The entire 17-mile West Penn Trail network has been completed, extending from several miles down river from Saltsburg along the Kiski River all the way to the Conemaugh River near the Westinghouse Specialty Metals Plant. In addition, a trail bridge over the Conemaugh River at this terminus is planned to open in 2008 that will extend the trail another mile to Newport Road in Blairsville and an eventual connection with the Hoodlebug Trail. Here are the specific open sections:
Conemaugh River Lake Section (3.3 miles)
The 3.3-mile trail section extends from the Westinghouse Specialty Metals Plant to Bow Ridge, following a portion of the Pennsylvania Railroad line that operated along the corridor in the early 1900s. This section also passes over four spectacular stone arch bridges built in 1907 which offer beautiful views of the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal which operated in the mid-1800s.
Bow Ridge Switchback to Conemaugh River Lake (2 miles)
The Bow Ridge Switchback is located at the western end of the West Penn Trail’s Conemaugh River Lake section….at the old railroad tunnel entrance. A switchback trail has been constructed up the face of Bow Ridge. The switchback grade may be challenging if climbing instead of descending.
From the top of the Ridge, the trail proceeds down to the hydropower plant, past two old railroad tunnel entrances from the 1800’s, and crosses the bridge and proceeds down to the Tunnelton Main Line Canal Park. Then it’s a short trip up the hill to the Conemaugh River Lake Recreation Area featuring a picnic area, visitors center, nature trail, and playground.
West Penn Trail Dick Mayer Section (2 miles)
A trail link between the Conemaugh River Lake and Saltsburg Sections of the West Penn Trail is now open. Named in honor of former CVC President Dick Mayer, the section was formally dedicated in the Spring of 2007. (The grade along this section can be occasionally challenging.)
West Penn Trail-Saltsburg Section (4.5 miles)
The Saltsburg Section proceeds 4.5-miles from the intersection of the Mayer Section into Saltsburg. This section passes through beautiful backwoods that contain visible canal and railroad remnants that hug the Conemaugh River.
Saltsburg to Kiski Section Connection
From the Saltsburg trailhead, the trail extends through Saltsburg along the old canal path to Saltsburg River & Trail, down Point Street to Rivers Edge Park, over to the Route 286 bridge, proceeding under the bridge to the Kiski Section Trailhead.
Kiski Extension: Saltsburg to Blacklegs Creek & Beyond (2 miles)
The section proceeds from Saltsburg’s Canal Park to Blacklegs Creek. A trail bridge over Blacklegs Creek was recently constructed and dedicated in honor of CVC Trail Engineer, Jack Maguire. The trail extends 1-mile down river beyond the Maguire Bridge.
PLANNED
Funding has been received to construct the 580’ Q-Span trail bridge over the Conemaugh River near the Westinghouse Specialty Metals Plant. This trail bridge and the 1-mile trail out to Newport Road will eventually link the West Penn with the Hoodlebug and Ghost Town trails to the east. Construction expected to commence sometime in 2007. |
