PA Hiking/Biking Trails

Biking the Ghost Town Trail in Western PA

Four images from a bike ride along the Ghost Town Trail in western Pennsylvania. The first image shows a cyclist riding over a wooden bridge surrounded by lush green trees. The second image features a sign for the Eliza Furnace Historic Site, with a stone furnace and informational displays in the background. The third image captures an orange bicycle parked in front of a graffiti-covered wall that reads "Ghost Town Trail" amidst dense forest. The fourth image depicts a narrow, tree-lined trail with steep rock walls, where the same orange bicycle is parked on the path.

If you’re looking for information about biking the Ghost Town Trail in western PA, you’re in the right place!

A photo taken along the Ghost Town Trail in western Pennsylvania, featuring a bright orange bike parked on a finely packed limestone path. The trail curves gently alongside a river, bordered by lush green vegetation and tall trees. The scene is illuminated by bright sunlight under a clear blue sky with a few fluffy clouds, capturing the vibrant and serene atmosphere of a sunny afternoon in May. The peacefulness of the trail invites exploration and enjoyment of the natural beauty.

The Ghost Town Trail, a rail trail which spans more than 50 miles across Indiana and Cambria counties, is an adventure rich with history and natural beauty.

A photo taken along the Ghost Town Trail in western Pennsylvania, featuring a bright orange bike parked on the side of the trail in front of a large, rocky cliff face. The rock formation is covered with lush green vegetation and trees, creating a striking natural setting. The trail itself is a finely packed limestone path that blends harmoniously with the surrounding forest.

The main stem of this scenic trail stretches 32 miles, following the path of the former Ebensburg & Black Lick Railroad.

A detailed map of the Ghost Town Trail in Indiana and Cambria counties, Pennsylvania, highlighting the trail's path from Blacklick to Ebensburg. The map shows trailheads, parking areas, and notable landmarks along the route, including small towns and historical sites. The trail is marked in orange and parallels Route 22. Key points such as Heshbon, Dilltown, Vintondale, Nanty Glo, and Revloc are indicated, along with amenities like restrooms and picnic areas. The map also illustrates the Hoodlebug Trail connection and expected extensions, providing a comprehensive guide for trail users.

Additional spurs off the main stem add nearly 20 more miles of trails to explore, and those spurs will be the subject of a future article.

A photo taken along the Ghost Town Trail in western Pennsylvania, featuring a bright orange bike parked on a finely packed limestone path that runs beneath the Route 219 overpass bridges. The trail is surrounded by lush green vegetation and wildflowers, with a clear blue sky and a few clouds overhead. The concrete bridges span across the trail, creating a striking contrast between the natural and man-made elements in the scene. The mural on one of the bridge supports adds a colorful touch to the setting.

The focus of this write-up will be on riding the 32-mile main stem of the Ghost Town Trail.

A photo of the Nanty-Glo Access Area along the Ghost Town Trail in western Pennsylvania, featuring a bright orange bike parked in front of a wooden sign. The sign indicates the trailhead and parking area, with additional signs for a stop sign and accessible parking. In the background, there are buildings, a gazebo, and landscaped greenery, creating a welcoming and well-maintained entrance to the trail. The scene is bright and clear, highlighting the accessibility and community-oriented atmosphere of the Nanty-Glo trailhead.

Directions | Hours | Rules & Regulations

There are 8 trailheads where you can hop on the main stem of the Ghost Town Trail, mapped out for you below.

Ebensburg in Cambria County is the easternmost trailhead; John P. Saylor Park in Indiana County is the westernmost trailhead.

An informational sign about the history of Ebensburg along the Ghost Town Trail in western Pennsylvania. The sign details the arrival of Rev. Rhees Lloyd and Welsh settlers in 1796, the founding of Beula, and the establishment of Ebensburg as the county seat in 1805. It also mentions Ebensburg becoming the first borough in the county to incorporate in 1825 and the formation of the Dauntless Fire Company in 1836. The background shows a clear, sunny day with a few clouds, green grass, trees, and a building nearby, providing a serene and educational stop along the trail.

