Find the top rated trails in State College, 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.
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Serene year-round, the Bellefonte Central Rail Trail (BCRT) in central Pennsylvania runs along 1.3 miles of the old Buffalo Run, Bellefonte and Bald Eagle Railroad corridor. The original 19-mile line...
As of autumn 2011, 9 miles of the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail are complete. The trail runs between Lewisburg and Mifflinburg, and interpretive signs relate the region's history. The trail is mostly...
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The Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail follows a former rail corridor stretching just over 10 miles from Riddlesburg to Tatesville in southern Pennsylvania. The trail's name comes from the Huntingdon...
The Bells Gap Rail-Trail is really two trails in one-a flat 2.1-mile southern section with smooth crushed limestone surface, and a rougher, more difficult northern section best-suited for mountain...
Located in beautiful Sinnemahoning State Park in Pennsylvania, the Lowlands Trail uses the former corridor of the Philadelphia and Erie Railroad. The trail and park are now part of the tour...
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Once known as the Clearfield and Grampian Trail, in 2011, the name was changed to the David S. Ammerman Trail in memory of the man who championed turning the abandoned rail corridor into a...
Despite its eerie name, there's nothing scary about the Ghost Town Trail. It is actually named for the numerous towns that were served by the Ebensburg & Blacklick Railroad, as well as the Cambria &...
The North Link Trail is a 9 mile section of rail-trail which is just one part of an 85-mile loop that winds through the forested hills and valleys of this state forest. Known as the Susquehannock...
The old railroad line known as the Moshannon, or the Mills Branch, crossed the Moshannon Valley during the mid- to late 1800s. The line was the foundation of the region's late 19th- and early...
Grab your bike or your walking shoes, or saddle up your horse, and head for the cool breezes and dappled shade of the 17-mile Lower Trail. The name "Lower," which rhymes with "flower," refers to...
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Included in the seven-mile network of trails in Little Buffalo State Park are two small sections of rail-trail. Together they are called the Newport and Sherman's Valley Railroad Trace. The...
Lumber mills frequently set up tram cars running on a set of tracks to carry cut timbers from the steep hillsides. The Old Tram Trail is exactly that and has become a short bit of single track to...
This trail passes through a variety of pleasing landscapes. The area near Crane Run is especially scenic. The trail is marked with white diamonds. The skill level of this trail is rated more...
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Though little-known compared to other popular rail-trails in Pennsylvania, the Penns Creek Path is worth the effort of visiting for a scenic bike ride or hike in the forest. Pretty in all seasons, it...
Located in one of Pennsylvanias most popular State Parks, the Beaver Dam Trail follows old railroad grades at Parker Dam State Park in Clearfield County. The trail runs past streams, beaver dams,...
Despite its eerie name, there's nothing scary about the Ghost Town Trail. It is actually named for the numerous towns that were served by the Ebensburg & Blacklick Railroad, as well as the Cambria &...
Primarily a cross-country ski route, the 13.4-mile Sentiero DiShay Trail can also be enjoyed for hiking and mountain biking. The trail winds through a mixed forest of conifer and deciduous trees. The...
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The Iron Horse Trail follows two abandoned rail beds: the Path Valley Railroad and the Perry Lumber Company Railroad. Originally, the Path Valley Railroad was going to be an extension for the Newport...
The North Link Trail is a 9 mile section of rail-trail which is just one part of an 85-mile loop that winds through the forested hills and valleys of this state forest. Known as the Susquehannock...
The old railroad line known as the Moshannon, or the Mills Branch, crossed the Moshannon Valley during the mid- to late 1800s. The line was the foundation of the region's late 19th- and early...
Located in beautiful Sinnemahoning State Park in Pennsylvania, the Lowlands Trail uses the former corridor of the Philadelphia and Erie Railroad. The trail and park are now part of the tour...
Serene year-round, the Bellefonte Central Rail Trail (BCRT) in central Pennsylvania runs along 1.3 miles of the old Buffalo Run, Bellefonte and Bald Eagle Railroad corridor. The original 19-mile line...
