These are all trips taken since my daughter was old enough to ride a trail-a-bike, in December 2009. This is a beautiful trail with everything one could want in a trail, including some rest area, restaurants in Nanty Glo, not to mention beautiful scenery. Once the sun gets high, watch out for the occasional snake sunning itself on the warm pathway. Join TrailLink (a non-profit) to view more than 30,000 miles of trail maps and more! The trail was originally established in 1991 when the Kovalchick Salvage Company donated 16 miles of the former Ebensburg & Black Lick Railroad to Indiana County. As stated by others, I saw lots if wildlife on/near the trail and every person I met was beyond friendly! This time I rode 50 miles or so by starting in Dilltown and heading to the terminus of both legs of the trail to the east. Our only complaint (and really just a warning) the section of trail near Nanty Glo and Ebensburg was a steep grade. The trail itself is in very nice condition, with trailhead parking in Nanty Glo and Dilltown, and restroom facilities in Vintondale. The first part of the memorial that you see is next to the trail. It's uphill out of Vintondale. I know about the fascinating history of these ghost towns and tried to visualize what life must have been like during that era. I started at Dilltown headed to Blacklick and when I arrived at Saylor Park I was surprised to see signs for the Hoddlebug trail. Both new sections are very nicely done, especially the section between Ebensburg and Nanty Glo...they put up mileage markers on this section along with an historical sign about the town of Beulah at the Beulah Road bridge about 3 miles West of Ebensburg. The trail was only a bit damp. It is also neat to see the Eliza furnace and remains of the buena vista furnace. Our 2014 ride on the Ghost Town Trail marked the 20 year anniversary and our 11th ride together. The damage is not going away soon, folks. ", "While riding the Ghost Town Trail last week on June 25, 2003, I was pleasantly suprised at the beauty of the trail and Blacklick Creek, and I was very impressed with the trailhead in Dilltown. Here there is a park restroom facility, picnic pavillion and basketball court. Approximately 48 miles round trip. The stretch from Black Lick to Dilltown is mostly a rural environment and for the most part runs along Black Lick Creek. The stream that runs along the trail is beautiful too and adds to the experience. Midway along the 36-mile Ghost Town multi-use trail, near Dilltown, PA, you'll find several old iron furnaces in varying states of falling down. Todays ride was the last section of the trail for us to ride. Photo by:jimhopf Ghost Town Trail. It was mostly through wooded areas, but passed a few homes to the West. your own Pins on Pinterest Loved it and will definitely go back to continue the great ride. Very nicely constructed. The only problem we experienced was the slight grade on the way back to Dilltown. We started off riding the spur trail that heads due north up to rt.422. Saw a baby snake as the trail surface was probably warming up fast in the sun. The trail offers a lot of history including several ghost towns, hence the name, Ghost Town Trail. If you are riding with your older brother, I suggest you beware of people jumping out from behind trees and shouting "Boo!" Feb 24, 2012 - This Pin was discovered by Stephanie Clark. Beautiful bridges to cross and biking along the stream make this a great place to bike for people of all ages. Just for example, one vivid memory is the sign that says that there are 300 different sources of coal mining pollution that are dumping into Blacklick Creek and its drainage. As of September 2009, the bridges have been installed in the Dilltown area which makes the trail complete between Ebensburg and Blacklick. We regret to inform you that the Run for the Trial 7K Run and 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk, scheduled for August 8th, has been cancelled. This is another great trail. The trail has moderate inclines depending on which way to way. In 3.1 miles turn right onto Expedite Road, and go 1.6 miles. As a side note, I lost a perfectly good cell phone in the porta potty. Went from Black Lick to Nanty-Glo. At Sawyer Park in Blacklick I came across another rider who was heading toward Heshbon so I rode with him and discovered that he rides the 24 miles almost daily. It was not reassuring to read "Black Lick Creek's radioactive sediment, while above acceptable levels, posed no immediate threat to people passing by." I don’t know much about the Indiana and Blacklick Railroad that once steamed over this now walking and bicycling trail, but the Rails-to-Trails-Conservancy or a local heritage association can furnish that information. 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