The trail is open from sunrise to sunset year-round.

A photo taken along the Ghost Town Trail in western Pennsylvania, featuring a bright orange bike parked on a finely packed limestone path that winds through a lush, forested area. The trail is flanked by dense greenery and tall trees, creating a shaded, serene environment. A small stream runs alongside the path, adding to the tranquil ambiance. The scene captures the natural beauty and peacefulness of this section of the trail, inviting exploration and enjoyment of the outdoors.

E-bikes are permitted on the Ghost Town Trail, provided they meet the criteria below.

An informational sign detailing the electric bicycle regulations for the Indiana County portion of the Ghost Town Trail and Hoodlebug Trail in western Pennsylvania. The sign states that e-bikes are permitted under specific conditions, including having a motor under 750w, a maximum speed of 20 mph when powered solely by the motor, a weight limit of 100 pounds, and operable pedals. It also mentions that e-bikes must follow the same rules as traditional bicycles and that equipment with internal combustion engines is not permitted. The sign is posted by Indiana County Parks & Trails.

Of course the trail is open to traditional bikes and hikers as well, and even cross-country skiers in the winter.

A historical marker along the Ghost Town Trail in western Pennsylvania, detailing the history of Vintondale. The marker is situated next to a wooden building labeled "Eliza Station" and provides information about the town's founding, significant events, and notable figures. The trail path continues in the background, with a person walking on it, surrounded by lush green trees and foliage.

You can download free PDF versions of the trail map, broken down into sections, on the Ghost Town Trail’s OFFICIAL WEBSITE.

A photo taken along the Ghost Town Trail in western Pennsylvania, featuring a sign that reads "Trail of the Year 2020 - Ghost Town Trail." The sign is mounted on a green post beside the finely packed limestone path. The background includes lush green trees and vegetation, a small building, and a clear blue sky, highlighting the trail's picturesque and award-winning status. The scene captures the pride and recognition of the trail's excellence and beauty.

What You’ll See Along the Ghost Town Trail

Named for the long-gone coal-mining communities that once dotted its right-of-way, the Ghost Town Trail winds its way through a landscape filled with industrial remnants and natural wonders.

A photo taken along the Ghost Town Trail in western Pennsylvania, featuring a bright orange bike parked in front of a concrete wall with a colorful mural that reads "Ghost Town Trail." The mural includes a ghostly figure as part of the design, symbolizing the trail's theme. The wall is surrounded by lush green foliage and trees, creating a vibrant and natural backdrop. The scene captures the unique blend of art and nature along the trail.

As you bike along the trail, you’ll encounter two massive iron furnaces, old coal-loading tipples, coal-refuse piles, and other traces of the area’s industrial past.

A photo taken along the Ghost Town Trail in western Pennsylvania, featuring a bright orange bike parked on a gravel path. Behind the bike, there are large piles of coal spoil and blackened earth, remnants of the area's mining history. The scene is framed by lush green trees and vegetation, contrasting with the dark coal spoil. The sky is partly cloudy, adding to the vibrant and dynamic landscape.

The Blacklick Creek valley, with its mountain streams, stands of rhododendron, wildflower species, and cool woodlands, provides a picturesque backdrop for your ride.

A photo taken along the Ghost Town Trail in western Pennsylvania, showing an orange bicycle with a pink bag in its basket parked on a finely packed limestone trail. The path passes through a scenic gorge with steep, rocky walls covered in lush green vegetation and ferns. The serene and shaded area highlights the natural beauty and tranquility of the trail.

The trail is constructed of finely packed limestone dust, providing a smooth surface that is generally flat, although a few sections have up to a 3% grade.

An orange bicycle with a basket and a red bag is parked on a scenic, shaded trail along the Ghost Town Trail in western Pennsylvania. The trail is surrounded by lush green trees and vibrant wildflowers, creating a serene and picturesque environment for cycling and hiking. The dappled sunlight filtering through the trees adds to the tranquil ambiance of the forested path.

Historical markers along the way offer interpretive information about the Blacklick Valley’s intriguing history, including details about former grist mills and coal mines.