Located in scenic Potter and Clinton Counties, the Susquehannock Hiking Trail is an 85-mile amalgamation of old Civilian Conservation Corps fire trails, logging roads and railroad grades through the...
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Following the corridor of a mountain-crossing railroad that operated 1834-1854, this trail has two segments approximately 15 miles apart. The southern, crushed stone segment, about 2.3 miles long,...
The George B. Will Trail in Tiadaghton State Forest is named for an early 20th-century Pennsylvania forest ranger. The trail is popular with cross-country skiers and travels through a mixed-pine...
As of autumn 2011, 9 miles of the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail are complete. The trail runs between Lewisburg and Mifflinburg, and interpretive signs relate the region's history. The trail is mostly...
The Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail follows a former rail corridor stretching just over 10 miles from Riddlesburg to Tatesville in southern Pennsylvania. The trail's name comes from the Huntingdon...
Coordinated by the Snow Shoe Rails to Trails Association (SSRTA), the Snow Shoe Trail caters primarily to ATV and off-road motorcycle enthusiasts. It is open to other users as well, but the rough...
This trail passes through a variety of pleasing landscapes. The area near Crane Run is especially scenic. The trail is marked with white diamonds. The skill level of this trail is rated more...
Located in one of Pennsylvanias most popular State Parks, the Beaver Dam Trail follows old railroad grades at Parker Dam State Park in Clearfield County. The trail runs past streams, beaver dams,...
The Iron Horse Trail follows two abandoned rail beds: the Path Valley Railroad and the Perry Lumber Company Railroad. Originally, the Path Valley Railroad was going to be an extension for the Newport...
Grab your bike or your walking shoes, or saddle up your horse, and head for the cool breezes and dappled shade of the 17-mile Lower Trail. The name "Lower," which rhymes with "flower," refers to...
The Cumberland Valley Rail Trail runs down the middle of its namesake: the Cumberland Valley of Pennsylvania, between the South Mountain and Blue Mountain ridges on the eastern flank of the...
Following the corridor of a mountain-crossing railroad that operated 1834-1854, this trail has two segments approximately 15 miles apart. The southern, crushed stone segment, about 2.3 miles long,...
The old railroad line known as the Moshannon, or the Mills Branch, crossed the Moshannon Valley during the mid- to late 1800s. The line was the foundation of the region's late 19th- and early...
Once known as the Clearfield and Grampian Trail, in 2011, the name was changed to the David S. Ammerman Trail in memory of the man who championed turning the abandoned rail corridor into a...
Located in scenic Potter and Clinton Counties, the Susquehannock Hiking Trail is an 85-mile amalgamation of old Civilian Conservation Corps fire trails, logging roads and railroad grades through the...
The Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail follows a former rail corridor stretching just over 10 miles from Riddlesburg to Tatesville in southern Pennsylvania. The trail's name comes from the Huntingdon...
Lumber mills frequently set up tram cars running on a set of tracks to carry cut timbers from the steep hillsides. The Old Tram Trail is exactly that and has become a short bit of single track to...
As of autumn 2011, 9 miles of the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail are complete. The trail runs between Lewisburg and Mifflinburg, and interpretive signs relate the region's history. The trail is mostly...
Coordinated by the Snow Shoe Rails to Trails Association (SSRTA), the Snow Shoe Trail caters primarily to ATV and off-road motorcycle enthusiasts. It is open to other users as well, but the rough...
One of the premier rail-trails in the Northeast, the Pine Creek Rail Trail in Pine Creek Gorge offers travelers a spectacular 62-mile journey through the area commonly referred to as the Grand Canyon...
Despite its eerie name, there's nothing scary about the Ghost Town Trail. It is actually named for the numerous towns that were served by the Ebensburg & Blacklick Railroad, as well as the Cambria &...
Though little-known compared to other popular rail-trails in Pennsylvania, the Penns Creek Path is worth the effort of visiting for a scenic bike ride or hike in the forest. Pretty in all seasons, it...
