Find the top rated bike trails in Altoona, whether you're looking for an easy short bike trail or a long bike trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a bike trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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We stayed in Punxsutawney and could access the trail from our B and B. We rode east to Winslow, an uphill grade but doable on our e-bikes. Saw chipmunks, squirrels and a very long black snake crossing the trail. After a break for lunch in town we rode west to the Fordham trailhead. Several interesting sights along the way- the coke ovens, a couple Minions and another snake. The trail is wide 8-12’ with a cinder surface with no roots or potholes the whole length. Total 16 miles on a shady trail, sometimes along the Mahoning Creek. I bet it’s gorgeous in the Fall.
Enjoyable trail. Coming from the east, we tried to find the trailhead off Winslow only to find that the road was closed. And google maps routed us to a two track just down the road that you couldn’t really get a car in. We eventually made our way to the west end at Villiere where there was parking at the trailhead. We had a trailer with five bikes. We rode as far as Punxsutawney and had dinner and beers at The Burrow.
Four of us rode this trail on Memorial Day. Not many people were out riding. We only rode from Saltsburg to the Conemaugh dam. At age 78, hauling a bike up and down stairs at Bow Ridge is not for us. I love this trail! The first 4+ miles was typical tree covered rail trail along the river. Then it turns interesting as the trail goes cross-country with many changes in elevation. The hill just past Elder run is very steep with some loose gravel that can be a challenge. Then there is a long downhill run thru the woods. But these are the type of things that made the trail interesting. More trails should offer some natural diversity, even if it requires a parallel route to the main trail.
Day 2 of our ride to complete all 16.5 miles (and back). We parked at Flowing Spring Road/Trailhead and biked to Williamsburg and back. Another great day on the trail. This trail is crushed limestone with the exception of the Williamsburg area, which is asphalt paved. We enjoyed the historic Grannis Station, mile 13 on the trail.
Having traveled over 3 hours, we split this trail up over 2 days and made an overnighter out of it. So much history along this trail, old foundations, and locks & canals, with many interesting sights. We also stopped at Mt. Etna old furnace, near the trail. Day 1 cycled from mile 0 in Alfarata to Williamsburg, mile 11. Trail surface is crushed stone except the Williamsburg section is paved. We stayed in nearby Altoona which offers several hotels and many restaurants.
While in the area, we stopped at this trail. We only pedaled up the first one mile due to it was later in the afternoon and we had already ridden 12 miles earlier. Parking on Igou Road just outside of Bellwood. Trail surface was crushed limestone which eventually turned to game lands access road, we didn't go out that far. The entire trail is 6.2 miles. Elevation at mile 00 Igou Road is 1,240 and mile 6.2 it's 2,180. Good workout uphill climb but nice downhill coast on the way back. There is a parking lot at the top. It's on Skyline Drive, and it's in State Game Lands 158.
This trail has been upgraded around tofftrees…
It's a nice walking trail, or if you're taking it to get to the MTB trails. But, if you have a road bike you should just take the road. It's a shame they couldn't have used crushed gravel so roadies could bypass the section of road past the Elks. As it is, it's worthless for road bikes.
10/18/24 beautiful afternoon ride. First time on this trail with our e-bikes. Loved it! We started Wehrum (mile 16) and went to Nanty Glo (mile 24?) slight uphill grade, not difficult. Return ride is slight downhill, no pedal assist needed. The washout had cones around it, and there was clear area for us to pass by. Some other areas have dips, but the trail was dry, lots of leaves fallen, but never felt unsafe. Only 1 restroom in this stretch, very clean. Lots of benches along the way.
That is Red Cut, not Red Rut. My husband says the best part of the trail is Red Cut. If you stand there long enough you can almost hear the trains coming. Make sure you read the plaque there.
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