Map of the West Penn Trail
West Penn Trail
West Penn Trail
LENGTH:
17 miles
SURFACE:
unpaved / natural
COMMUNITIES:
Saltsburg, Blairsville
HIGHLIGHTS:
rail trail, Conemaugh Valley, Conemaugh River, bridges, tunnels, woodlands, rural communities
NEARBY TRAILS:
RELATED LINKS:
The West Penn Trail is a 17-mile long paved pathway located between Saltsburg and Blairsville in Western Pennsylvania. The southeast end of the trail is about 42 miles east of Pittsburgh and just north of State Highway 119. Much of the trail was constructed along old canal routes and an abandoned railroad right-of-way and follows alongside the Conemaugh River. The West Penn Trail is one section of the Pittsburgh-to-Harrisburg Main Line Canal Greenway.
The trail follows the historic route of the rail line and uses beautiful stone bridges to get across the river and goes through railroad tunnels. Some portions of the trail are a bit more challenging, especially in the Bow Ridge section. There are lovely views of the Conemaugh Valley and the Conemaugh River, which is used by canoes and kayaks.
Conditions
The condition of the trail varies and is not suitable for all types of bikes. The section of trail that crosses the Conemaugh River to the east of Bow Ridge can be submersed under water in the spring and during wet conditions.
Nearby Trails
Westmoreland Heritage Trail: the West Penn Trail intersects the Westmoreland Heritage Trail along Canal Street on the south side of Saltsburg. The Westmoreland Heritage Trail heads to the west and crosses the Conemaugh River.
Other recreational trails in this area include the Roaring Run Trail to the north, the Blairsville River Trail to the south and the Hoodlebug Trail and the Ghost Town Trail to the east.
End Points
The northwest end of the trail is located north of the small community of Saltsburg on Urban Road.
At around 3.5 miles east of Saltsburg, the trail takes a shortcut away from the rivers edge and ends up at the Conomaugh Lake National Recreation Area. South of the recreation area, there is a bridge to get over to Bow Ridge.
The southeast end of the trail is located at Newport Road to the northwest of Blairsville.
Resources
Following are links to official off-site resources to find out more details about the West Penn Trail in Western Pennsylvania.
Tweet