An informational sign about grist mills along the Ghost Town Trail in western Pennsylvania. The sign features a detailed diagram of a water-powered grist mill, a map indicating the locations of various grist mills along the trail, and historical context about the importance of grist mills in the Blacklick Valley. The sign explains the process of grinding grain into flour or meal, highlights the history of specific mills such as Bell's Mills, Hoskinson's Mill, McCormick Mill, Bracken's Mill, and Red Mill, and provides illustrations and descriptions of their operations. The background of the sign is a wooden surface, adding to the rustic and historical feel of the information provided.

These markers enrich the experience, allowing cyclists to pause and learn about the region’s rich industrial heritage.

An informational sign about Dilltown along the Ghost Town Trail in western Pennsylvania. The sign provides historical context about the town's founding, the establishment of the first grist mill in Indiana County, and the area's early industrial activities. In the background, there is a pavilion with picnic tables and a couple of people resting, alongside bikes parked nearby. The scene is set on a sunny day with green grass and trees providing shade, highlighting the welcoming and informative nature of the Dilltown trailhead.

One of the trail’s highlights is the Eliza Furnace in Vintondale, one of Pennsylvania’s best-preserved “hot blast” iron furnaces.

The Eliza Furnace Historic Site along the Ghost Town Trail in western Pennsylvania, featuring a prominent wooden sign with white lettering. In the background, the well-preserved stone structure of the Eliza Furnace stands amidst lush green trees and a clear blue sky. Informational plaques near the furnace provide historical context and details about the site. The scene is tranquil and educational, inviting visitors to explore the rich industrial history of the area.

This furnace, which operated from 1846 to 1849, is a unique relic of the Blacklick Valley’s early industrial era and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

A detailed view of the Eliza Furnace along the Ghost Town Trail in western Pennsylvania. The historic stone structure stands prominently against a backdrop of lush green trees and a bright blue sky. The furnace, a significant relic of the area's industrial past, is well-preserved and showcases the intricate stonework used in its construction. The scene is serene and highlights the historical significance of the Eliza Furnace within the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Further west along the trail, you’ll find the Buena Vista Furnace, an example of a “cold blast” iron furnace, adding another layer to the trail’s historical tapestry.

A photo taken along the Ghost Town Trail in western Pennsylvania, featuring the historic Buena Vista Furnace. The large stone structure stands prominently against a backdrop of dense green forest. In front of the furnace, a bright orange bike is parked on a grassy area, providing a vivid contrast to the weathered stone. The scene captures the intersection of natural beauty and industrial history along the trail.

The Ghost Town Trail derives its name from the numerous mining towns that once existed along the railroad corridor.

A wooden sign along the Ghost Town Trail in western Pennsylvania marks the Wehrum Access Area, managed by Indiana County Parks & Trails. An orange bicycle with a basket and a red bag is parked in front of the sign. The background features a road with a guardrail and lush green trees, indicating a serene and accessible entry point to the trail.

Among these ghost towns, Wehrum was the largest, once boasting 230 houses, a hotel, company store, jail, and bank.

An informational sign titled "Images of Wehrum" along the Ghost Town Trail in western Pennsylvania, featuring historical photographs and captions about the ghost town of Wehrum. The sign includes images of the Wehrum train station, company store, doctor's office, and notable residents like Warren Delano III and his young relative, Franklin D. Roosevelt. Other photos depict the town band, baseball team, and local events from the 1920s and 1930s. The background of the sign is wooden, enhancing the nostalgic and historical presentation of Wehrum's rich past.

Developed by Warren Delano, uncle of President Franklin Roosevelt, Wehrum now stands as an empty field, in silent testament to the past.

A photo taken along the Ghost Town Trail in western Pennsylvania, featuring a bright orange bike parked in front of several informational signs at the site of the former ghost town of Wehrum. The signs provide historical context and images related to the town. The scene includes a grassy field and a backdrop of lush green trees under a clear blue sky. The setting is both educational and serene, inviting visitors to learn about the history of Wehrum while enjoying the natural beauty of the trail.

