Did a 60k ride (40 miles). Dreary and cool fall day with sections of the trail covered in thick and heavy wet leaves. But overall, and as always, a great ride. Biked from Franklin to below Brandon and back then up to Oil City and back on the connecting Justus Trail.

Trafford to Export and back! Nice relaxing trail! Stopped at nice cafe (Wade’s breakfast & grille) in town Export for halftime meal! Lots of nice people enjoying the weather and exercise! Well maintained!!!!

We started the trail from the Frank’s town end biking, the first 1/2 mile was not too bad, but the next 1/2 to 3/4 mile is pretty rough and steep if you are used to a smoother surface, there is a pretty steep hill down and then up to the tunnel, once you get to the north side of the tunnel, the surface is great to mineral point , I would caution if you are doubt this with children you will be going on the road to cross the river at Mineral point, once north of Mineral point, you have another climb and not as good of a surface, we only rode about 1 mile north of Mineral point, so I can’t comment on there north, my recommendation if you want a short smooth ride part at Mineral point .overall a fair trail.trailhead and go sout 2

Parking is an issue but it was a nice walk.

Beautiful fall foliage hanging on! Rode with a group of friends we traveled from nearby Mercer and Clarion counties.
We biked from Emlenton to Kennerdell and back. Enjoyed the ride and also met a lot of friendly people on the trail that day.
Make sure you have good lights for the tunnel.

For those of you who are new to the northern section of this trail and are considering starting at Jones Mills--Don't! Go on to Champion, where parking is easy, and the trail is wide, well-marked, well-maintained, and lovely all the way into Indian Head. But if you're one of those who insists on going end-to-end, be aware that there is no parking whatsoever at the Jones Mills trailhead, which is actually right on SR31 across from the intersection with SR381. If you park where advised, a block down on the left of SR381, don't look for the bike trail head there; those trails are for hiking (as I learned the hard way). Instead, you'll need to backtrack to the intersection with SR31, cross this busy and dangerous road on foot, and search the roadside weeds for indications of the trail running down hill (with steps) from there. This trail terminus is COMPLETELY unmarked here and initially appears to be in someone's yard! If you're determined, you'll find it (as I did, with difficulty) right behind the metal highway sign directing people to the Oakhurst TeaRoom. As I later discovered from an ICVT map from one of the kiosks on the trail, this first segment from Jones Mills to Champion is actually an extension of the ICVT--the Alonzo Kalp extension--and is a narrow, poorly-maintained, grass/dirt/and limestone path with little to recommend it for the 1.7 miles to Champion, where the ICVT proper really begins. I rode that segment of the ICVT today in autumn splendor and it was a joy and made the whole trip worthwhile: Wide and pleasant crushed limestone covered with fallen leaves for the 5+ miles to Indian Head. The last 1.8 miles from Indian Head to the dead end is not well marked (I had to ask a local for directions and dog leg across the road to search out where it picks up) well used, or well maintained, so was a bit less pleasant. All-in-all an interesting Sunday afternoon in October with much beauty in the middle segment to make up for the crazy start and mediocre end.

We only rode a portion of the trail from Slickville to Saltsburg. Returning to Slickville was uphill but the fall views were amazing!

Biked from Emlenton to just North of the Kennerdell tunnel at mile marker 110 and back for a 28 mile round trip. Beautiful Fall day and enjoyed the foliage.
Quite a few people out on the trail and all friendly.
We went though both tunnels so make sure you have a light. Take what you may need along your ride because there isn't anywhere along the trail to get anything. Trail services in Emlenton. Parking in Emlenton next to the Post Office on Main Street.

About 17 miles of the ICVT are open north of Indian Head and west of Route 381/Camp Christian. Those two sections are in excellent shape. Unfortunately there is a five mile gap between them that is not maintained and in poor condition. This section is passable but should only be taken on by experienced trail cyclists due to rocky surface, downed trees, standing water, and deep mud. There are two former railroad bridges in this section that are structurally sound but in need of new decking and side rails.

Those who venture on to the western terminus are rewarded with spectacular views of Indian Creek Gorge and the Yough River. The return four-mile climb is strenuous but not particularly difficult due to the bike-friendly railroad grade. Thanks to the friendly EMTs at the Salt Lick Township Fire Company for letting our group hose down our muddy bikes after the ride.

The trail managers want to eventually connect the ICVT to the Great Allegheny Passage Trail across the Yough River. However this seems unrealistic since the two trails are separated by the river and active railroad tracks. A more practical plan is to extend the northern end of the trail about 10 miles into the Forbes State Forest trail system.