Find the top rated trails in Pittsburgh, whether you're looking an easy walking path or a long bike trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Morgantown is known as the home of West Virginia University, the inspiration for a Joni Mitchell song and the birthplace of Don Knotts. But it’s also known for its extensive rail-trail system along...
Open since 1989, the creek-side Indian Creek Valley Trail traces the route of the Indian Creek Valley Railraod (ICVRR). Just north of Indian Head, you will come to a cluster of acid mine drainage...
Constructed in 1983 with the help of donations from the Stavich Family and local individuals, the Stavich Trail is unusual in several ways. First, unlike most rail-trails, it was built on an...
The first 0.5 mile of the Ligonier Valley Trail and Bikeway is now complete, linking the town's popular attractions: Fort Ligonier from the days of George Washington and the French and Indian War, the...
In western Pennsylvania, the Armstrong Trail offers 30 miles of improved trail with several short on-road sections between Rosston and East Brady in Armstrong and Clarion Counties. North of East...
The Tredway Trail's full name is the Wynn and Clara Tredway River Trail, a 2.5-mile run on the eastern side of the Allegheny River just north of New Kensington. The trail is included in an initiative...
The Brooke Pioneer Trail follows the east bank of the Ohio River between Wellsburg and the Brooke–Ohio County line at Short Creek. Here the Brooke Pioneer Trail continues into Ohio County as the...
With a wide, paved pathway and adjacent equestrian trail running through lush woodland and riverside terrain, the Allegheny River Trail (ART) has something to offer every trail enthusiast. Following a...
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...
Tracing a section of the abandoned Rural Valley Railroad corridor the Great Shamokin Path parallels the Cowanshannock Creek for 3.5 miles. The eastern part of the trail, which is surfaced primarily...
Moraine State Park features a nearly seven mile bike trail, which follows the north shore of Lake Arthur. Along the way, you'll enjoy beautiful scenery, especially during the fall as trees line the...
Trail users on this inviting corridor follow the path of an old Southern Pennsylvania Railroad line, in some places traveling alongside unused tracks (not to be confused with the newer Southwest...
A short, but sweet, unassuming trail which runs on former trolley right-of-way while flanked by Clearview Avenue above and Crafton Boulevard below. Provides a traffic-free alternative to busy Crafton...
The Three Rivers Heritage Trail evolved from five separate trails and today comprises several unique sections. Most of these segments are riverfront trails along both banks of the three rivers that...
The Montour Trail follows a portion of the old Montour Railroad, which was built between 1877 and 1914 to link the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad with the region's many coal mines. Forming a...
The Little Beaver Creek Greenway Trail runs parallel to the Middle Fork of the Little Beaver Creek and has many beautiful and interesting features, including glacial outwashes, upland fields, mature...
The short but scenic Cowanshannock Trail is a great pathway for hikers, walkers, and bikers to use to link to the larger Armstrong Trail. The Cowanshannock is 1.27 miles long, and plans are to extend...
Situated in downtown Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, the asphalt trail runs through a park setting on the former Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad close to the Beaver River and ending near the rugby...
Built in 1871 to transport the region's high-quality limestone to support Pittsburgh's growing steel industry, the Butler-Freeport line was the first railroad in Butler County. After a two-day...
The Wheeling Heritage Trails running on the former B&O line are known locally as two trails that connect in downtown Wheeling: the Ohio River Trail and the Wheeling Creek Trail. The route is flat and...
The first 0.5 mile of the Ligonier Valley Trail and Bikeway is now complete, linking the town's popular attractions: Fort Ligonier from the days of George Washington and the French and Indian War, the...
The out-and-back Roaring Run is the third incarnation of this pathway. First to occupy the waterfront site was the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal towpath, which operated between 1825 and 1850. The...
In western Pennsylvania, the Armstrong Trail offers 30 miles of improved trail with several short on-road sections between Rosston and East Brady in Armstrong and Clarion Counties. North of East...
The Montour Trail follows a portion of the old Montour Railroad, which was built between 1877 and 1914 to link the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad with the region's many coal mines. Forming a...
Redbank Valley Rail Trail follows the old Allegheny Valley Railroad, which dates back to 1873. Mile 0 for the trail is at its west end, where the trail meets the Allegheny River and the Armstrong...