Other ghost towns along the trail include Bracken, Armerford, Lackawanna #3, Scott Glenn, Webster, Beulah, and Claghorn.

An informational sign about the ghost town of Claghorn along the Ghost Town Trail in western Pennsylvania. The sign explains that Claghorn was named for Clarence Claghorn, superintendent of the Lackawanna Coal and Coke Company, and was situated across Blacklick Creek. It details the town's history, including its establishment, economic challenges, and eventual abandonment. The Vinton Colliery Company purchased Claghorn in 1916, opening six mine drifts and constructing various buildings. The sign also notes the availability of freight and passenger services on the Ebensburg & Blacklick Branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and the construction of a three-arch reinforced concrete bridge in 1917. The bridge survived several major events, including the 1977 Johnstown flood.

While few remnants of these towns remain, their stories linger in the atmosphere of the trail.

A photo taken along the Ghost Town Trail in western Pennsylvania, showcasing a historic stone arch bridge near Claghorn. The bridge spans a gently flowing river, surrounded by lush green trees and foliage. The clear blue sky with a few clouds adds to the serene and picturesque atmosphere. The bridge's arches and the natural setting create a beautiful, timeless scene that highlights the trail's blend of history and nature.

Cyclists will appreciate the well-marked mileage signs and the numerous trailheads equipped with parking facilities, restrooms, and picnic areas.

A mile marker along the Ghost Town Trail in western Pennsylvania, indicating the first mile with the number "1" on a sign. The sign also features a graphic of a ghost riding a bicycle, symbolizing the trail's theme. The marker is attached to a wooden post set against a backdrop of lush green trees and foliage, highlighting the natural beauty of the trail environment.

Benches, covered pavilions, and vault toilets can be found at regular intervals along the trail, providing convenient spots for rest and refreshment.

A photo taken along the Ghost Town Trail in western Pennsylvania, depicting a gravel trail winding through a forested area. To the right, there is a small wooden building with a sign that reads "Longtail Rest Area." The building appears to be a vault toilet, equipped with a chimney for ventilation. The surroundings are lush and green, with dense trees and foliage, providing a serene and natural environment.

The Dillweed Bed and Breakfast at the Dilltown trailhead (near the midpoint of the trail) operates a small general store where you can buy cold drinks, snacks, ice cream, and pre-made sandwiches, adding a touch of convenience and hospitality to your journey.

The Dillweed Bed and Breakfast along the Ghost Town Trail in western Pennsylvania, featuring a welcoming porch and a sign for the Trailside Shop. The building has a charming, historic look with multiple windows and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The Trailside Shop offers antiques, drinks, ice cream, and snacks, making it a convenient stop for trail users. The sky is clear with a few clouds, enhancing the picturesque and inviting scene.

The trail is mostly flat and well-maintained, making it suitable for families and bikers of all skill levels.

Cyclists ride along a wooden bridge on the Ghost Town Trail in western Pennsylvania. The bridge spans a tranquil river, with lush green trees and vegetation lining the waterway. The trail is well-maintained, with railings on both sides for safety. The sky is clear with a few wispy clouds, creating a peaceful and scenic environment for biking.

The lush scenery and historical sites offer ample opportunities for photography, wildlife spotting, and simply soaking in the beauty of the surroundings.

A photo taken along the Ghost Town Trail in western Pennsylvania, showing a deer standing near the edge of a finely packed limestone path. The deer is surrounded by lush green vegetation and trees, blending naturally into the serene forest setting. The path curves gently, framed by wildflowers and grass, adding to the peaceful and picturesque atmosphere of the trail.

Designated by the U.S. National Park Service as a National Recreation Trail, the Ghost Town Trail offers a rewarding adventure that combines physical activity with a profound sense of history.

A photo taken along the Ghost Town Trail in western Pennsylvania, showing a bright orange bike parked on a wooden bridge that spans Blacklick Creek. The bridge has metal railings and provides a scenic view of the lush green forest and creek below. The trail ahead is framed by dense trees, creating a picturesque and serene atmosphere. The sky is partly cloudy, adding depth to the natural landscape.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor from afar, biking the Ghost Town Trail is a memorable experience.

