2025 Visit Johnstown Visitors Guide - Flipbook - Page 11
THE GHOST TOWN TRAIL
Staple Bend Tunnel
PENNSYLVANIA’S 2020 TRAIL OF THE YEAR!
A National Recreation Trail. Also named
one of the “Best Hiking Trails in the U.S.”
by the editors of American Towns Media.
Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority,
cambriaconservationrecreation.com
Natural beauty, fascinating historical
features, and length: The Ghost Town
Trail is a 51-mile long ‘rails to trails’ trail
that blends these qualities and throws
in a bit of challenge for flavor. Named for
the long-gone coal-mining communities
that once dotted its right-of-way, the GTT
flows past two massive iron furnaces,
old coal-loading tipples, and other
traces of industrial history. The Blacklick
Creek valley in which it is situated is
gorgeous, with mountain streams,
stands of rhododendron, dozens of
wildflower species, and cool woodlands.
The packed limestone paving provides
an ideal surface for non-motorized
activities. The trail includes the 32-mile
main stem portion from Blacklick, PA
to Ebensburg, PA; the 17-mile C and I
Extension that includes the 4-mile Rexis
Branch from Vintondale to White Mill; the
8-mile Stritty’s Way from the Rexis Branch
near the Rt. 422 underpass to North St.
in Cardiff; the 5-mile extension from
Ebensburg to Springfield Road in Nanty
Glo. A 2-mile mixed surface connection
from the C & I to Duman Lake County
Park gives trail visitors access to amenities
such as picnicking, fishing, camping, and
much more. Bicycle rentals and crosscountry ski rentals are available at the
Ebensburg trailhead at the Young Peoples
Community Center to accommodate trail
use year-round.
JIM MAYER RIVERSWALK TRAIL
Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority
cambriaconservationrecreation.com
A National Recreation Trail named for
a local conservationist; the trail is a
delightful 3.1-mile (5k) urban trail on
the east end of the City of Johnstown.
Following the Stonycreek River, the
trail begins in the neighborhood of
Riverside on Michigan Ave. and ends
in the Hornerstown neighborhood on
Messenger St., near Sandyvale Memorial
Gardens & Conservancy. This trail offers
beautiful views of the river, abundant
birdlife and wildflowers, picturesque
Buttermilk Falls and serenity within an
urban setting. One of its best features is
the 50-foot Buttermilk Falls, located about
0.7 miles from the Riverside trailhead. The
Riverswalk is nearly level, and its surface
is groomed and easily ridden or walked.
HONAN AVENUE
HIKING AND BIKING TRAIL
Honan Ave., Johnstown, PA 15906
6.6 mile out-and-back trail on an old
roadbed with moderate vehicle traffic,
located near Johnstown. Good for all
skill levels. The trail offers a number of
activity options and is best used from
March until November. Dogs and horses
permitted. The trail starts off the River
Walk trail in Cambria City, Johnstown,
then heads north on Honan Ave. View a
huge active beaver dam, small waterfalls
and the stunningly beautiful Hinckston
Falls at the end of the trail.
