PA Hiking/Biking Trails

Riding the Lower Trail in Blair and Huntingdon Counties

A collage showcasing scenes along the Lower Trail in Pennsylvania, featuring a bright orange e-bike. The top left image shows the bike under a concrete bridge, highlighting the contrast between nature and infrastructure. The top right image captures the bike resting on a wide wooden bridge, surrounded by trees and scattered autumn leaves. The bottom left photo provides a scenic view of the Frankstown Branch of the Juniata River with the bike leaning on a rail bridge, framed by colorful fall foliage. The bottom right image shows the bike beside a Rails to Trails information board, marking the entrance to the Lower Trail.

If you’re looking for information about riding the Lower Trail in Blair and Huntingdon counties, you’re in the right place!

A peaceful stretch of the Lower Trail rail trail in Pennsylvania, with a rolled crushed limestone surface, meanders through a dense, green forest. An orange bicycle with a basket is parked beside the trail, surrounded by fallen autumn leaves. The scene captures the quiet beauty of the wooded path under a bright blue sky, inviting riders to explore this historic trail that once served as a canal towpath and later a railroad route.

The Lower Trail is a scenic 16.5-mile rail trail in central Pennsylvania, following the path of the historic Pennsylvania Main Line Canal and the Petersburg Branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad along the Frankstown Branch of the Juniata River.

An arched bridge over Piney Creek along the Lower Trail rail trail in Pennsylvania features wooden railings and a sign indicating a 5-ton weight limit. An orange bicycle is parked near the entrance, with the bridge extending over a scenic, tree-lined creek adorned with vibrant autumn colors. The trail curves gently across the bridge, surrounded by a beautiful mix of fall foliage and blue sky, creating an inviting pathway for cyclists and hikers exploring the historic route.

The trail runs from Flowing Spring Station near Canoe Creek State Park in Blair County to Alfarata Station near Alexandria in Huntingdon County.

A map of the Lower Trail in central Pennsylvania, spanning 16.5 miles between Flowing Spring Station near Canoe Creek State Park and Alfarata Station near Alexandria. The trail, indicated by a green line, follows the Frankstown Branch of the Juniata River and is marked with multiple stations, including Grannas Station, Mount Etna Station, and Cove Dale Station. Key features like Route 22, state roads, county/local roads, and the Juniata River are shown, along with icons for trail amenities such as parking, pavilions, shelters, benches, and restrooms. The map encourages respect for the trail and highlights the scenic and recreational offerings available year-round.

Directions & Trail Rules

The trail’s six trailheads, called “Stations,” recall the days when trains stopped here to pick up passengers and cargo.

The trail is open from dawn until dusk year-round.

A sign along the Lower Trail rail trail in Pennsylvania outlines the trail’s access policy for safety and mobility devices. Dated February 8, 2022, the sign specifies rules regarding hours (open from dawn to dusk), speed limits (15 mph), and conditions for trail use, including recommendations to travel single file and yield to others when passing. It also allows wheelchair use and sets specific regulations for e-bikes, limiting them to 750 watts or less and a maximum speed of 15 mph. The policy is enforced by the PA Game Commission, ensuring a safe and accessible environment for all visitors on this historic trail.

The trail’s name, which rhymes with “flower,” honors the memory of the wife and son of T. Dean Lower, a major benefactor of this project.

The Alfarata Trailhead on the Lower Trail rail trail in Pennsylvania features a wooden kiosk with various signs, including one designating the area as an "Important Bird Area." Surrounded by rustic fencing and a path that leads into a tree-lined corridor, the trailhead invites visitors into the serene, wooded landscape.

Thanks to the efforts of Rails to Trails of Central Pennsylvania, the Lower Trail offers year-round opportunities for hiking, biking, and even cross-country skiing during winter months.

An informational sign along the Lower Trail rail trail in Pennsylvania, labeled "The Lower Trail - Rails to Trails of Central PA," stands in a grassy area bordered by trees. The sign features a large display board, though currently empty, likely used for trail information or announcements. An orange bicycle with a basket rests nearby, ready for a ride along this scenic, historic path. The surrounding greenery and dappled sunlight add to the inviting atmosphere of this stop along the trail.

What You’ll See Along the Lower Trail

Historically, much of the Lower Trail was part of the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal towpath, a crucial transportation route in the 1800s.

A historical sign along the Lower Trail rail trail in Pennsylvania provides information on the construction and operation of the Pennsylvania Canal System. It explains that work on the Juniata Division of the canal began on July 4, 1826, following the Juniata River westward from the Susquehanna at Duncan's Island to Hollidaysburg, a distance of 127 miles. The sign notes that operation of this canal section commenced on November 27, 1832, with the launch of the packet boat "John Blair." Behind the sign, the surrounding trees and glimpses of water highlight the trail's natural beauty, interwoven with its historical significance.

