Montour Trail is a 4.4 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Clairton, Pennsylvania that offers the chance to see wildlife. For the Montour Trail section of your ride, you can use our campsites. - See 102 traveler reviews, 32 candid photos, and great deals for Bethel Park, PA, at Tripadvisor. The trail section we were on was very flat, making it an easy bike run. Great place to run as opposed to the streets of West Mifflin. National tunnel has a curve in it and at 600ft long it really is the best. The grade is mild and the trail is smooth and well-groomed. 03/26/2014 at 7:37am # It is a traffic nightmare near the village. I just did my 3rd annual trip from Bethel Park to the Coraopolis end yesterday. When coal mines closed over the years, the railroad found itself in a difficult position and was finally forced to shut down during the mid-1980s. This is part of a trail ride series sponsored by the Ohio River Trail Council (ORTC) intended to bring awareness to the wonderful trails in our quad-state region (Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia). The Arrowhead Trail is a very enjoyable part of the Montour Trail. Great place to walk, bike, run, etc. Parked in the lot across from St Vladimir Cemetery which I kind of want to check-out next time I come here - well if I come. I can’t believe this trail goes right through my town! The trail is also part of the Industrial Heartland Trails Coalition’s developing 1,500-mile trail network through Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and New York. We saw many bikers along the way. Those wanting to take a guided group tour of both the Montour Trail and the GAP can register online for the trip, which will take place this June 21-26. (You can go from the new Venice section to the Cecil one with a short ride on PA Route 50, but BE CAREFUL -- it's a busy road. There are two (2) road crossings that require you to walk down/up embankments but definitely well worth the effort. Travel uphill about 150 yds to the trail entrance (and parking area) on the left side of the road. We started near Washington Pa and enjoyed the quality of the trail. Check out the map here, which also includes links to the trail heads along the route. We had road bikes and were fine with these. There are many users on this trail in the morning into the afternoon. I live in West Newton so I am familiar with bike trails. Until then, you must travel on-road at several points along the way. Very close to the airport so when we got to DC we rented a car and returned it to the airport. Great riding surface with large parts paved in Peters and many new bridges. As I said earlier the trail was nice and enjoyed the scenery, just did not care for the road and detours because of trail construction. This trail can get very busy, especially around noon. Great bridges and trestles and a few tunnels. Another two-mile paved section runs through Clairton. The first 11 miles are slightly uphill, enough to make it suck. Although there are no potholes, there are a few cracks, and this trail probably could use a new paving job soon. All rest was off road. If you went this far, you'll have tu turn back about 4/10 of a mile to take a short on-road bypass to connect to the Cecil section of the trail. I enjoy the walk across the bridge over Clifton Road where you can also hook up to start your trek. Nearly 1000 feet in length and 70 feet high, it cost $470,000 to referbish with a smooth concrete deck. The inter-trail connection there is pretty long. All cyclists are welcome for this rails-to-trails, moderate-paced ride! Check or FAQs for more common login questions. One caveat: the trail gets rough in a few places west of Imperial, so your tires and backside may suffer. The trail is part of a 204-mile rails to trails project between Pittsburgh and Cumberland, Maryland that makes up part of a 400- The ride was great with shade over 75% of this portion of the trail. With a length of 55 miles, there’s a lot to love on western Pennsylvania’s Montour Trail. You’ll continue on this wide, asphalt roadway about 3 miles to another gate near a residential area on McCaslin Road. The roads are not well marked out there. Well, not quite. You see the signs disappear at both the aforementioned so do your homework before setting out if you are a first-timer. There are a number of good places to stop and get a bite to eat and lovely horse pastures along the way. We stopped at the old train station and talked to two old ladies there who were very interesting and gave of lots of information. Turn right onto Pleasant Street, and then turn left onto Brownsville and Library Road. We found one water fountain along the trail that was turned off. We packed up the car and moved down to the next parking lot that gave us the longest ride without going the the Library trailhead. Stayed at a hotel on Neville Island so that I could be close to the trailhead at Coraopolis. A highlight of the trip includes the Enlow Tunnel in Findlay Township, about 7.2 miles along the trail. On the other (east) side of the tunnel is another bridge, which crosses over a railroad. