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 Reporter |
Summary: Boats of the Pennsylvania Mainline Canal first came through Saltsburg in 1829 only to be replaced by the railroad in 1864. In 1954, the railroad traffic was shifted to a line outside of town leaving this section abandonded for the rest of the century until converted into this biking trail The trail east of Saltsburg has two sections. The nearer is along the old rail line that ran along the canal towpath. Much of the canal was obliterated by the rail but there are a few places where remenants of the canal survive. Approaching Tunnelton, the trail leaves the canal/rail and runs up what was once Coaltown Road, through the Elder's Run tunnel and then up and over the hill through State Game Lands 328 to the Conemaugh Dam. This trail could use a little more work and is quite a climb. Trailhead: From Route 22 at New Alexandria, turn north on Rt 981. At the junction with Rt.286, turn right across the bridge into Saltsburg. If you turn right at the end of the bridge there is a small parking area across from the Citgo.For the other parking area, travel up to the stop sign and turn right onto Salt. Rd. At the end of Salt Rd. there is a playground and parking area. There is a water fountain and small pavillion there but no portajohns. Rest rooms are located further west across from the Saltsburg River & Trail. There is plenty of parking, picnic benches, a water fountain and rest rooms at the Conemaugh Dam outflow picnic area at the eastern end of this section of trail (N40 28.013 W79 22.145). Off of Rt 22 at New Alexandria, follow the Conemaugh Dam signs north on Rt 981, Tunnleton Rd. and Auren Rd. There are also two parking areas accessing State Game Lands 328 (N40 28.346, W79 22.289 & N40 28.534, W79 23.041). (Lat:40.48139 Lon:-79.44722) Trail Guides for West Penn Trail-Saltsburg to Conemaugh Dam: Pennsylvanias Rail Trails (9th Edition) by Tom Sexton & Patricia Tomes (Rails To Trails Conservancy) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Ranger Contact: Kiski Basin Initiative 814.467.0836 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Kevin Geiselman, who has posted 96 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Jack on 11/4/2007 Rode this bike trail on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 4, 2007, from lovely Saltzburg to the Conemaugh Dam. The weather was a little cold, with grey skies, wind and a threat of rain. A very gloomy, threatening day. It was perfect weather for this trail! You see alot of old very heavy stone masonry walls along the trail, like the remnants of an ancient civilization. I suppose its from the 1820's Pennsylvania Canal and later, now-abandoned, portion of the railroad. But it's definitely rather creepy. The short tunnel under the active railroad is a spook. When I first rode this trail in Fall 2006, I saw a bear far away near the river. Definitely do this trail as a nice alternative to the Yough trail. This may become a personal favorite! 
Reviewed by TS on 9/10/2007 tough climb from the damn with my bike- (too bad the tunnels closed- gave up when I looked down at the switchbacks- probably very nice view when the trees start to lose some leaves- not now(sept9)
Reviewed by Dirk on 4/10/2006 share the trail with the people who rode it for many years before the hiking trail was created with quads and dirt bikes Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Pennsylvania Hiking, Pennsylvania Trails, Pennsylvania Hikes, Indiana County Hiking, Indiana County Trails, Indiana County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||