Explore the best rated trails in Johnstown, PA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Bells Gap Rail Trail and Lower Trail . With more than 40 trails covering 4448 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
One of the top 10 bucket list rides in the US, easily. And when combined with another, the C&O Canal, you can cycle on dedicated bike paths for 330 miles from DC to Pittsburgh. The 150 miles of the GAP ribbons through pristine forest, past former railway towns being resurrected by all the cycling tourists using the trail.
Whether a multi-day ride from DC 180 miles to Cumberland or individual day rides along the tow path next to the C&O canal, this trail is awesome. And now that much of it has been resurfaced to be crushed granite rather than just dirt, muddy rides will no longer be a problem after and during rains. One of the top 10 bucket list rides in the US, easily.
WHat an amazing trail we did roaring run into furnace rock loved it. Starts off very simple then head into furnace rock is more wooded
I loved the trail very east, I like the furnace trail better more wooded area very beautiful
Did the entire trail with e-bike. Great ride in lowest pedal assist mode! Few areas washed out by recent rains but able to navigate.
While in the Schenley area, decided to scope the new bridge over the Kiskiminetas River. The historic bridge was recently refurbished to accommodate the bike trail. This bridge is at the very southern end of the trail at the Kiskiminetas Junction where the is an active rail line looking to the South towards the Tredway Trail. At the Kiski Junction/Schenley there is ample parking and lock #5 on the Allegheny River is nearby. Trail surface is crushed limestone and newly laid. Will get more packed down as there are more trail users. Headed North on this trail a few miles. Follows the Allegheny River. In Schenley there are quite a few old factories along the trail but heading North, becomes scenic and peaceful.
Trail is 5.5 miles in length. Parked under the 356 bridge at Freeport and biked North 1.5 miles to the Kiskiminetas Junction at the Kiskiminetas River. At this point there is an active rail line with No Trespassing signs. Just ahead on the other side of the tracks is the end of the Armstrong Trail but you cannot get to it. Turned around and went back to where the car was parked and went 4ish miles South on the trail almost to Braeburn where it ends. Nice wide trail of packed crushed limestone. Ok/doable on a hybrid bike. Trail follows the Allegheny River.
The crushed stone surface was in good condition despite the recent heavy rain. I look forward to visiting again when the trees have leaves.
I live in Butler and this is my go-to home trail. I set out to do the entire trail round trip but the trail was closed 5 miles from Freeport so today was only 30 miles round trip.
I ride my bike on this trail everyday except when it's pouring rain or there is snow on the ground. It was just about perfect until Sunday, November 5th, 2023. One of those ride on leaf blowers started down by Dry Run Road and went to the top near Mullshoe. It blew off most of the pea gravel that was on the trail and exposed the big loose stones and the dirt. After just a little rain last night the trail was a muddy mess. I had to take off my sweat shirt before getting into my car because it was covered in mud on the back of it. By spring the trail will be a disaster.
Rode the trail north to Butler twice. On each trip we rode into nearby downtown Butler to eat. Followed streets marked as bike routes. Between the two rides, we were accosted by angry or unpleasant locals in their cars on three occasions. Twice of which were shouts about how illegal or rude it is to ride bikes and/on the street or slow traffic. The other encounter was a buzz accompanied by shouts of an ignorant nature. All of these occurred in daylight and on city streets. This town is not just unfriendly to cyclists, it is just unfriendly.
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