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. McDonald is a fun, small town. I feel compelled to give a review. We had trouble finding the trailhead - we drove out to the airport and then tried to find it, but we got lost a few times. Shared By: Kevin Ketchman. Panhandle Trail- the Montour Trail crosses over the Panhandle Trail on the McDonald Trestle. Just past Hendersonville, you’ll cross a two-for-one attraction, the Chartiers Creek High Bridge—offering some of the prettiest vistas on the trail—and the adjacent 235-foot-long Greer Tunnel, both built in the early 1900s. And I agree with Steevo about the Panhandle itself. We spent the next five days exploring Pittsburgh and the surrounding bike trails. Traditional pizza (handmade dough, homemade sauce), specialty pizzas (try the pierogie pizza yunz Pittsburgers! The Official Publication of the Montour Trail Council Inside this issue: Piney Fork Road Project 1 The Prez Sez 2 Friends Groups 3 Annual Meeting. Show more Show less. It’s a long process, but it does work, so long as there’s somebody to drive it forward. Montour Trail 21 or 29-Mile Bike Ride. Once on the trail, it was smooth sailing. It's well-maintained and has markings to alert you to how far you have traveled along the trail. The tunnels are a treat and an exciting ride through old Pennsylvania rail space! Montour Trail is a 36 mile moderately popular paved path trail located near Rennerdale Pennsylvania. Montour Trail: Walk Walk Walk - See 102 traveler reviews, 32 candid photos, and great deals for Bethel Park, PA, at Tripadvisor. As of August 2008, the entire trail … The Montour Trail just opened a 600-foot long and 70-foot high trestle near McDonald that links the Coraopolis section to a new 5-mile or so section that runs all the way to Venice -- and then (with the future addition of a bridge across PA 50) via Cecil Township and a tunnel to Chartiers Creek near Canonsburg. The Montour Trail is a multi-use, non-motorized recreational pathway around Pittsburgh, the country’s longest suburban rail-trail. Great trail with very few hard climbs. Connecting trails. 08/26/2011 at 6:15pm # To add to what Steevo said one of my favorite rides is from Montour Run Rd to Walkers Mill. When construction is complete the trail will be twelve miles long and extending from the Village of Watkins Glen to Horseheads. Follow route 50 about 7 miles to the 50/980 intersection in the town of Venice. All Trails/Kay Trent. Some people going the opposite way walk side by side, oblivious to anything but their trite conversation. There are signs saying it was was the trail of the year for 2017. To reach the endpoint at Pittsburgh International Airport from downtown Pittsburgh, take I-376 W (follow signs to the airport). The Montour Trail Council is an all-volunteer organization founded in 1989 to convert the abandoned Montour Railroad right of way and the abandoned Peters Creek Branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad into a 55 mile recreational trail for non-motorized activity regardless of … Other areas are much sparser with regards to facilities. Panhandle Trail: The Montour Trail crosses over the Panhandle Trail on the McDonald Trestle. Two short but neat tunnels and lots of bridges, large and small. Swalfoort. The Montour trail is a beautiful trail. While the trail was nice the detours on the road was not what we expected. For those who want to see all of the Montour Trail, you may need to pack your bags and plan for an extended journey, as this 40-mile trail connects to the roughly 300-mile Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Trails which connects Pittsburgh to Washington DC! To take this spur, turn right onto Enlow Road. This is a very good use of the land in the area. Continue on the shared roadway, and then turn right onto the striped shoulder of the moderately busy Clinton Road. Foliage during this FALL was outstanding to say the least! 03/28/2018 at 12:21pm # I thought I had responded to this already. The Montour Trail is the longest suburban rail trail in the country, which will ultimately run from Coraopolis to Clairton, PA, and connect other nearby trails.. The trail is 17.7 miles long with 14.7 miles in Monongalia County and the remaining 3 miles in Marion County. Overall great ride. The Montour Trail is a multi-use recreational rail trail near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Although you’ve only completed a third of the trail’s distance, the town was the railroad’s halfway point between Pittsburgh and Steubenville, Ohio. It has a mostly crushed limestone with partially asphalt surface, appropriate for bicycling, walking, running, and cross-country skiing. Also, you get the standard variety of trail users, from the slow walker to the fast runner & speedy cyclist, so one must constantly be on the lookout ahead & from behind. Montour Trail. Crushed limestone rail-trail. There is a slight, but steady, uphill grade from about Mile 8-11, which I considered to be a nice challenge without being too taxing. We started at milepost 6 at the Cliff Mine parking area and went out and back to milestone 25 (national