Built in 1871 to transport the region's high-quality limestone to support Pittsburgh's growing steel industry, the Butler-Freeport line was the first railroad in Butler County. After a two-day...
Morgantown is known as the home of West Virginia University, the inspiration for a Joni Mitchell song and the birthplace of Don Knotts. But it’s also known for its extensive rail-trail system along...
Trail users on this inviting corridor follow the path of an old Southern Pennsylvania Railroad line, in some places traveling alongside unused tracks (not to be confused with the newer Southwest...
The Vestal Trail is 0.5-mile connection through town of McCandless that joins the Oakridge neighborhood to the playing fields at its eastern end. The trail is maintained by volunteers of the Rachel...
The 1.5-mile Rock Furnace Trail is a scenic path in Roaring Run Recreation Area. The trail follows Roaring Run Creek from its confluence at the Kiski River to a small parking area off Brownstown Road....
Despite its eerie name, there's nothing scary about the Ghost Town Trail. The trail is named for the numerous towns that were served by the Ebensburg & Blacklick Railroad, as well as the Cambria &...
The Sheepskin Trail is a lovely rural trail located in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. The trail currently connects the town of Dunbar with the popular Great Allegheny Passage, just south of...
A short, but sweet, unassuming trail which runs on former trolley right-of-way while flanked by Clearview Avenue above and Crafton Boulevard below. Provides a traffic-free alternative to busy Crafton...
Constructed in 1983 with the help of donations from the Stavich Family and local individuals, the Stavich Trail is unusual in several ways. First, unlike most rail-trails, it was built on an...
Tracing a section of the abandoned Rural Valley Railroad corridor the Great Shamokin Path parallels the Cowanshannock Creek for 3.5 miles. The eastern part of the trail, which is surfaced primarily...
About 60 miles south of Pittsburgh, the beautiful Greene River Trail parallels the Monongahela River as it winds through the coal mining region of Greene County. Conrail originally used the rail...
Less than an hour from Pittsburgh, the Little Crabtree Creek travels for just over a mile in Unity Township, east of Greensburg. This first phase of the trail opened in July 2014; a future phase will...
To the residents of Lastrobe, the Lincoln Avenue Rails to Trails Greenway is more than a simple off-road path: it also a social asset, a place where community members of all ages and walks of life can...
The Tredway Trail's full name is the Wynn and Clara Tredway River Trail, a 2.5-mile run on the eastern side of the Allegheny River just north of New Kensington. The trail is included in an initiative...
One of Pennsylvania's rail-with-trails, where trains and trail users share a corridor, the Arboretum Trail is a lovely landscaped trail through downtown Oakmont. The rail corridor has a dramatic...
The 1.5-mile Rock Furnace Trail is a scenic path in Roaring Run Recreation Area. The trail follows Roaring Run Creek from its confluence at the Kiski River to a small parking area off Brownstown Road....
About 60 miles south of Pittsburgh, the beautiful Greene River Trail parallels the Monongahela River as it winds through the coal mining region of Greene County. Conrail originally used the rail...
The West Penn Trail, a National Recreation Trail, runs largely along the corridor of the Portage Railroad line that operated from 1830 to 1864 between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. The trail is steadily...
Morgantown is known as the home of West Virginia University, the inspiration for a Joni Mitchell song and the birthplace of Don Knotts. But it’s also known for its extensive rail-trail system along...
Built in 1871 to transport the region's high-quality limestone to support Pittsburgh's growing steel industry, the Butler-Freeport line was the first railroad in Butler County. After a two-day...
To the residents of Lastrobe, the Lincoln Avenue Rails to Trails Greenway is more than a simple off-road path: it also a social asset, a place where community members of all ages and walks of life can...
The first 0.5 mile of the Ligonier Valley Trail and Bikeway is now complete, linking the town's popular attractions: Fort Ligonier from the days of George Washington and the French and Indian War, the...
The Vestal Trail is 0.5-mile connection through town of McCandless that joins the Oakridge neighborhood to the playing fields at its eastern end. The trail is maintained by volunteers of the Rachel...
Any trail with a name like "Hoodlebug" deserves a visit. The 10-mile trail follows the path of the 1856-era Indiana Branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad, which ran from Blairsville north to the town of...