Today, visitors can spot remnants of the canal era, such as stone locks and the foundations of lock tenders’ houses, as they travel along the trail.

Ruins of a stone canal lock along the Lower Trail rail trail in Pennsylvania show rugged stone walls partially obscured by foliage, evidence of the area's historic role in the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal system of the mid-1800s. The stonework, weathered over time, is nestled among trees and plants, blending into the natural surroundings. Fallen leaves cover the ground, highlighting the seasonal beauty of this abandoned engineering relic in the tranquil forest setting.

The Lower Trail is mostly flat, with only a slight incline noticeable along the crushed limestone surface when riding from east to west, making it accessible for riders of all skill levels.

A scenic view along the Lower Trail rail trail in Pennsylvania showcases a narrow, crushed limestone path bordered by lush greenery and autumn trees beginning to change colors. An orange bicycle with a basket is parked on the trail, surrounded by patches of sunlight filtering through the canopy. The peaceful, wooded setting and gentle curve of the path invite exploration on this historic route once used as a canal towpath and later as a railroad line.

Along the way, riders cross several bridges over the Frankstown Branch of the Juniata River, enjoying views of the water and surrounding forest.

An orange bicycle is parked on a long wooden bridge crossing over the Frankstown Branch of the Juniata River along the Lower Trail rail trail in Pennsylvania. The bridge, bordered by sturdy wooden railings, stretches through a scenic corridor of trees adorned with vibrant autumn leaves. Sunlight filters through the branches, casting dappled shadows across the bridge deck, enhancing the peaceful ambiance of this picturesque setting. The clear blue sky and the lush, colorful foliage create a welcoming atmosphere for trail visitors exploring the historic path.

There’s even a charming covered bridge that crosses a mill stream, adding a nostalgic touch to the journey.

A rustic covered bridge stands along the Lower Trail rail trail in Pennsylvania, framed by wooden fencing and surrounded by autumn foliage. A bright orange bicycle with a basket is parked near the entrance of the bridge, adding a pop of color against the earthy tones of fallen leaves scattered across the ground. A wooden bench nearby invites trail users to pause and enjoy the serene, wooded landscape in this peaceful spot along the historic trail.

The nearby Juniata River Water Trail offers opportunities for paddlers, making this area a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

A tranquil view of the Frankstown Branch of the Juniata River along the Lower Trail rail trail in Pennsylvania, surrounded by trees showcasing vibrant autumn foliage. The calm river reflects the blue sky and colorful leaves, while a gentle slope of rocks and foliage lines the riverbank. This peaceful scene captures the natural beauty of the historic trail, where the river winds through a lush, forested landscape.

In addition to the historical canal features, riders pass through the Mt. Etna area, once home to an iron furnace and a thriving industrial community.

An abandoned, two-story concrete structure stands amid dense trees and foliage along the Lower Trail rail trail in Pennsylvania. The building, weathered and windowless, hints at a bygone era, blending with the autumnal woods under a clear blue sky.

Concrete remnants from old stone quarries and rock crushers give a glimpse into the region’s industrial past.

The interior of an abandoned structure along the Lower Trail rail trail in Pennsylvania features a worn, narrow staircase covered with dried leaves, leading up to crumbling walls that reveal missing windows. Sunlight streams through the empty frames, illuminating the peeling paint and cracked concrete surfaces. The exposed interior, surrounded by trees and visible blue sky, highlights the passage of time and nature’s reclaiming of this forgotten building, evoking a sense of history within the trail's wooded landscape.

One of the highlights of the Lower Trail is its tranquil, wooded setting, which feels a world away from urban life.

A tranquil river view along the Lower Trail rail trail in Pennsylvania showcases the calm waters gently reflecting the surrounding trees in their early autumn colors. Tall trees arch over the river, creating a natural canopy with dappled sunlight illuminating the lush greenery along the riverbanks. Fallen logs and rocks add to the rustic beauty of the scene, capturing the peaceful essence of this historic trail as it winds through the scenic landscape.

The trail is shaded by trees, making it especially pleasant during hot summer days.

A peaceful stretch of the Lower Trail rail trail in Pennsylvania is marked by a white milepost labeled "7," standing beside an orange bicycle with a basket. The trail, covered in a mix of grass and fallen leaves, winds through a forested area illuminated by warm autumn sunlight. Trees line the path, their foliage showcasing the colors of fall, creating a serene, inviting scene for cyclists and hikers exploring this historic trail.

In the fall, the leaves burst into vibrant colors, creating a stunning backdrop for a ride or walk.