Primarily a cross-country ski route, the 13.4-mile Sentiero DiShay Trail can also be enjoyed for hiking and mountain biking. The trail winds through a mixed forest of conifer and deciduous trees. The...
The George B. Will Trail in Tiadaghton State Forest is named for an early 20th-century Pennsylvania forest ranger. The trail is popular with cross-country skiers and travels through a mixed-pine...
Included in the seven-mile network of trails in Little Buffalo State Park are two small sections of rail-trail. Together they are called the Newport and Sherman's Valley Railroad Trace. The...
We have a large family(6) with ages ranging from 2-11,this is one of the best trails we've come across. Easily accessible with a side by side double stroller(some trails we've had to stop and fold our stroller to access hiking areas),flat terrain, keep an eye out for snakes! This is our favorite place to blow of some energy safely,it's well maintained and a gorgeous hike.
My wife and I decided to do a short get-away to Gaines Pa. and ride the Pine Creek Trail. We rented a small house about 8 miles from the Darling Run parking area. One day we rode about 8 miles to the north end of the trail and then we found a really nice paved road just past a local produce store to put in some really pleasant miles on some paved road. The following day we headed south for about 12 miles and took in the scenery along the Pine Creek. The scenery is beautiful and the trail is great. We both had road bikes with 700x25 tires and it's absolutely fine for that in case your concerned. There was hardly anyone along the trails both days and you can really relax and just pedal along. If you want to ride at a good pace it's quite doable for training or leisure. The trail is described as gravel, its pretty hard packed and great to ride you don't need a mountain bike to do it. The southern direction is in the Pa. grand canyon, heading north you can see further to the horizon and view nice farm land. There are some good places to eat in the area I highly recommend the The Burnin' Barrel Bar along Route 6 just before the turn off to rt 362 that goes to the Darlin run parking area. They have probably the best food in the area. If you love chocolate you have to check out Highland Chocolates in Wellsboro. If your into woodworking you need to checkout Irion Lumber too. I think the entire area is just fantastic and beautiful.
We love this trail and have completed every mile at least twice. The trail is crushed stone and maintained with excellence and very minimal grade change. Last summer, 2016 my husband and I rode each part approx 12-17 miles in one direction and then back to our parking spot making many nice 25-35 mile rides . There are many trail parking areas along the way. Jersey Shore PA trailhead is a great starting point, Waterville and Blackrock are also good parking areas. The views all along the way on the Pine Creek are simply beautiful. The trail follows right next to the Pine Creek crossing nice bridges back and forth over the creek. We have seen amazing wildlife! Big birds, rabbits, chipmunks, deer, ducks, snakes and one bear. Never too windy and mostly shaded all the way. We have encountered horseflies south of the Grand Canyon of PA but only where the trail allows horses on a separate shared trail. Again, the maintenance crew clears debris and smooths the trail regularly. This is our Favorite trail even over the Katy and GAP.
We rode to Clearfield from Grampian. Enjoyed the 12 mph coast for about 3 1/2 miles leaving Grampion. The return up hill was about 5 mph. Emjoyef the river and creek an run views. Trail is hard packed cinder. No problem with comfort style bikes
Rode the Penns Creek Path thru the completed remodel of the old train tunnel. Included some pics. On the other side of the tunnel is the Poe Paddy Campground, and another 3 to 4 miles further up the road is the Poe Valley Campground and lake. Lovely ride along the Penns Creek until you get to the tunnel, then the road turns to a dirt road to take you to the parks. Saw quite a bit of blooming mountain laurel today, and enjoyed the cool temperatures thru the forest. There are picnic tables and comfort facilities in the park you can use for free.