Redbank Valley Rail Trail follows the old Allegheny Valley Railroad, which dates back to 1873. Mile 0 for the trail is at its west end, where the trail meets the Allegheny River and the Armstrong...
The Tredway Trail's full name is the Wynn and Clara Tredway River Trail, a 2.5-mile run on the eastern side of the Allegheny River just north of New Kensington. The trail is included in an initiative...
Tracing a section of the abandoned Rural Valley Railroad corridor the Great Shamokin Path parallels the Cowanshannock Creek for 3.5 miles. The eastern part of the trail, which is surfaced primarily...
Apollo's Kiski Riverfront Trail, built on the former M-Line Railroad bed, begins in downtown Apollo and follows the scenic Kiskiminetas River (called "Kiski" locally) to North Apollo. The nearly level...
A short, but sweet, unassuming trail which runs on former trolley right-of-way while flanked by Clearview Avenue above and Crafton Boulevard below. Provides a traffic-free alternative to busy Crafton...
The Sheepskin Trail is a lovely rural trail located in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. The trail currently connects the town of Dunbar with the popular Great Allegheny Passage, just south of...
In western Pennsylvania, the Armstrong Trail offers 30 miles of improved trail with several short on-road sections between Rosston and East Brady in Armstrong and Clarion Counties. North of East...
One mile of the proposed 4-mile Browns Run Trail is currently open near Masontown in German Township, Fayette County. The trail follows the former Monongahela and B&O lines from Lardin House, a local...
The Brooke Pioneer Trail follows the east bank of the Ohio River between Wellsburg and the Brooke–Ohio County line at Short Creek. Here the Brooke Pioneer Trail continues into Ohio County as the...
The Three Rivers Heritage Trail evolved from five separate trails and today comprises several unique sections. Most of these segments are riverfront trails along both banks of the three rivers that...
The Blairsville Riverfront Trail is a scenic woodland trail located along the Conemaugh River. The property the trail was built on is owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who maintain a...
The spacing of the bullion are narrow. I have a 32 inch width recumbent and I can barely fit through, least of all without damaging my fenders. The club is obsessed with keeping quads out but they do not understand that quads are much much wider than 33 or 34 inches. Mothers and ADA riders beware. You may not be able to use the trail. Other trails are not like this. Use them! They were warned about this when they paved the upper section which a few key members use but nothing was done. The spacing is the same.
I rode (bicycle) this trail by way of the Brooke County Pioneer Trail (which comes from the North). The majority of the Pioneer Trail's paved surface is in great shape. Wish I could say the same for this trail.
This trail, starting from the Pike Island Locks, is in desperate need of repair. Conservatively, I'd estimate that 75% of this trail is full of large, jarring cracks. And, they come one right after the other. They're the worst right by the locks, but there's miles upon miles of them. They subside once you get close to Wheeling. But, that's the minority of the ride.
If the cracks were filled, I'd give this trail 5 stars. I found the scenery nice, and the trail itself is quite level. However, in it's current state, I don't think I'll be making a return visit.
Having children with us, this trail was perfect. Nice n wide n the distance was perfect!
Wonderful view of the Ohio River and nicely paved trail. Hubby and I walked it today from Wellsburg, 4 miles out and 4 miles back. Plenty of benches and historical markers. But, NO PORTAPOTTY OR RESTROOM!!! Kinda ruined it for me!
Pretty trail!! It was a good challenge on "winter" legs. Mostly unshaded. Levity brewery is in Indiana, right off the trail. Great beer and awesome food!!! A much needed pit stop.
In 2016, it was my goal to ride the entire Great Allegheny Passage, in sections, on day trips. I live in western Pennsylvania and most of the trail is within 1.5 hours from my home. I have ridden parts of it since its earliest days in the 1980's, but until this year, never the whole trail.
I began in July by starting at Rockwood and heading for the Pinkerton tunnel. When I reached the tunnel, I took the by-pass and returned through the tunnel. It was a nice round trip of about 17.5 miles. I liked it so much that I repeated it the next day with my daughter.
