Find the top rated running trails in State College, 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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Biking: Recommend starting at Lewisburg end as there is a slight, but noticeable, uphill about 75% of the way West. Better to have downhill on the way back. If you are starting at the Lewisburg end I highly recommend parking at the lot along the trail via N 15th St. The downtown park suggested in the description costs, as of 8/2020, a quarter coin only per 45 minutes (Mon-Sat) and starts you in a heavy pedestrian and road traffic area. N 15th St starts you past the Western busy streets (inc. Rt 15!). If you want a shorter trip, to avoid most of the walking traffic, and to get the very best of the trail then start at the lot where Beaver Run Road crosses the trail. Head West, and turn around when you hit asphalt. Restrooms at 15th St parking lot on the East end, and nearly at the end of the West end. There is a big park at the West end for picnicking, didn't see any other non-commercial tables.
Rating of 4 stars is based on the middle 6-7 miles of the trail, the scenery is pretty but pretty much just farms. The far ends have busy roads and unshaded asphalt. One road to cross near West end is 50mph+ traffic. Unlike other trails, nearly no cars slow or stop for crossing bike traffic. Parents, the ends are not recommended for children. The middle is mostly beautiful farm land with about 50/50 shade and sun. Lots of crossings (20?) in the middle, but all are side roads or farm driveways giving glimpses of nice Amish farms.
4th St at the West end has a covered bridge 1/4 mile off the trail. It looked like there was at least 3 brewery restaurants on the trail. There is a wonderful homemade whoopie pie, lemonade, and root beer stand near the middle. Reasonable prices, but bring singles since it is self-serve. Delicious and returnable bottled drinks are cold.
Trail is asphalt on the ends and very hard fast packed gray stone in the middle. The stone is dusty, you will be gray if it hasn't rained and passing traffic causes a minor cloud. I'd rate the ride-side-by-side stone trail surface 5 stars for consistency (dust doesn't bother us).
Great, flat, well maintained trail... the rocks, and coloring right now is absolutely beautiful.
Love Trail Link (Rails to Trails Conservancy) and their info on rail trails, but their advice to go from west to east if only going one way on the Ghost Town Trail is to be taken with a large grain of salt! It's a steady uphill climb from Black Lick to Ebensburg with few breaks! Not fun after several miles, particularly in the middle of summer. But the trail is well maintained and offers lots to see. Can definitely see why it's PA's Trail of the Year for 2020.
Rode from rattlesnake rock parking area to Turkey path, just shy of 15 miles and then back to rattlesnake rock. Slight grade on the way to Turkey path but made for an easier ride back. Lots of wildlife on the trail.
Wonderful trail! We rode 15 miles out and 30 total. Trail is in excellent shape. We locked or bikes at Turkey Run trail and hoped to hike to the top of the canyon. Saw some beautiful waterfalls but the trail was closed part way up. Family friendly
I attempted to bike this trail on 6/23/2019 with a hybrid bike but ended up hiking the trail. The trail begins with a narrow, steep ascent from the trail head on Sand Mountain Road. In addition to the steep ascent and narrow path, one needs to be attentive to the tree roots crossing the trail in a couple of places. Once the trail levels out, it also widens. The trail is mostly shaded with lots of wild Mt Laurel along side it. Within .5 miles the Buffalo Flat Trail terminates into the Old Tram Trail.
Biked from Black Lick to Nanty Glo, then north, regained the trail, rode back west thru Rexis and completed the "lollipop" back to the start. 58 miles. Excellent trail, nice things to check out on the way, and the scenery for much of the trail feels like Colorado - spectacular !
Went west to East from Saylor Park to Buena Vista furnace, 9.5 miles. Really well maintained trail with lots of old rail and coal mining artifacts as well as the very well preserved 1850s blast furnace. There are several interest market plaques that give you a nice break while you read about the history of the area. It’s uphill going east and downhill back, highly recommend doing it this way!
I ride this trail several times each week. I never get tired of the different views, critters and sounds. Well maintained, good surface and lots of things to do and see at each end of the trail.Enjoy!
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