Explore the best rated trails in Dayton, PA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Bells Gap Rail Trail and Mahoning Shadow Trail . With more than 55 trails covering 4890 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Great ride on the 22 mile loop using the new 2 mile C&I Extension piece in Nanty Glo.
Parked at Vintondale and did the eastbound uphill along the creek to Nanty Glo. Very pretty scenery. Washouts have been repaired and only a few spots with some larger gravel.
Nice ice cream and food place just north of the trail on 1st St in Nanty Glo. Delicious Chili Cheese Dog and fresh cut fries just like at the fair. So glad they opened about 3 yrs ago. Only other option I could see for food was a grocery store about 1/4 mile south across the river on Shoemaker St. Make sure you fuel up here. No other amenities on the rest of the ride.
Google Maps doesn’t show the new 2 mile extension yet. Best map I’ve found is at Cambria County Conservation. See 22 miles map.
https://www.cambriaconservationrecreation.com/ghost-town-trail/
Just past the ballpark on the east side of Nanty Glo turn left on Ricky Rd then an immediate right on 2nd St, bear right on Springfield, up a small hill on Springfield and a sharp turn and there’s the C&I trailhead. Do NOT go up 2nd St. The trail crosses 2nd St on a bridge and there is no access. A sign on the main trail by the ballpark and another on 2nd pointing to Springfield would be a big help!
The highest elevation on the extension is the bridge over 422. After that it’s mostly flat or downhill along the North Branch of Blacklick Creek. On this late May day there was a nice water flow and the sound of water cascading over rocks was a wonderful soundtrack for my ride.
I also did the 2 miles to Duman Lake Park. I guess it’s not an official part of the GTT, but it has a couple signs marking the way. First 1/2 mile or so was old railroad spur with some bumps and dirt spots. Sign says turn left and the next couple hundred feet were 1/2 inch gravel. Not fun. Almost turned around, but then a couple folks came through on E-bikes and said it’s kind of fun. Next was a 50ft long narrow rusty metal bridge across a creek. Only about 2ft wide - sure glad it had railings. Next was single track hard packed dirt thru a dense forest along the creek with lots of twists and turns. Nice change of pace. Mountain bike tires might have been better, but my hybrid 700x38C tires did just fine. Might not be fun when it’s wet. Finally, back to a 10ft wide screenings trail downhill to the park.
Bikin-Mike 05/30/26
Discovered this comfortable place with great accommodations for two bike travelers. They offer a pullout sofa if you do not wish to share a bed. Indoor bike storage with a comfy bed and a hot shower! Distillery right next-door and two restaurants to fuel up in the morning to get back on the trail. Close to the panhandle of West Virginia. Their name is Harmony Trail Haven on Airbnb.
Impromptu exit off I-80 to explore Emlenton, PA & I found myself at the start/end point for the Allegheny River Trail! Very exciting indeed, as this trail has been on my “to bike” list. I am coming out of winter hibernation physically - yes I know it is closer to summer than winter Haahaa! I wasn’t holding myself to a long ride. My brain was all in, but my legs were not. Since I’m by myself, I had to do an out and back. 5.5 miles out and the trail is lovely however, as noted by another reviewer, the roots are coming up through the blacktop. Forcing one to really pay attention to the trails as to not pop a tire or jump a rail like a horse. Looking forward to doing some more on this trail! PS - a town employee gave me directions to their recreation bathrooms so I didn’t have to use a ports potty.
The GAP trail was amazing. The nicely maintained 150 mile trail along the Pennsylvania mountains and rivers and then the descend into the Cumberland Valley was the best! We took it easy planning to only ride around 30 miles a day staying in Airbnb’s along the way. We rode it in 5 days and spend an extra day in Cumberland and did a 15 mile out and back along the C&O. We rented bikes ahead of time with the Golden triangle in Pittsburgh. they fitted the bikes out for us and provided a shuttle ride back to Pittsburgh for the bikes and us. We are looking forward to doing more trails in this area.
Nice trail. Many things to see riding along the water. A little confusing whew going thru Punxsutawney but there is signage.
We just got back from riding this trail. We had hybrid bikes and experienced no problems. The trail was well marked. The last 3 miles was all uphill so bring plenty of water. We rode onThursday and there was very little bike traffic. All in all a very nice trail well maintained and would recommend a visit.
We just got back from riding this trail. We had hybrid bikes and experienced no problems. The trail was well marked. The last 3 miles was all uphill so bring plenty of water. We rode onThursday and there was very little bike traffic. All in all a very nice trail well maintained and would recommend a visit.
Good afternoon ride. Slightly downhill from Grampian to Curwensville. Scenic views with creek, bridges and mountain laurel.
Spring ride along the trail. Trail is asphalt paved and follows the Allegheny River. As is every Spring, water levels very high. Enjoyable ride as always.
Trail is 21 miles in length and crushed limestone. Biked on a section of it, Spring 2026. The section I was on mostly through Farmlands. Parked at Bonniebrook. Saw the new painted mural at Marwood Road trailhead and parking.
Bike touring across tha US and I’m currently set in my hammock about 10 mils outside of frostbite head West! Gotta say that MD & PA has out done themselves on tha GAP! Wish other places “you kno who you are WV, yea you! Anyway, I love its backcountry vibe and tha fact that it’s well maintained! Hope tha rail to trail route gets done sooner rather than later and is maintained this well instead of corrupt politicians pocketing tha money! You kno who you are, you! Anyway, to tha hiker and biker trash out there, one love!
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