A picturesque farm scene along the Lower Trail rail trail in Pennsylvania features large barns, silos, and a farmhouse set against the backdrop of a forested hillside adorned with autumn colors. The vibrant green field in the foreground contrasts with the golden hues of the distant trees, highlighting the beauty of fall in this rural landscape. The clear blue sky adds to the serene atmosphere, making this a quintessential view of Pennsylvania's countryside in autumn.

Birdwatchers also flock to the trail, as it’s a prime spot for observing local wildlife, especially along the river.

A serene view of a river along the Lower Trail rail trail in Pennsylvania captures the calm flow of water meandering around a small, rocky island. Trees with golden autumn foliage line the riverbanks, their reflections mirrored on the water’s surface. The clear blue sky and dappled sunlight filtering through the branches create a picturesque fall scene, enhancing the peaceful ambiance of this historic trail setting.

The Lower Trail’s careful design ensures minimal road crossings, enhancing its quiet, rural atmosphere.

A rustic, wood-paneled building with a red metal roof stands at the Grannas Station trailhead along the Lower Trail rail trail in Pennsylvania. The building, surrounded by mature trees and greenery, has a small porch and is adjacent to signs indicating "No Outlet" and "JCT." Yellow bollards and wooden fencing mark the entrance to the trail, creating a welcoming entry point for visitors. The scene captures a blend of historical charm and natural beauty along this tranquil section of the trail.

Bikers can stop along the way at picnic areas or benches, making it easy to take in the sights and enjoy a leisurely pace.

A shaded picnic area with two rustic pavilions stands along the Lower Trail rail trail in Pennsylvania, providing a peaceful rest stop for visitors. Each pavilion shelters picnic tables beneath red metal roofs, surrounded by tall trees displaying vibrant fall foliage. The trail, lined with fallen leaves, winds through the wooded landscape nearby, creating an inviting scene for hikers and cyclists to pause and enjoy the natural beauty of the historic path.

Williamsburg, a small town along the route, offers a place to grab refreshments or explore local history before continuing on.

A military tribute along the Lower Trail rail trail in Pennsylvania features a mounted tank on a concrete platform, surrounded by a low rope fence and flagpoles. The tank, painted green with a white star emblem, stands as a memorial amidst a backdrop of autumn foliage. An orange bicycle with a basket is parked nearby on the grassy area in front of a stone plaque, adding a pop of color to the scene. This tribute honors military history and adds a unique point of interest for trail visitors exploring the historic route.

Final Thoughts

The Lower Trail provides a spectacular setting for an enjoyable journey through Pennsylvania’s natural beauty and industrial heritage.

An old railroad bridge along the Lower Trail rail trail in Pennsylvania crosses over a gently flowing river surrounded by trees adorned in vibrant autumn foliage. The bridge, with rusty metal railings and a smooth concrete path, leads into the scenic, tree-lined trail ahead. The clear blue sky and reflections on the water below enhance the peaceful, picturesque setting, inviting trail users to pause and enjoy the historic charm and natural beauty of the surroundings.

Whether you’re biking the full 16.5 miles or enjoying a short stroll, the trail offers an escape into the past, where nature has reclaimed a once-bustling canal and railway corridor.

A peaceful scene along the Lower Trail rail trail in Pennsylvania shows an orange bicycle parked beside a bench and a white mile marker labeled "250." The trail, covered in fallen autumn leaves, curves gently through a dense canopy of trees displaying vibrant fall colors. The crushed limestone surface of the trail and the quiet, wooded surroundings create a serene atmosphere for cyclists and hikers exploring this historic path that once served as a canal towpath and later a railroad route.

For more information, please visit the Lower Trail’s OFFICIAL WEBSITE.

An orange bicycle is parked beneath the Route 22 bridge along the Lower Trail rail trail in Pennsylvania. The massive concrete structure with arched openings spans over the trail, creating a unique architectural contrast against the natural surroundings. The trail, with its rolled crushed limestone surface, continues under the bridge and into the greenery beyond, inviting cyclists and hikers to explore further along this scenic and historic route. Sunlight filters through the trees, casting soft shadows beneath the bridge and enhancing the quiet ambiance of the area.

Nearby Attractions

18 Must-See Attractions in Blair County is your guide to some of the best things to see and do near the western end of the Lower Trail.

A collage of four images highlighting the must-see attractions in Blair County, Pennsylvania. The top left photo features a historic steam train with plumes of white smoke, and an engineer standing by. The top right shows a serene lake with clear reflections of autumn-tinted trees and fluffy clouds. In the bottom left, a group of reenactors in colonial military uniforms stands in formation at a fort. The bottom right picture displays the colorful and inviting entrance to DelGrosso's Amusement Park, complete with the American and park flags fluttering in the breeze.

24 Must-See Attractions in Huntingdon County is your guide to some of the best things to see and do near the eastern end of the Lower Trail.

The best things to see and do in Huntingdon County PA.

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

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