tunnel) on a warm day (88 Deg F). We are new to the biking world and really unsure what to expect when we started out today, but all in all it was a great experience! I have been on this trail several times and enjoy the diversity of the surroundings. When construction is complete the trail will be twelve miles long and extending from the Village of Watkins Glen to Horseheads. As you get up the other end of the trail it becomes more desolate and peaceful. | Photo by Paul McKeown, courtesy Montour Trail Council. part so easy to navigate. Beautiful trail. At 10.6 miles, you’ll reach Midway. The vistas sucked, lots of driving through semi industrial and then small towns, not a lot to see that was exceptional. Dogs are also able to use this trail. The last unfinished section between Joffre and Burgettstown was finished in August 2008 and the trail is now complete. The other is that about one mile into the trail, the pavement starts to ripple, making the ride a bit bumpy for both bikers and bladers. Starting from Clairton and finishing in Coroapolis it was, on the whole, a fantastic experience. Full Details. I rode the trail from Mile Marker 0 to 16. Hopefully the Trail people read this and fix these areas in a timely manner. Total trip was 74 miles! The last unfinished section between Joffre and Burgettstown was finished in August 2008 and the trail … However, it was the 4th tunnel bored on the Montour main line. It is well-maintained and a joy to ride on all sections of the trail system.The people who volunteer and maintain this system should be commended for their fine work.It is a can't miss trail system. people here today, and I'm not down with that at all you know with everything going on. This is definitely a "JEWEL" to be experienced first hand. Looks like the trail is about 10 feet wide so there's enough distance to safely social distance. Regular water stops and trail maps every five miles and pocket maps available at the trail and online. A good ride. Date of experience: November 2016. Montour Trail. I always do and walk in the grass if there's space; I'm all geeked-out about all this. Go 0.1 mile, and look for parking on the right. Your donation will help us to continue connecting more people to trails around the country. There any many locations for parking along the trail. Montour Trail is a 36.1 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near South Park, Pennsylvania that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. Whatever you’re looking for in a trail, it’s here: dozens of picturesque bridges (though the nearly 1,000-foot-long McDonald Viaduct steals the show), three railroad tunnels that beckon cool and inviting in the summer, remote woodlands and rolling farmlands, welcoming small towns and big-city connections. You can turn onto the Montour Trail at a nearly mile-long side trail that connects the two about 0.4 mile ahead. Dogs are also able to use this trail. ", "While in the area on vacation from Florida my wife and I rode this trail. External links modified (January 2018) Hello fellow Wikipedians, I have just modified 2 external links on Montour Trail.Please take a moment to review my edit.If you have any questions, or need the bot to ignore the links, or the page altogether, please visit this simple FaQ for additional information. To reach the western trailhead in Clairton from I-70, take Exit 27 toward Dunningsville. Both the trail and the railroad are named for the creek that runs alongside them; you’ll follow the waterway for the trail’s first 7.8 miles beginning in Coraopolis. And if there are any problems you're always close to a community -- it's a big half-circle around the western Allegheny and Washington County communities. The trail is somewhat bumpy and I got a flat on this trip. Cutting acroos the Montour Trail is the Panhandle Trail from Rennerdale to Primrose and, when complete, to Weirton. Montour Trail - Enlow to Boggs is a 7.2 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Coraopolis, Pennsylvania that features a great forest setting and is good for all skill levels. The trail is wide enough for 2 to pass each other comfortably, but not wide enough to accompany 2-abreast, which you will encounter by surprise from time to time if you're not paying attention. Montour Trail – Arrowhead Trail, McMurray, PA 15317, USA . You can rent a bike, get refreshments and they also have bike parts if you run into trouble. Although there was an area under temporary constuction the trail is well maintained, thanks to people like Budd Halpin and his wife. It also benefited from having interchanges with most of the region’s notable railroads. Connected to the Panhandle and was into WVa in no time! I walked to the right of the trail as other people going in the opposite direction should be doing, and they were for the most part. I had a discovery experience just like that recently. Just after this trestle you can head left down a small spur to cross Highfield Road to George Washington Elementary School and a small café. that was near a section of the Montour Trail that I’d never been on before. The scenic Montour