The next trip again started at Rockwood, but this time I rode to Meyersdale. This ride includes the Salisbury Viaduct, the 1900 foot long, 100 foot high bridge across the Casselman River valley. I stopped in the visitor center, the restored train station, at Meyersdale for a break and then returned to Rockwood. As I recall it was a very hot day, about 90F, but most of the trail is shaded so it really wasn't uncomfortable at all. The length of this trip was as about 24 miles total.
Next trip I started at Meyersdale and headed for Frostburg. This trip takes you over the historic Bollman bridge followed by the 900 foot long Keystone Viaduct which crosses the CSX railroad and Flaugherty Creek. The trail continues through Sandpatch, Deal, and Warrens Mill eventually reaching the Eastern Continental Divide. Further on is the Big Savage Mountain tunnel. At 3300 feet, it is the longest tunnel on the trail. The tunnel opens up to a gorgeous vista of the Wills Creek valley and the mountains beyond. On a fast down hill ride comes the Mason Dixon line as you cross into Maryland, the Borden tunnel, and then Frostburg. I had a good lunch at the Trail Inn and started back for Meyersdale. On the return trip, about four or five miles short of Meyersdale, when my rear tire was punctured. It was my first flat ever on the trail. Since I had no repair kit or means to inflate my tire, I walked the rest of the way to Meyersdale and arrived at twilight. I now carry an extra tube, CO2 cartridges, and the proper tools to change a flat. This leg was about 32 miles for the round trip.
The next ride was with my brother. We started at Cumberland and rode up to Frostburg. It's a fair hill climb once you pass through the Narrows, but if you ride steady, it's not bad at all. Highlights include some great views of the mountains and valley below, and the Brush Tunnel. This section parallels the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad nearly the whole way to Frostburg, so be ready to photograph the train. Again, we had lunch at the Trail Inn. The return trip is a quick ride down hill. Total distance was about 32 miles.
The following trip started at Confluence where I headed for the Pinkerton Tunnel again. This section also includes great scenery along the Casselman River. About a half mile short of the tunnel, I came across a rattlesnake stretched across the trail sunning itself. It was a busy day on the trail and I feared that someone might ride over the critter either hurting it or worse, being bitten by it. So I stopped and shooed it off the trail with a long stick, but not before it coiled and rattled quite a bit. Eventually, it peacefully and safely left the trail. The other cyclists watching me were quite entertained. When I reached the tunnel, I again took the by-pass and returned through the tunnel. On the return leg to Confluence, I paused with some other riders in the underpass at Harnedsville to wait out a brief summer rain shower. I then continued through Confluence on to Ohiopyle. This section of the trail parallels the Youghiogheny River in Ohiopyle State Park and is like riding through a forested cathedral. This is also one of the busiest sections of the trail, probably because it is so beautiful. The trail and views of the river can't be beat. At Ohiopyle I stopped for lunch at the Falls City Restaurant and Pub where I enjoyed some great food and craft beer. If you've never been to Ohiopyle, take some time to explore. You'll like what you see and want to come back. After lunch, I returned to Confluence. Total mileage this day was about 40 miles.
My brother and I joined forces again on the following ride starting at Connelsville. From here, we rode upstream to Ohiopyle. On this trip I remember that my brother was counting the number of other cyclists we encountered. In this 17 mile stretch he counted over 120 on the trail until we were just short of Ohiopyle where the crowds made his informal census impossible. This attests to the popularity of the trail. This section is also quite scenic and again parallels the Youghiogheny River. The bridges at Ohiopyle offer wonderful views and always beg one to stop and enjoy. Lunch this day was again at Falls City Restaurant and Pub, my favorite in Ohiopyle. The return leg is mainly downhill and the total mileage was about 34 miles.
My next trip also began at Connelsville, but this time I headed downstream towards West Newton. This trip began the remainder of the trail which I had not previously explored. On this section I was impressed by the number of little villages and communities through which the trail passed, Adelaide, Dawson, Van Meter, and Smithton as well as long stretches of woodsy trail. You pass through Cedar Creek Park along the way as well. At West Newton, I had lunch at the Trailside Restaurant and Pub. Great food and beer and it's literally adjacent to the trail access parking. On the return trip I met two women who were through-riding from Pittsburgh to Washington DC. They were from New Jersey and California and on the first day of their journey. I was impressed by the numbers of through-riders I noticed on each of my rides this season. It is obvious that through-riding is becoming increasingly popular on the GAP. This leg of the trail was the longest at 50 miles roundtrip.
