across the river into Saltsburg. Go 500 feet and turn right onto Salt Street. The street bears left and becomes Canal Street. At the end of Canal Street, turn right into the small public playground parking area near the playground equipment. Both the Westmoreland Heritage Trail and the West Penn Trail can be accessed here.

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Reviews: [3 trail ratings]
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Westmoreland Heritage Trail
By srossi in October, 2010
Although it is a short trail it is one of my favorites. Very colorful in the fall. Views of 3 rivers, lots of parking access from both ends and middle. Terrain is from flat to gradient. I have even meet a black bear on the Slickville end of the trail near Patton.
Very nice trail
By bjgipson in September, 2010
I just did the trail yesterday by bike starting from Slickville, and it was a very nice ride. As was previously mentioned, the trail is well groomed and flat. It's also wide enough to pass by others without any trouble. It's true that some will find the ride a little boring, but I don't mind being surrounded by forest. You do get a few nice glimpses of the creek nearby, as well as a couple of nice bridges overlooking the scenery.

In and of itself, the current trail would be very short for a bicyclist (4.75 mi). But, since it runs into the West Penn Trail in Saltsburg (12 mi), one can get a very satisfying, and at times scenic, ride. See others' separate reviews on the West Penn Trail. I only did a small portion of it, but I did notice that it seemed overall a bit more rugged than the WHT trail.

I, too, eagerly await the trail's extension to Delmont and ultimately to Trafford.
Great ride for the laid back type.
By PeteVitale73 in August, 2010
Great scenery in tranquil setting. I've gotten back in to cycling and since living in PA struggled with some of the hills around town(I'm from the Midwest and used to flat!). The trail is well groomed and smooth. I use slicks on my mountain bike and did not worry about my tires with the terrain. This trail maybe a little bland for some riders. Looking forward to it extending to Trafford!
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