National Recreation TRails in Southwestern Pennsylvania

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 5, 20009 CONTACT: Megan O’Malley


Secretary Salazar Announces Designation of
6 New National Recreation Trails in Southwestern Pennsylvania



Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar recently designated 22 trails in 13 states as newly recognized National Recreation Trails, adding more than 525 miles of trails to the National Trails System. Included in this designation are 6 trails in southwestern Pennsylvania.

"From coast to coast, the National Trails System helps connect American families with the wonders of the outdoors," said Salazar. "These new National Recreation Trails, built through partnerships with local communities and stakeholders, will create new opportunities for fitness and stewardship, while creating a lasting legacy for our children and grandchildren."

This announcement is timed to coincide with the 17th annual celebration of National Trails Day on Saturday, June 6, 2009. The theme for this year, “Take In the Outdoors,” encourages people of all ages to get outside and use trails for exercise and exploration. Thousands of trail enthusiasts will participate in hikes, educational programs, bike rides, volunteer repair projects, festivals, paddle trips, and trail dedications across the country.

All of the southwestern Pennsylvania trails now included in this designation encourage people to learn about area history as well. These trails were all a part of the Harrisburg Main Line Canal system, a vital transportation route westward during the mid-19th century. To encourage people to explore local history, enjoy the outdoors and get exercise, the staff of Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site will be leading interpretive hikes and bicycle rides along several of these trails including the 6 to 10 Trail, the Lower Trail, the Path of the Flood Trail and the West Penn Trail this summer and fall.


Pittsburgh to Harrisburg Main Line Canal Greenway - 6 to 10 Trail – This 7.75-mile trail follow the remnants of the Allegheny Portage Railroad, an engineering landmark that lifted canal boats over the Allegheny Mountains in the mid-1800’s. Staff from Allegheny Portage Railroad will lead hikes along the 6 to 10 Trail on June 14 and August 23.

Pittsburgh to Harrisburg Main Line Canal Greenway - Juniata River Water Trail – For 184 miles this water trail parallels the route of the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal which operated primarily in the 1830’s through 1850’s.

Pittsburgh to Harrisburg Main Line Canal Greenway - Lower Trail – The 16.5 mile multi-use Lower (rhymes with “flower”) Trail features many historic canal era remnants with interpretive signs telling the history of the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal. It is the center link in the Pittsburgh to Harrisburg Main Line Canal Greenway. On June 28 join a park ranger from Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site for a bicycle ride along the Lower Trail in Williamsburg. Park rangers will lead a bicycle ride along the Lower Trail in Alfarata on September 6.

Pittsburgh to Harrisburg Main Line Canal Greenway - Path of the Flood Trail – This 6.5 mile trail follows the path of the Great Johnstown Flood of 1889. For part of its length, the trail joins the 2.5-mile Staple Bend Tunnel Trail which follows the remnants of the Allegheny Portage Railroad to the first railroad tunnel built in the U.S., the 901-foot long Staple Bend Tunnel. On July 12 and August 9 park rangers from Allegheny Portage Railroad will provide transportation to Staple Bend Tunnel for people who need assistance. On October 4 park rangers will lead a hike along the Path of the Flood Trail and the Staple Bend Tunnel.

Pittsburgh to Harrisburg Main Line Canal Greenway - Roaring Run Trail – Following the Western Division of the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal along the Kiskiminetas River, this 4-mile trail is rich in historic transportation themes and recreational opportunities.

Pittsburgh to Harrisburg Main Line Canal Greenway - West Penn Trail – The 12-mile West Penn Trail offers many scenic, natural and historic assets, including 100-year old stone arch railroad bridges and parts of the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal. Forty interpretive signs enrich this trail experience. Learn more about the West Penn Trail on a bicycle ride with a park ranger on September 20.

Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site is located 10 miles west of Altoona, Pennsylvania off the Gallitzin exit of U.S. Highway 22. The park preserves portions of the first railroad crossing of the Allegheny Mountains. This unique railroad connected the eastern and western divisions of the Pennsylvania Mainline Canal.

All hikes and bicycle rides listed above are free, but reservations are required. For more information and to make reservations for the program contact Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site at 814-886-6150 or visit our website at http://www.nps.gov/alpo.


For more information about National Recreation Trails visit http://www.americanhiking.org.