Explore the best rated trails in Punxsutawney, PA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Bells Gap Rail Trail and Lower Trail . With more than 47 trails covering 600 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.
We parked at the end of Astral road, though not a designated trailhead, there is a small parking lot for fisherman. This is approx 4.3 miles South of Franklin. A good bit of snow and ice still on the trail. Big ice chunks floating down the Allegheny (River). Sandy Creek jammed up with ice at the Belmar Bridge.
February, 2026 we parked at the Belmar Bridge and went on a short walk. The parking lot at Belmar was somewhat plowed but luckily we had 4-WD otherwise I feel we would have been beached. Trail has very deep at least a foot of snow on it. Good conditions for snowshoeing. Surprisingly the Allegheny River was not frozen even though temps hadn't been above freezing for nearly 3 weeks. A nice walk out on the bridge.
Friendly folks walking the trail. Nice they had a few porta johns along the way.
We rode the trail end of September 2025. Gorgeous day cool temps & sunny. Later in the day it got warmer but this trail has plenty of shade. Fallen leaves all over the trail made it so beautiful. Since we don’t have a fall season in Fla. we were embracing the beauty in front of us. We rode 8.5 miles one way. It’s a must do when you’re in the area.
Rode out 11 miles from Emporium toward St. Mary's (~22 miles RT). Beautiful scenery once you get out town. Several interpretive signs explaining the environment and history of the area. The trail is surface is mostly packed crush stone and is well maintained. Would definitely do this one again.
I started in Ford City and rode all the way up to the Brady Tunnel.The tunnel has overhead lights but I would bring a headlight just in case. Pack drinks and snacks because there is nothing else till you get to Bradys Bend if you go that far .Make sure you have a spare inner tube just in case. The trail is very well maintained some paved sections in Kittanning have a lot of tree roots sticking up…. The Bike Lab in Kittanning 724 -919-0308 is a newer bicycle shop in town .There is a Foxes Pizza right along the trail in town plus a Dunkin Donuts.
Did this trail this afternoon. Ride on the roads for short distances. Signs point where to go. Rode around IUP campus for awhile. Would do again if it was not so far from home (1hr or so)
Parked in Emlenton, 27 miles South of Franklin and headed North to just North of the Kennerdell Tunnel approx 13 miles South of Franklin. This section has two lengthy tunnels, need a light. Very well shaded with views of the Allegheny River. The trade off is that this section is super bumpy with uplifted asphalt pavement due to tree roots. You'll ride along and then all of a sudden hit a series of roots which catch you off guard as they are not marked and difficult to see. Some stretches it's uplifted asphalt one after another. We usually ride this section once per year and since last year it's gotten progressively worse. Other than the washboard areas, this is a good trail. Once a year is enough.
We live near this trail & ride it often (as well as the GAP). We decided to use the spur at Werhum & see how the new bridge is coming along to complete the "loop" everyone is waiting for. We discovered new signage (THANK YOU RTT!) and found a new spur through the woods to a small lake / large pond that we never knew as there. Awesome state park attached. Then met a guy on the trail who informed us that Nov. 2025 the loop should be done for GTT. This trail is fantastic. A golden nugget for a big ride day. We did 39 miles and didnt complete it all. Coming down hill from Nanty Glo is always a treat, but there has been some trail dammage and is well marked for that. They have improved it alot from early spring rides!! But still be aware its there. Enjoy!
Rode from the Franklin trailhead off of route 322 to the Kennerdell Tunnel and a bit beyond. The majority of the trail was paved and smooth. The gravel section just North of Kennerdell was challenging for my wife and the couple riding with us, (Skinny tires) Otherwise a scenic and fun adventure! (A 5 Beer Rating)🍺🍻🍻😎
While in the area, we rode the Foxburg to Parker section, we drove to nearby Emlenton and biked from there to Rockland (tunnel) and back. There is a missing link of trail between Foxburg and Emlenton that has been under development for a few years and they are getting closer but not as of yet. This entire trail section is 27.5 miles in length, flat and paved. Some rooty sections but to be expected with all the shade you will get in return. We did not ride the tunnels due to we forgot our lights. A nice day on the trail enjoying the shade and views of the Allegheny River. Trail services in Emlenton a pizza shop, ice cream shop, Dollar store and convenience store.
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