My brother joined me again for the next ride from West Newton to McKeesport. This ride was fairly rural with wooded areas and small communities until we reached Boston when the surroundings become interspersed with industry. We reached McKeesport near the Marina parking area. This is where the Youghiogheny River enters the Monongehela. From here we returned to West Newton for lunch at the Trailside Restaurant and Pub. Total mileage this trip was about 36 miles.
My final leg of this journey was on a beautiful sunny day in October. I started at McKeesport and headed for Point State Park in Pittsburgh. This is the most urban portion of the trail and begins with a crossing of the Monongehela River to the west bank. It passes Kennywood Park, the Waterfront, a shopping center at Homestead, and Sandcastle water park. Eventually, I crossed the the Mon again at the Hot Metal Bridge which has a great view of downtown Pittsburgh. This leads to the last portions of the trail ending around the Allegheny County Jail. From there the streets of Pittsburgh lead to the end of the GAP at the medallion near the fountain in Point State Park. On the return trip I stopped at the Hofbrauhaus, another favorite restaurant, on the Southside for an excellent lunch. I ended the ride in McKeesport where I began for a total of 32 miles on the day. My goal of riding the GAP in 2016 was complete.
I apologize for the extended dissertation, but I don't think that enough good things can be said about the Great Allegheny Passage. This is a wonderful trail full of great scenery, fun trail towns, nice people, exceptional bridges and tunnels, and adventure. I recommend that everyone should get out and enjoy it.
Went to Elm Grove to get a ride in with two of my Boy Scouts who are working towards their merit badges. Loved the ride! The road markings around WVNCC are somewhat faded and the return route by the Boury Loft project is blocked by construction equipment and debris. Overall, the trail is in good shape. Several signs were defaced and there are no mileage markers on the Elm Grove section, but it was a beautiful day with good company. Did 15.2 miles on an up-and-back route, using Elm Grove as our terminus.
After visiting out of state we were returning home and decided to stop in Emlenton for the night. The next morning we rode from emlenton to the Kendrell Tunnel. The trail was empty and and conditions were great. It was the first time we rode through tunnels that really required headlights. It was awesome. I plan on going back and riding the other connecting trails
When you go north of the heritage port in Wheeling, the cracks have been paved, and where there was a go around, is now done and you don't have to go around anything trying to figure out how to get back. I wouldn't go past that point before it reopened(would go to the Local grocery before turning around) due to having extra wheels.
In October due to a weird work schedule, I got on the trail at Connellsville, rode to Pittsburgh, took Amtrak to Washington, DC, then rode back via the C&O Towpath and joined the GAP again at Cumberland. Did it in six days pulling my BOB trailer the whole way.
The GAP trail is terrific. Very well-maintained, seems very popular. I encountered all sorts of people, including many riding the entire Pittsburgh to Cumberland or on to Washington route. The beginning it uphill for nearly twenty miles, but very do-able if you set your pace. The Mason Dixon line monument is wonderful, as is the tunnel nearby. Lots of great scenery and wildlife--even saw 1 porcupine and a black bear darted across the trail. I stayed at the Ramada in Cumberland (fine) and had a great Italian dinner nearby, then stayed in Meyerdale the next night before heading back into Connellsville where I stayed off the trail a bit at the Melody Motor Lodge--a throwback to another era but fine. Parked my car near the Amtrak station at the Connellsville PD--they just asked that I leave them a note with my contact info just in case. I really enjoyed the more industrial areas as well as the natural ones--McKeesport, Homestead, etc. Lots of history and beauty.
I would rate the GAP among my top four bike trails--with the Katy in MO, the Greenbrier in WV, and the shorter but beautiful VA Creeper--especially east of Damascus.
Started at the Pike Island Locks and Dam. My son and I went north and turned around where the Brooke trail veers around the old Wheeling-Pitt property. The Wheeling side was in good shape (a lot of blown garbage from the nearby roadway). On the Brooke section, plenty of benches, rest stops, and one historical section which was interesting. Well marked, Brooke side had downed trees on path (small ones). Enjoyable day, not bad on bad knees.
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