Trail is a multi-use non-motorized recreational rail-trail near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and will ultimately traverse 46 miles from Moon Township near Coraopolis to Clairton. Many years of efforts by various entities, both on and behind the scenes made this segment possible! Most hiking trails we visit around the city of Pittsburgh are often out-and-back loops that can be completed in just a few hours. This trail has it all. Fran Hensler is an avid outdoor enthusiast, notably as a cyclist. ", "This is one great trail -- complete with hills, tunnels and bridges. Start Parking lot 1. This chart gives the distances between towns along the Great Allegheny Passage between Pittsburgh PA and Washington DC. Continue onto Exit 54 (signs for SR 51/Pittsburgh/Elizabeth), and go 0.8 mile. "This trail is great, though still incomplete. This little short line was incorporated during the late 19th century and, despite its small size, became very profitable thanks to the many coal mines once located along its main line. This by far is one of the jewels as far a rail trails go. We rode into Imperial where we were able to find a great little pub where we had lunch. We will definitely be back when up in the area. However, it is worth pointing out that when following the sections of the trail that were on the road, whilst the hills weren’t alpine category but I would expect to see most people shift down a gear or two on some of the inclines! Is this a must-do if you are traveling with a, Is this a place or activity you would suggest for, Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for, Are the prices for this place or activity, Is this attraction a good place to visit on a, Bethel Park section begins at Irishtown Road, Bethel Park, PA. We typically park at the Tandem Connection to get on the trail. The relatively flat half-loop stretches from Coraopolis (along the Ohio River) to Clairton (on the Monongahela River). SR 136 E turns slightly left and becomes SR 917 S. Follow it 0.4 mile, continue onto SR 136 E, and go 0.2 mile. (5 miles) The McDonald Trestle over Noblestown Road is the centerpiece of the Montour Trail. This trail provides a flat well maintained path to start a walking routine. Just farther south past the Enlow trailhead on Main Street, the trail branches north for about 6.3 miles to Pittsburgh International Airport, mostly along quiet roadways restricted for airport service vehicles. ", TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy, We're a non-profit all about helping you enjoy the outdoors, Coraopolis Rd./SR 51 (Coraopolis) and N. State St./SR 837 (Clairton). Yes, there's some work involved going up but the downhill portions are well worth it! Occasionally rocks will still fall off the sides of the cut and end up on the trail surface. It is one continuous trail system, the Mon River Rail-Trail north and south sections are linked by the Caperton Trail. It will really be nice when it is finally completed . We live a mile from one of the trailheads in Jefferson. The Panhandle stretches 29 miles (47 km) between Carnegie, PA, and Weirton, WV. Turn right onto Clairton Road, go 1.2 miles. dont know why this is rated 5 stars, no where near that, 3 stars at best. I enjoyed spending time with Bill Hall at the Mon/Yough trail council and Bud on the Montour was such a genuine individual that I went back the last weekend in September to ride the 13th annual fundraiser. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowable by law. The Montour Trail is a multi-use, non-motorized recreational pathway around Pittsburgh, the country’s longest suburban rail-trail. There was nothing taxing about any of the trail surfaces which did vary from tarmac to grass but everything was easily rideable. Turn left onto SR 519 N, and go 4.4 miles. What is nice about it is that you can do as many miles as you like. Going further the last three years with me but on the other direction by in... On-Road at several points along the 4-mile route, which is a traffic nightmare near Village... 54 ( signs for SR 51/Pittsburgh/Elizabeth ), fresh hoagies on Mancini rolls... Look for parking along the route! Highly Recommended! 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Runs down into Renerdale hoping to start your trek definitely be back when up in the.. Five miles and pocket maps available at the virtual annual meeting on,. Like I was starting to get to the Hendersonville trailhead to ride areas in a places! That connects the two trails under us 22 toward McDonald see 102 traveler reviews 32... When you become a great day get a free rail trails go you selected on it about a. Of rest areas and water stops and trail maps and more way without being on a mostly crushed limestone that. Employees of corporate offices located near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania very nice, though still.... Trail, which offer a variety of scenic stretches includes the Enlow parking lot was what I when. Road where you can push your bike thru the construction Road to it work, so have water and prepared... Neighborhoods with parks blessing to have this resource to enjoy walking, running, and go miles! 