This was the ugliest trail I've ever seen. First of all, didn't even look like a trail. We had a hard time even finding it. All gravelly, rutted and too rough. More like a four wheeler trail. And the black flies were horrible. Looks abandoned and creepy. Should be taken off this link. Waste of a Saturday
So much has been written about this wonderful trail, and our experience was the same. One of our favorite things was that the trail was mostly shaded, making it possible/comfortable to ride on a warmer day. The surface was well cared for, and the friendly maintenance crews were mowing while we were there. It was great to see the many benches and bird shelters located all along the trail. We came from approximately two hours away, and consider ourselves lucky that the trail is one of our "local" options!
We live about 30 minutes from Curwensville, and have done a few of the other rail trails in central PA, but never tried this one as on the maps it appeared to run pretty close to some well-traveled roads. After putting it off for several years though, and wanting to try something different, we finally decided to give it a shot.
After reading several reviews and talking to others who have done the trail, we decided to try the section from Curwensville to Grampian first as it was described as more scenic that the Clearfield to Curwensville section. It was hard to find good information on parking facilities and mileage points for the trail online (other than the two trailhead ends), and we didn't want to park right in Curwensville. I finally found info that there was limited parking on Rustic Road, across from Aletta's Farm Market. Just outside of Curwensville, we came to a large parking area in front of an old brick factory, and decided to parked there instead. This increased the ride to Grampian by about half a mile, and added some nice scenery. During the course of our ride, we discovered, there is also unofficial parking at almost every country road the trail crosses, of which there are several.
The trail itself was in good shape, but there were a few small holes along the edges where some culverts had caved-in, if you were accidentally riding too close to the edge and hit one it would definitely be a big bump, but chances of that would be pretty slim, there were only one or two over 5 miles. The main thing to be aware of going towards Grampian is the climb. Technically, it's not that steep (4%?), but it is a constant uphill the whole ride from where we started almost to the Grampian trailhead, and seems steeper in short sections. Being 54 and 51, and in so-so physical condition, it was a real workout for the legs, but down-shitfing to a low gear made it do-able with only one stop at about the halfway point. Our 15-year old son had no trouble whatsoever. The nice thing is you can coast the whole way back in no time at all.
Scenery-wise, I'd rate this section of the trail a 7+ (comparing to Clarion/Little Toby Trail or Lower Trail at 8-9). It crosses some nice streams, passes under an old RR bridge (abandoned line), and follows Kratzer Run for much of the route. There are a lot of rhododendron along the sides, some small rock overhangs at one spot, and lots of mountain laurel in one area. 90% of this section was in shade. The biggest negative was the road noise. You are riding parallel to a fairly well-traveled, 2-lane road for about 85% of the route, and you can definitely hear cars and trucks on it, although if the leaves are out, you can't see it, as it is on the other side of Kratzer Run.
I had read that there were no bathroom facilities along the route, but when we crossed Rustic Road there was a sign indicating restrooms were available at Aletta's Market (across the road), and it looked like there was a port-a-potty in the parking lot there. Further on, there was a port-a-potty actually on the side of the trail (I'm guessing around a mile/mile-and-a-half or so from the Grampian end?) There were 2 picnic tables under shelters on this section, and a couple of benches.
Eventually, we would like to do the section from Curwensville to Clearfield, although that looks to be much less scenic.
If you are looking for a scenic trail in this region with a lot of historic spots to explore, I suggest the Clarion–Little Toby Trail from Brockway to Ridgeway.
love this trail! I'd put it in my top 3. we started at the Jersey shore end and went 15 miles, just a little past Dry run and then turned around. about 30 miles all together. scenery was beautiful, trails were great. saw 2 black snakes and 1 rattlesnake..yuk!! we've already talked about coming back and riding the rest of it..the fall would be beautiful!!
The trail has now been extended another mile or so into Shippensburg past the park, crosses a new bridge (the old hillside shortcut to Ship is still visible) and continues as a paved pathway adjacent to the university campus. The trail currently dead ends on a side street with no apparent signage, but it appears that restrooms and a parking area are under construction there. At the other end in Newville, a metal bridge was added and the trail continues to Rt 233, although there is no access there. Hopefully this is the start of the planned extension to Carlisle.
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