A photo taken along the Ghost Town Trail in western Pennsylvania, showing a bright orange bike parked on a wooden bridge with railings on both sides. The bridge spans a clear, gently flowing river surrounded by lush green trees and vegetation. The trail ahead continues through a serene, forested landscape under a bright, blue sky with a few scattered clouds. The scene is peaceful and inviting, highlighting the natural beauty of the trail.

The scenery along the trail is exceptional, and roughly 75% (my guesstimate) of the trail is under the canopy of trees in the summer, meaning you stay cooler than you would riding out in the open.

An orange bicycle with a basket and a red bag is parked on a shaded, forested section of the Ghost Town Trail in western Pennsylvania. The trail is surrounded by tall, dense trees and lush green ferns, creating a peaceful and inviting atmosphere for cycling and hiking. The sunlight filters through the tree canopy, casting dappled light and shadows on the trail.

So, dust off your bike, pack your essentials, and set out to explore the Ghost Town Trail in western PA.

A photo taken along the Ghost Town Trail in western Pennsylvania, featuring a bright orange bike parked on a wooden bridge overlooking a river. The bridge has metal railings and offers a scenic view of the waterway surrounded by lush green trees and vegetation. The sky above is clear with a few white clouds, adding to the serene and picturesque setting.

The ride will invigorate your body and enrich your mind with the captivating tales of Pennsylvania’s storied industrial past.

A photo taken along the Ghost Town Trail in western Pennsylvania, showing a memorial mural depicting coal miners. The mural is framed by a wooden structure and features a black-and-white image of a group of miners wearing their work clothes and helmets with lights. The background of the mural blends with the surrounding greenery, creating a poignant tribute to the area's mining history.

Nearby Attractions

Nestled in the picturesque hills of Indiana County, Yellow Creek State Park beckons with its 2,981 acres of pristine beauty and endless outdoor recreation.

This collage contains four images from Yellow Creek State Park in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. The top left photo shows a wooden dock with a bench overlooking the reflective waters of a lake surrounded by autumn-colored trees. The top right photo depicts an open grassy area with red autumn trees and a view of the lake in the distance. The bottom left image features the park's brown entrance sign with white lettering, set against a backdrop of greenery and fall foliage. The bottom right photo shows a sandy beach area with a picnic table, the lake, and forested hills in the background under a cloudy sky. — Scenes from Yellow Creek State Park.

Buttermilk Falls in Indiana County is part of a county-owned park that was once the childhood playground of Fred Rogers, AKA Mister Rogers of children’s television fame.

View of Buttermilk Falls in Indiana County from the top of the stairs.

A modern series of stairs and walkways means that today you can safely stand BEHIND those same Buttermilk Falls that Fred Rogers explored as a child.

View from behind Buttermilk Falls in Indiana County.

The Jimmy Stewart Museum in Indiana County preserves the legacy of Indiana, Pennsylvania’s favorite son – actor Jimmy Stewart.

Entrance to the Jimmy Stewart Museum on Philadelphia Street in downtown Indiana PA. — Entrance to the Jimmy Stewart Museum on Philadelphia Street in Indiana.

The Johnstown Flood National Memorial honors the more than 2,200 lives lost and the thousands more injured in the Johnstown Flood of May 31, 1889.

Johnstown Flood National Memorial sign near the visitor center.

The Staple Bend Tunnel in Cambria County has the distinction of being the first railroad tunnel built in the United States!

Exploring the Staple Bend Tunnel in Cambria County Pennsylvania.

Constructed as part of the Allegheny Portage Railroad (between the top of Incline 1 and the bottom of Incline 2 near Johnstown), the Staple Bend Tunnel is now operated as part of a rail trail by the National Park Service.

Staple Bend Tunnel National Park Service sign.

Find even more great spots to explore all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!

Did you enjoy this article?

If so, be sure to like and follow PA Bucket List on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Pinterest to learn more about the best things to see and do in Pennsylvania!

Click on any of the icons below to get connected to PA Bucket List on social media.