Find the top rated running trails in Altoona, whether you're looking for an easy short running trail or a long running trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a running trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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Great ride on the 22 mile loop using the new 2 mile C&I Extension piece in Nanty Glo.
Parked at Vintondale and did the eastbound uphill along the creek to Nanty Glo. Very pretty scenery. Washouts have been repaired and only a few spots with some larger gravel.
Nice ice cream and food place just north of the trail on 1st St in Nanty Glo. Delicious Chili Cheese Dog and fresh cut fries just like at the fair. So glad they opened about 3 yrs ago. Only other option I could see for food was a grocery store about 1/4 mile south across the river on Shoemaker St. Make sure you fuel up here. No other amenities on the rest of the ride.
Google Maps doesn’t show the new 2 mile extension yet. Best map I’ve found is at Cambria County Conservation. See 22 miles map.
https://www.cambriaconservationrecreation.com/ghost-town-trail/
Just past the ballpark on the east side of Nanty Glo turn left on Ricky Rd then an immediate right on 2nd St, bear right on Springfield, up a small hill on Springfield and a sharp turn and there’s the C&I trailhead. Do NOT go up 2nd St. The trail crosses 2nd St on a bridge and there is no access. A sign on the main trail by the ballpark and another on 2nd pointing to Springfield would be a big help!
The highest elevation on the extension is the bridge over 422. After that it’s mostly flat or downhill along the North Branch of Blacklick Creek. On this late May day there was a nice water flow and the sound of water cascading over rocks was a wonderful soundtrack for my ride.
I also did the 2 miles to Duman Lake Park. I guess it’s not an official part of the GTT, but it has a couple signs marking the way. First 1/2 mile or so was old railroad spur with some bumps and dirt spots. Sign says turn left and the next couple hundred feet were 1/2 inch gravel. Not fun. Almost turned around, but then a couple folks came through on E-bikes and said it’s kind of fun. Next was a 50ft long narrow rusty metal bridge across a creek. Only about 2ft wide - sure glad it had railings. Next was single track hard packed dirt thru a dense forest along the creek with lots of twists and turns. Nice change of pace. Mountain bike tires might have been better, but my hybrid 700x38C tires did just fine. Might not be fun when it’s wet. Finally, back to a 10ft wide screenings trail downhill to the park.
Bikin-Mike 05/30/26
Nice trail. Many things to see riding along the water. A little confusing whew going thru Punxsutawney but there is signage.
We just got back from riding this trail. We had hybrid bikes and experienced no problems. The trail was well marked. The last 3 miles was all uphill so bring plenty of water. We rode onThursday and there was very little bike traffic. All in all a very nice trail well maintained and would recommend a visit.
Good afternoon ride. Slightly downhill from Grampian to Curwensville. Scenic views with creek, bridges and mountain laurel.
Today we rode from Warrior’s Path State Park to Hopewell and back. We loved the recently opened section from Warrior’s Path SP to Riddlesburg. The rest is a little bumpy in places. If you continue south of Hopewell, you must ride on a relatively rough road until you re-enter the trail. From there you will enjoy the scenery till you reach the bridge, after which the trail moves away from the river, becoming less scenic. The trail currently terminates in Tatesville.
Very nice scenic trail. Many places to stop along the trail to stop and take in the scenery.
Please make sure you have bike lights, flashlights etc… those tunnels are dark!!
I just rode the trail 11 Oct 2025- shortly after the new Sideling Hill Trailhead grand opening a couple of weeks ago. I utilized the PA Turnpike to drive up from Harrisburg area- very easy and trouble free- just know that afterward you have to drive another 10 miles UP the turnpike to turn around and head back to Harrisburg....ugh 20 additional miles, even though both East and West bound have access to the Sideling Hill Rest Stop. Trail Head had really nice bike servicing equipment and picnic tables- Lots of food options at Rest stop- everything you need after 20 mile ride- Burgers and Pizza!! Leaving the rest stop- you ride a service road that is open to bikers (Mountain House Road). You then come to a 4 way stop- Make a left on North Hess Road- you will see a old farm/log cabin house on your right (see my pictures)- go straight this road will turn in to Pump Station Road- ride for about 1/4 of a mile do not turn on the first unmarked road on your right- go to the second road on your right just after the first one- look for a mail box- there is a home that shares the access- ride past home and you will be at the TOPP Trail- you will see cement road barriers on your left- this is the entrance to the trail- Enjoy your ride for the next 8 miles or so. The first tunnel you reach is about 1.5 miles up- This one is long and dark maybe a mile long. The second one is shorter. The trail is rough in sections due to the blacktop being torn up- if your a Pennsylvanian- this a typical PA road LOL potholes! Beware if you are with children or offend easily- There is a TON of Graffiti and things that will make a sailor blush (I used to be in the Navy). There is some really talented art work along the ride though. I would recommend mountain bikes or gravel bikes- my bike has 45MM tires and I rode with 35 psi which I thought was perfect for the rough areas. This trail was "Creepy Cool" and a perfect ride for a fall day and Halloween around the corner!
Friendly folks walking the trail. Nice they had a few porta johns along the way.
Perfect day for a ride and on the first day of Fall. Trail and views were breathtaking!
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)
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