Find the top rated hiking trails in Swissvale, whether you're looking for an easy short hiking trail or a long hiking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a hiking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
I started in Ford City and rode all the way up to the Brady Tunnel.The tunnel has overhead lights but I would bring a headlight just in case. Pack drinks and snacks because there is nothing else till you get to Bradys Bend if you go that far .Make sure you have a spare inner tube just in case. The trail is very well maintained some paved sections in Kittanning have a lot of tree roots sticking up…. The Bike Lab in Kittanning 724 -919-0308 is a newer bicycle shop in town .There is a Foxes Pizza right along the trail in town plus a Dunkin Donuts.
I just completed the entire GAP. It was well worth it. The trail was in good shape and there was not too much traffic. I’d like to do it again.
We were passing through the area and looking for a trail to ride for a couple of hours. The Brooke Pioneer trail was nice. For the mostpart away from roads with the Ohio River to the west. It merged into the Wheeling Heritage Trail seamlessly. IMO its not a destination trail but very nice for a 25 mile ride RT while in the area. We didn't do all of the Wheeling Heritage trail due to time limits but enjoyed what we did. (We raced a tugboat pushing a barge upstream and won!) (bragging rights - no prizes)
Parked in Emlenton, 27 miles South of Franklin and headed North to just North of the Kennerdell Tunnel approx 13 miles South of Franklin. This section has two lengthy tunnels, need a light. Very well shaded with views of the Allegheny River. The trade off is that this section is super bumpy with uplifted asphalt pavement due to tree roots. You'll ride along and then all of a sudden hit a series of roots which catch you off guard as they are not marked and difficult to see. Some stretches it's uplifted asphalt one after another. We usually ride this section once per year and since last year it's gotten progressively worse. Other than the washboard areas, this is a good trail. Once a year is enough.
We live near this trail & ride it often (as well as the GAP). We decided to use the spur at Werhum & see how the new bridge is coming along to complete the "loop" everyone is waiting for. We discovered new signage (THANK YOU RTT!) and found a new spur through the woods to a small lake / large pond that we never knew as there. Awesome state park attached. Then met a guy on the trail who informed us that Nov. 2025 the loop should be done for GTT. This trail is fantastic. A golden nugget for a big ride day. We did 39 miles and didnt complete it all. Coming down hill from Nanty Glo is always a treat, but there has been some trail dammage and is well marked for that. They have improved it alot from early spring rides!! But still be aware its there. Enjoy!
Rode from the Franklin trailhead off of route 322 to the Kennerdell Tunnel and a bit beyond. The majority of the trail was paved and smooth. The gravel section just North of Kennerdell was challenging for my wife and the couple riding with us, (Skinny tires) Otherwise a scenic and fun adventure! (A 5 Beer Rating)🍺🍻🍻😎
The Ohio section of trail at this point is very rough, and not very scenic. The PA trailhead is well maintained, and more scenic.
While in the area, we rode the Foxburg to Parker section, we drove to nearby Emlenton and biked from there to Rockland (tunnel) and back. There is a missing link of trail between Foxburg and Emlenton that has been under development for a few years and they are getting closer but not as of yet. This entire trail section is 27.5 miles in length, flat and paved. Some rooty sections but to be expected with all the shade you will get in return. We did not ride the tunnels due to we forgot our lights. A nice day on the trail enjoying the shade and views of the Allegheny River. Trail services in Emlenton a pizza shop, ice cream shop, Dollar store and convenience store.
Foxburg to Parker detached section is paved and 2.5 miles in length. Parking at each end. This section is very well shaded, trail conditions: a few roots sprouting up in the asphalt. Trail services in Foxburg include places to eat. Trail services in Parker which is a commute by road across the bridge, there is a place to eat. Enjoy the shade!
Nice ride along the lake. But a few bumps on the trail. Needs small repairs
Franklin to Brandon and back, always an enjoyable ride on this trail. Beautiful views of the Allegheny River. Water levels are down from last month when we had so much rain. Trail gates recently painted look great!
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