Nice trail

My son and I have hiked this trail a couple times. It is wonderful. Beautiful Allegheny river views, waterfalls and an eagles nest are some of the many things to see. Would highly recommend!

I've hiked the entire trail from end to end. It's not an easy hike. The trail has been neglected for years, but has recently been adopted by a few locals who are working hard to get it back in shape. There are areas on the west end that have been rerouted due to beaver dams flooding the area. Follow the diamonds and look for orange ribbons to guide you. There are areas of heavy blow-down which have been cleaned up, but you'll find yourself climbing and ducking a bit. There's a camp site at the top of the hill that overlooks the valley below and another at Coon Run. Both are great for camping overnight or just a day stop. Most of the trail on the east end has been marked for night hiking as well. During winter months the TL Rec area is closed so you won't be able to park at the campground. You can park at Seven Mile Road, hike 2 miles east to the Twin Lakes Campground and walk around the lake (it's beautiful at night, bring a headlamp). Or you can travel west from this parking spot and continue onto the remaining 14+ miles of trail. There is another parking spot along Route 66 just south of James City (on the left). And a few others along forest roads 152 and 133. There are plenty of natural springs along the trail, keep your eyes open for these, as they are not yet marked with signs. I suggest hiking smaller sections of this trail (out and back) if you have never hiked it. But it would make a great 2-day backpacking trip too! Park one vehicle at Twin Lakes Rec Area (during open season) get dropped off along FR 133 at the NCT trailhead. You'll be hiking almost 19 miles from start to finish, including the two connecting trails on each end.

We walked a bit more than half the trail from Kinzua Bridge today and it's one of the best designed and maintained we've encountered. We plan to go back to hike from the Mount Jewett end tomorrow to finish the whole length. We'll be adding it to our list of Rails-to-Trails donations each year going forward.

As a bonus, as we were hiking in the woods along the trail, a train travelled the current rails, not far off. I love having an actual train running nearby when I'm hiking rail trails, so a great day after Thanksgiving hike.

Ran the first few miles at dusk down from St Marys starting point after early winter snow flurries. Great ambiance as snow dampered sounds.
First half mile definitely wet (water up to the ankle at times) until one reached the better maintained section.
Very gentle slope uphill on the way back did not penalize speed.

Parking near the football field in Brockway, I road up to the swinging bridge twice now. Saw multiple deer both times. Nice easy ride. Took my fly rod with me and fished a bit. Caught one brown trout and let him go. I will be back to do the rest of this beautiful trail. Had a nice breakfast at Morelli's then after the ride was over we went for a great steak at The Rocky Grill.

Very nice walking path with great scenery, took our 2 small dogs with us & they loved it! Only were able to do about 3 miles due to a thunderstorm but it was perfect. Started at the Bridge, next time maybe we’ll start in Jewett.

The trail is awesome! It’s an old rail bed that follows the river south for 4 miles from Tidioute. It’s soft, grassy ground (not gravel or cinders) is flat. There are some puddles when wet but the trail is well maintained and a real treat use! Will use it for running and biking every chance possible when in the area.

Trail did not seem to be taken care of. Several areas we were riding in grass and weeds up to our waist. Trail markings were poor in several areas. Several areas very muddy, had to walk.