Find the top rated birding trails in Butler, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Nobody had mentioned on which end to start at, so we started in Lisbon and rode 10 miles and turned around a lot of incline this way then coming back, but both ways it was up and down. Very hot day didn’t help. Trail was shaded most parts but had lots of sun too, you have to ride on the road 1/2 mile but there’s no traffic it’s like a side street. Take water with u as no place at either end for that. Bathrooms are at each end and 1 in the middle if you need. There’s a trailhead 4 blocks from where we started with indoor plumbing if u prefer that. All in all a great workout today !
I read the reviews and it sounded perfect - mostly shaded and a beautiful loop around Lake Wilhelm. Lots of wildlife. The trail is in great condition and paved. There was a section covered in algae and a little slick. The trail is hilly - nice ups and downs - so you feel rewarded after working to get up the rolling hills and you’re equally thankful for the sections where there aren’t any hills. But for those coming from another state and used to rail trails this was challenging. I could have been slightly more prepared. I will ride this trail again. But just know it’s not a leisurely ride around the beautiful serene lake.
The detached Foxburg to Parker section of the trail is approximately 2.5 miles in length. Asphalt paved and flat. This section of the trail is very well shaded. Some root damage to the pavement but not like upstream between Emlenton and Kennerdell. Enjoy some time in Foxburg, a few places to eat, an art gallery and winery. Also be sure to check out the progress of the Fox-Hunt Community Park in Foxburg which will offer parking, restrooms and a kayak launch. The 3-mile trail section between Foxburg and Emlenton is not complete and under development.
The approx 10 mile paved trail runs through Oil Creek State Park. A few short sections of the trail are beat up and rough but the other 99% of the pavement in good condition. Trail follows Oil Creek. Very well shaded for most of the 10 miles. We saw some bear scat and 2 deer wading in Oil Creek. The road bridge in Petroleum Center near the park office has been closed since 2022 and was due to open in 2026 but now the state is saying 2027 or 2028. Bridge open to pedestrians and cyclists. At the North end of the trail just outside of Titusville is the Queen City Trail which goes into Titusville. It's less than 2 miles in length and paved.
We parked in Franklin and traveled South for 12.5 miles to North Kent Road. Also known as Sunnyslope. Beautiful day on the trail. There is a detour 3 miles South of Franklin due to trail erosion along the Allegheny River. Stay to the grassy side of the trail.
Started at Eliza Furnace and went counterclockwise toward Ebensburg to where the C&I trail connects just out of town. Was a 32 mile ride- so beautiful
The surface is good compacted gravel but other than that, the trail is just not enjoyable. We saw what appeared to be two homeless tents set up along the railroad tracks which run beside the trail and the trail itself runs through areas that are just not nice. A portion of this trail is on a road but has a bike lane appropriately marked.
The southern half of the trail is virtually unrideable. Tree roots have pushed up the asphalt making the ride jarring to the point of dangerous.
Trail managers: Please, please, please stop paving trails.
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
Discovered this comfortable place with great accommodations for two bike travelers. They offer a pullout sofa if you do not wish to share a bed. Indoor bike storage with a comfy bed and a hot shower! Distillery right next-door and two restaurants to fuel up in the morning to get back on the trail. Close to the panhandle of West Virginia. Their name is Harmony Trail Haven on Airbnb.
Comfortable accommodations in Burgettstown for bike travelers with indoor secure bike storage. Suitable for two. A comfy bed with hot showers they have a pullout sofa if travelers do not wish to share a bed. A very quaint distillery next-door for an evening nightcap, two breakfast spots within 50 yards of the front door. Their name is Harmony Trail Haven. They have five star reviews on Airbnb.
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