What Is the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame?
In 2007 RTC began recognizing exemplary rail-trails around the country through its Rail-Trail Hall of Fame. Inductees are selected based on such merits as scenic value, high use, trail and trailside amenities, historical significance, excellence in management and maintenance of facility, community connections, and geographic distribution. These iconic rail-trails, which have been singled out from more than 2,000 in the United States, have earned RTC’s highest honor and represent tangible realizations of our vision to create a more walkable, bikeable, and healthier America. Hall of Fame rail-trails are indicated in this book with a special blue icon; for the full list of Hall of Fame rail-trails, visit railstotrails.org/halloffame.
What Is TrailNation™?
At RTC, we believe that communities are healthier and happier when trails are central to their design. Everything we love about trails gets better when we connect them, creating seamless trail networks that link neighborhoods, towns, cities, and entire regions together. That’s why we’re committed to connecting trails and building comprehensive trail systems that bring people together and get them where they want to go.
We’ve invested in eight TrailNation™ projects across the country—found in places that are diverse in their geography, culture, size, and scope—to prove what is possible when trail networks are central to our lives. Two of those TrailNation projects can be found in Pennsylvania—the Circuit Trails and the Industrial Heartland Trails Coalition, each with ambitious goals to create vibrant trail systems across the state and the region. Look for the TrailNation project logo throughout the book to find trails that are part of these networks. Learn more about RTC’s vision to connect the country by trail at trailnation.org.
ABOUT THE CIRCUIT TRAILS
Led by a coalition of dozens of nonprofit organizations, foundations, and agencies, the Circuit Trails are part of a vast trail network that will ultimately include 800 miles of multiuse trails across nine counties in the Greater Philadelphia–Camden, New Jersey, region. More than 350 miles of the network are already complete, and the coalition is working to have 500 miles built by 2025. Learn more at thecircuittrails.org.
ABOUT THE INDUSTRIAL HEARTLAND TRAILS COALITION
T he Industrial Heartland Trails Coalition is working to establish the region as a premier destination, offering a 1,500-plus-mile multiuse trail network. The network, which will stretch across 48 counties in four states—Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and New York—is spearheaded by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, the National Park Service, and RTC, along with more than 100 organizations across the area. Visit ihearttrails.org for more information.
What Is the Great American Rail-Trail™?
A signature project of RTC, the Great American Rail-Trail is the organization’s most ambitious trail project to date and will be the nation’s first cross-country multiuse trail, uniting millions of people over its 3,700-mile route between Washington, D.C., and Washington State. This unique journey through the District of Columbia and 12 states—Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and Washington—will make it possible for travelers to explore some of the country’s most renowned geographic and cultural landmarks. Today, the Great American is more than 52% complete, but there are still more than 1,700 miles left to fill in. To get it done, RTC is providing the national leadership and on-the-ground support to bring together the people, plans, and partnerships necessary for completing the Great American Rail-Trail. Learn more at greatamericanrailtrail.org.
How to Use This Book
Rail-Trails: Pennsylvania provides the information you’ll need to plan a rewarding trek. With words to inspire you and maps to chart your path, it makes choosing the best route a breeze. Following are some of the highlights.
Maps
You’ll find two levels of maps in this book: a state locator map and detailed trail maps.
The trails in this book are located in Pennsylvania, with some trails extending to, or into, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, New York, and New Jersey. Use the state locator map to find the trails nearest you, or select several neighboring trails and plan a weekend hiking or biking excursion. Once you find a trail on a state locator map, simply flip to the corresponding number for a full description. Accompanying trail maps mark each route’s access roads, trailheads, parking areas, restrooms, and other defining features.
Key to Map Icons
Trail Descriptions
Trails are listed in alphabetical order. Each description leads off with a set of summary information, including trail endpoints and mileage, a roughness index, the trail surface, and possible uses.
The map and summary information list the trail endpoints (either a city, street, or more specific location), with suggested points from which to start and finish. Additional access points are marked on the maps and mentioned in the trail descriptions. The maps and descriptions also highlight available amenities, including parking and restrooms, as well as such area attractions as museums, parks, and stadiums. Trail length is listed in miles.
Each trail bears a roughness index rating from 1 to 3. A rating of 1 indicates a smooth, level surface that is accessible to users of all ages and abilities. A 2 rating means the surface may be loose and/or uneven and could pose a problem for road bikes and wheelchairs. A 3 rating suggests a rough surface that is only recommended for mountain bikers and hikers. Surfaces can range from asphalt or concrete to ballast, boardwalk, cinder, crushed stone, gravel, grass, dirt, sand, and/or wood chips. Where relevant, trail descriptions address alternating surface conditions.
All trails are open to pedestrians, and most allow bicycles, except where noted in the trail summary or description. The summary also indicates wheelchair access. Other possible uses include in-line skating, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, and cross-country skiing. While most trails are off-limits to motor vehicles, some local trail organizations do allow snowmobiles.
Trail descriptions themselves suggest an ideal itinerary for each route, including the best parking areas and access points, where to begin, your direction of travel, and any highlights along the way. Following each description are directions to the recommended trailheads.
Each trail description also lists a local website for further information. Be sure to visit these websites in advance for updates and current conditions. TrailLink.com is another great resource for updated content on the trails in this guidebook.
Trail Use
Rail-trails are popular destinations for a range of users, often making them busy places to enjoy the outdoors. Following basic trail etiquette and safety guidelines will make your experience more pleasant.