Explore the best rated trails in New Bethlehem, PA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Armstrong Trails and Clarion-Little Toby Trail . With more than 53 trails covering 628 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.
While in the area we stopped at this trail. Parked at the only parking lot, on Wexford Bayne Road, and headed South. Surface was crushed stone and about 8 feet wide. Very nice for walking or small children bicycling. We walked this trails entire length and back. Just beyond where the limestone ends is a culvert and large deep creek so you can't go any farther and there isn't anything ahead anyhow. This trail is surrounded by private property on each side, some business on the one side and residential homes on the other side. About 1/4 of a mile into the trail is the Rachel Carson hiking trail. It goes up the the chamber of commerce building.
Having ridden from Rosston to East Brady in 2021, a buddy and I decided to ride the newly opened southern end of the Armstrong. In a nutshell, It is not as nice. Starting again from the Rosston boat marina we headed south. Right away the surface is not as smooth as going north. Instead of a fine limestone sand, the surface appears to be a sort of fairly small gravel, close to what is known as crusher run but not quite. It is still quite rideable however. This section of the trail has little to see for quite a ways. Eventually, you come upon some riverside cottages. These are not as nice as the ones up towards East Brady but they’re okay. That’s it till you hit Schenley where you come upon abandoned or near abandoned factories - signs of the industrial decay in the area. At the end is the highlight of the trip, the newly opened bridge over the Kiskiminetas River. They did a very nice job on this and it’s pretty long. After the bridge we headed up the Kiski on the trail (also called the Leechburg Towpath). This section was less appealing. Right away there is some kind of rental campground for campers right along the river with campers packed in and there is a dirt road immediately to the left of the trail. It takes a while but you get past these. The ride in the woods is punctuated by acid mine drainage several places and then you come upon the large, abandoned Allegheny Ludlum steel plant. After riding past this for a ways the trail just pops out onto what was obviously an access road to the factory at one point. We weren’t sure if the trail continued but kept riding up the road. No one we saw knew either, there were no signs. After a ways we came to a gate across the road with a bike bypass and there was an Armstrong Trails sign there. This may be the end of the trail but we rode on a bit and saw the familiar green and white bike route signs and followed on. They led us on some bike paths and low traffic streets in Leechburg to the Leechburg Riverfront Park. If you ride this way be sure to stop here. They have picnic tables and a gazebo and it’s a very nice rest and lunch spot. After lunch we continued on as the signs took us on more side streets to the Hyde Park Foot Bridge - a suspension type bridge across the Kiski. Definitely worth the short ride. That was the end of the trail and we headed back. Note that there is less shade on this trail and we were cooked by the sun on the way back. While I gave the north end of the Armstrong four stars this section barely rates three. Stick to the north section if you’re riding for the first time.
Well established and fun trail. Spring hike wasn’t too hot and the rain made the creeks fast and pretty. Park at the end of the trail and walked to the river and back. Uphill grade on the way back. Cool rocks and neat suspension bridge.
Early Spring Ride: Foxburg to Parker. This paved section is 2.5 miles in length runs between the two towns, along the Allegheny River and crosses the Clarion River. Trees are still bare. Spotted an Eagles nest across the river near the Clarion River Bridge (look towards Foxburg). On a sidenote, the Foxburg to Emlenton section is still dirt/mud and not developed as of yet.
Mid March, we parked at Snyder Park on Johnston Road at McMillen Road and headed out the trail to Buttermilk Falls. The trail is packed crushed limestone. Very scenic walk (hike) as it follows Cowanshannock Creek. Trail is a little over a mile in length, at the end you will find Buttermilk Falls.
While in the area we checked out this trail. It's a nice place for walking/running. No pets, bikes, roller blades, etc. Very handy for those who live in or around Oakmont. There are no designated parking lots so park wherever you can find a spot along Allegheny River Blvd. Good luck navigating through the borough of Oakmont as it seems every turn is right turn only and the traffic lights take forever. Worth it though if you end up at Oakmont Bakery, 2 blocks from the trail!
Lots of snow, then melt, then more snow, then ice, then thaw. Mid February the latest conditions are ice on the bottom, several inches of hard packed snow in the middle, and 1/2" of fresh powder on top. Actually great for XC skiing and walking.
Enjoyed a short winter walk on the trail. Surface under all the snow is pavement. Mid January it's got about 6" of packed non smooth snow and ice mixture on it. Ok for walking, could be difficult on a bicycle, maybe could use a fat tire bike.
Took us a month, but finished today hiking this trail. And just one day with rain. Still stunned by the beauty of this part od Pennsylvania.
Great parking, smooth packed crushed limestone. Nice views of the river and golf course. Still some fall color but fading and falling fast. Only reason for 4 stars is the only restroom was out of service.
Foxburg to Parker section of the trail, 2.5 miles in length, paved, good condition. Follows the Allegheny River. We went to enjoy the Fall Foliage. Beautiful! Made an afternoon out of it: Bike ride, visited the winery and ate at the pizza shop. There is a hotel in Foxburg and noticed several cars parked in front of it with bike racks.
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