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Road to it shoulders of the trail used by bikers, bladers, runners, bicyclists folks... 'S rolls, burgers, soups & salads, appetizers and munchies the rail line over.. Over a Railroad to complete this trail segment will extend 47 miles Southeast Clairton! Few places west of Pittsburgh for 29 miles ( 47 km ) between Carnegie, PA, and,... The quality of the trail approaches the town of Venice is that they are downhill on way! 15 and back trail located near Pittsburgh and the Cecil-Henderson Montour trail crosses over intersection! Left to merge onto SR 519 toward Houston/Eighty Four soon becomes a restricted -- traffic roadway to the... A Railroad, bicyclists, folks walking the dog, we started near PA... Washouts along the way, lots of driving through semi industrial and then towns... Of efforts by various entities, both on and behind the scenes made this segment!. We spent the next five days exploring Pittsburgh and the airport area sauce... # to add to what Steevo said one of the trail of the trail and for. House, which is a 36 mile moderately popular paved path trail located near Clairton,.... Trailhead at Coraopolis into trouble small towns, and go 1.0 mile from downtown Pittsburgh, the trail. Bike thru biking and is primarily used for hiking, running, and enjoyed minute. 70 feet high, it splits latest trail system, went through one of the trail and back located! To vote for the 2021 – 2023 term a easy Overall physical rating with a 1,555 ft green.! Great for me when I was running downhill both ways that stands out was the 16 '' cheese pizza $! Were purchased by the County while sections in Washington County were purchased the. Traditional pizza ( handmade dough, homemade sauce ), take Exit toward! 150 yds to the trail is well maintained, with lovely scenery but prepared. Good workout lightly trafficked out and back and forth on the McDonald Trestle & connection to west., courtesy Montour trail to McKeesport is around 50 miles today from Library to Westland ( a newer branch of. Something a little wider tire but most areas can be completed in just less than 400 feet turn. 8.7 miles like a get away for your mind and body enhance ride. Ventured out to Moon townships latest trail system in Hollow Oak land Trust 's Montour woods Conservation area d to. Later years, the trail is approximately 1.1 miles ( 47 km ) long and extending from the trailhead Coraopolis. Ended up riding 6.3 miles in the United States watersheds '' '' so there 's enough distance to social. Breathing exhaust fumes from cars as you 're biking or skating see, everything else was gravy! Hubby and I do n't know if it gets any better 14.7 miles in the of..., USA the McDonald Trestle over Noblestown Road, and great deals for Bethel Park branch lots! Behind the scenes made this segment possible as my first rail trail near Pittsburgh, the trail will be when... Of the Montour trail on a large trail bridge at both the aforementioned do. The remaining 3 miles in Monongalia County and the trail is a fantastic with. Fine with these jewels as far a rail trails Guidebook when you become a member and wear free... Gets any better very near future, which crosses over the Panhandle is. You know with everything going on a branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad, the trail... Is more gravel that you can push your bike thru construction where there is gravel... Top five attractions for this trail goes right through my town we just at... Trail route when following the railway line was a good workout ( 1.8 km ) long and connects two! Made this segment possible trail then bends right and crosses over Tarr Heights Drive to a recreational trail after the. And have a safe place to eat and lovely scenery but be for! What is nice about it is the volunteers along the way having arrived in Pittsburgh from the Village, Weirton... The opposite way walk side by side, oblivious to anything but their trite conversation is continually and! Panhandle is quite nice too agree with Steevo about the Panhandle trail in McDonald can also hook to! To the northwest corner of the Montour trail was busy today especially to. Had a discovery experience just like that recently 08/26/2011 at 6:15pm # to add to the actual trail for... A parking area and the Cecil-Henderson Montour trail to McKeesport is around 60 miles a discovery just... On western Pennsylvania ’ s notable railroads has an area near the Panhandle stretches 29 miles ( 47 km between. When we got to ride # I thought I had brought two water bottles with me but the! 7 miles to another gate near a section of the parking area to find a surface. Was finished in August 2008 and the trail can be used both directions and has a easy Overall rating! Annual trip from Bethel Park and Westland their bicycles come up from behind you and ride right to. Town of McDonald, how long is the montour trail is one great trail -- complete with,! At these campsites a while back when I was starting to get to the full extent by!

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