See the complete online registry for details of over 1,000 designated National Recreation Trails

Featured National Recreation Trails - Hosted by AmericanTrails.org

Allegheny River Trail — Bordered by the river on one side and woodlands on the other, this 30-mile rail-trail is rich with wildlife, history, and scenic vistas. In addition to the beauty of its natural setting, this trail allows for a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, camping, and horseback riding. The trail also provides connections to Venango County's larger trail network, intersecting with the Sandy Creek Trail and linking to the recently designated Samuel Justus National Recreation Trail (designated 2004).

Arrowhead Trail — The four-mile rail trail allows the residents of Peters Township to enjoy recreational opportunities as well as the natural beauty of the area. In addition to preserving native plants, the trail allows for recreational activities such as hiking, biking, and wildlife observation (designated 2003).

Ernst Recreational Trail — This five-mile multi-use rail trail allows users to enjoy a wealth of natural treasures in the French Creek Valley, including a unique covered bridge. The trail meanders through a variety of settings and parallels Conneaut Marsh, which hosts bald eagles, migrating waterfowl, and the state's most biologically diverse body of water (designated 2003).

Ghost Town Trail — This limestone-surfaced rail trail spans 24 miles and gives visitors a glimpse back in time as it travels through several abandoned coal mining towns dating back to the early 11,000s. In addition to its wildlife, natural features, and human history interpretation, trail users enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing (designated 2003).

The Great Allegheny Passage - see photos of the trail — The main line of a trail system running from the C&O Canal Towpath at Cumberland, Maryland, to the Forks of the Ohio River at Pittsburgh, the trail will ultimately link Pittsburgh with Washington, D.C. on a near-level rail-trail through the Allegheny Mountains (designated 2001).

Greater Hazleton Rails to Trails – This 4-mile multi-use rail trail in Hazleton forms the core of a future metro area-wide trail system. It features scenic views, rare plant communities, picnic areas, and interpretive signs. Numerous partners have provided park benches, bike racks, exercise stations, and flower beds (designated 2009).

Heritage Rail Trail County Park – Traversing York County to the Maryland border, this 19-mile multi-use trail provides an integral link in a statewide trails system and epitomizes the concept of a close-to-home trail experience, but has regional, State, and national significance as well (designated 2008).

Houtzdale Line Trail — This 10-mile rail trail extends through the rolling meadows and mountains of the Moshannon Valley. The rail line dates back to the late 1800s, and trail users can visit many of the trail's historic features as well as enjoy the area's wildlife, wetlands and even waterfalls. In addition to its natural features, the trail provides recreational opportunities such as mountain biking, horseback riding, and fishing (designated 2003).

Lebanon Valley Rail-Trail — Located across 3 counties, this 12-mile rail-trail serves as a key community connector, linking to area parks, trails, historic sites, and schools (which use the trail for cross-country training). The trail serves a wide range of users, including hikers, bikers, skiers, equestrians, wildlife enthusiasts, and snowmobilers. This commendable trail is the result of a unique partnership between Lebanon Valley Rails-to-Trails, Inc., and State, county, and local agencies (designated 2004).

	The Luzerne County Rail Trail

Luzerne County Rail Trail — This 13-mile rail trail offers residents a host of recreational opportunities and will eventually connect to a larger trail network in New York State. Trail users enjoy outdoor activities such as biking, fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation (designated 2003).

Montour Trail — Located near Pittsburgh, this approximately 30-mile multi-use rail-trail system will ultimately extend 47 miles from Coraopolis to Clairton. The trail takes users through a variety of settings, from urban and suburban areas to picturesque undeveloped landscapes. The trail's smooth limestone surface makes it ideal for non-motorized uses, including biking, jogging, and cross-country skiing (designated 2004).

Oil Creek State Park Multi-Use Trail — Located within a 2-hour drive of Pittsburgh, this multi-use trail extends more than 9 miles through the heart of Pennsylvania's Oil Heritage Region in Oil Creek State Park. With access to the oldest producing oil well in the world, interpretive signage tells the story of years of drilling and fires in Oil Creek Valley; but the park also tells the story of environmental recovery. The goal is to eventually connect to the Samuel Justus NRT and provide a 40-mile accessible trail network. In addition to its scenic features, trail users enjoy outdoor activities such as biking, fishing, and cross country skiing. With the efforts of a diverse partnership, this area is now considered an emerald jewel of the state's park system (designated 2005).

Pittsburgh to Harrisburg Main Line Canal Greenway - The following six sections were designated in 2009.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Susquehanna River Water Trail – North Branch Section – Paddlers along the 181 miles of the North Branch of the Susquehanna River enjoy mountain views, river towns, remnant structures, as well as birds and other wildlife, fish, and camping at 17 river campsites (designated 2009).

	Boating the Schuylkill Water Trail

Samuel Justus Trail — The eight mile rail trail offers visitors easily accessible scenic views of the Allegheny River. The trail draws walkers and bikers from nearby cities and states, who come to enjoy the natural and cultural resources of this region. Native American carvings dating back to 1200 AD, the spectacular Belmar Bridge built in 1907, and the Kennerdell Tunnel are just some of the features that make this trail system unique (designated 2003).

Sandy Creek Trail — This 19-mile scenic rail-trail winds through a pristine area of Venango County, with abundant wildlife (such as bald eagles) and native vegetation. Following the trail, visitors pass through a tunnel and along several bridges, including the spectacular Belmar Bridge, which provide unobstructed views of Penns Woods, the Allegheny River, and Sandy Creek. In addition to its natural beauty, this trail allows for a variety of recreational activities, including mountain biking, hiking, ice skating, and horseback riding (designated 2004).

Schuylkill River Water Trail — This 142-mile water trail provides recreational opportunities throughout five counties along the historic Schuylkill River. It is home to many natural features including scenic vistas, waterfalls, and wetland areas. In addition to these natural features, the trail also provides recreation for people who enjoy activities like camping and kayaking. As part of the Schuylkill River National Heritage Area and Pennsylvania Heritage Corridor, this trail is an example of what can be achieved through a successful partnership (designated 2002).

Schuylkill Trail at Schuylkill Banks — Located on the east side of the Schuylkill River, this increasingly popular 1.2-mile urban trail and greenway accommodates bicyclists, runners, and in-line skaters and provides access to a section of the river that had been inaccessible for over 100 years (designated 2007).

Susquehanna River Water Trail – Middle and Lower Sections – Flowing from Sunbury to the Maryland border, this 103-mile segment offers paddlers an exciting array of experiences, from observing great blue herons to learning about the Underground Railroad (designated 2008).

We frequently add NRT information, photos and maps to these pages. Send suggestions and information requests to American Trails. Research additional NRTs in the NRT database. Update trail/contact information by sending us a completed update form (PDF format). You may also e-mail this information.

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