Johnstown, PA

Rail-Trails

Jim Mayer Rivers Walk
Jim Mayer Rivers Walk Aerial Shot

Jim Mayer Rivers Walk Trail is a scenic 1.5 mile rail-trail located between the Moxham section of Johnstown (Rt. 403 S) and Ferndale Borough. The existing 1.5 miles of rails to trails traces the history of the Johnstown and Stony Creek Railroad built in 1891 by the Johnson Steel Company. Features include turn-of-the century homes, historic Johnstown & Stonycreek Railroad, the grandeur of Buttermilk Falls, and more. Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority, 401 Candlelight Drive, Suite 234, Ebensburg, PA 15931, 814-472-2110www.co.cambria.pa.us (follow links)

Red Mill Bridge on Ghost Town Trail
Red Mill Bridge on Ghost Town Trail

Once the construction of two new bridges is complete in May, 2009, the Ghost Town Trail will extend 43 miles on an abandoned Conrail line from Indiana in Indiana County, to Ebensburg in Cambria County.  The Ghost Town Trail continues to grow as a popular destination for rail trail enthusiasts. The trail offers hiking, bicycling, and cross-country skiing. Open year-round, the packed limestone surface provides an ideal surface for non-motorized activities. ADA accessible. Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority, 401 Candlelight Drive, Suite 234 Ebensburg, PA 15931. 814-472-2110 www.co.cambria.pa.us (follow links)

Path of the Flood Trail
Path of the Flood Trail

The Path of the Flood Trail is a historic trail that extends from Ehrenfeld Borough Park and follows the fateful path of the devastating Great Johnstown Flood of 1889.  Historical interpretive signs relate the story of the rushing waters and the terrible aftermath.  Continuing to Mineral Point, the trail joins the National Park Service Staple Bend Tunnel Site.  Although there is a 3/4-mile gap, the trail continues from the Franklin Borough Ball Field to the Flood Museum in the City of Johnstown. Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority, 401 Candlelight Drive, Suite 234, Ebensburg, PA 15931, 814-472-2110, www.co.cambria.pa.us (follow links)

Staple Bend Tunnel Trail
Staple Bend Tunnel Trail

Staple Bend Tunnel Trail is a 2.5-mile trail constructed on the old Allegheny Portage Railroad bed. Handicapped accessible and open to walkers and bicyclists. Trailhead parking near the town of Mineral Point. For more information, contact: Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site, 814-886-6150 www.nps.gov/alpo

West Penn Trail
West Penn Trail

West Penn Trail, an important link in the Pennsylvania Main Line Greenway following the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal and Portage Railroad. The Conemaugh River Lake section passes over four spectacular stone arch bridges built in 1907 that offer incredible vistas of the Conemaugh River. The Saltsburg section passes through a beautiful backwoods by visible canal and railroad remnants, hugging the Conemaugh River. Ideal for bicycling and walking. Conemaugh Valley Conservancy, P.O. Box 502, Hollsopple, PA 15935, 814-479-7162 www.conemaughvalleyconservancy.org

Other Trails

Beaverdale Reservoir Trail: This trail snakes around Beaverdale Reservoir located along Route 869 and is a beautiful, cool, and long hike near the small coal town of Beaverdale. For more information contact: Little Conemaugh Watershed Association, 814-495-4380.

Sculpture along James Wolfe Sculpture Trail
Sculpture along James Wolfe Sculpture Trail

James Wolfe Sculpture Trail: Arts enthusiasts will find a unique blend of art, nature and history in the 1.4-mile James Wolfe Sculpture Trail along the hillside near the Inclined Plane. For more information, call: 814-536-1816 or 814-535-5526.

Bicycle Touring

Mountain biking in the Alleghenies
Mountain biking in the Alleghenies

Cycle The Alleghenies! 21 self-guided on-road routes and 14 off-road routes ideal for an afternoon getaway or multi-day cycling vacation. The tours take cyclists through Cambria County and five adjacent counties in The Alleghenies. Cambria County on-road routes include the Bituminous Blast Tour, Castle Tower Tour, and Marina Mania Tour. Off-road trails include the Killbuck Run Trails at Prince Gallitzin State Park. Visit the website for route descriptions, cue sheets, maps and services. The Alleghenies Tourism Council, 541 58th Stree, Altoona, PA 16602, 1-800-458-3433 www.TheAlleghenies.com

Motorcycle Touring

Motorcycle riders on Inclined Plane
Motorcycle riders on Inclined Plane

Johnstown is a motorcycle town!  To date, the area has hosted several motorcycle conventions including the 2008 and 2009 Gold Wing Road Riders Association PA District Rallies, the 2005 Pennsylvania State Harley-Davidson Owners Group Rally, and the 2004 Flood City National Rally for Kawasaki Concours Owners.

Johnstown welcomes the annual Thunder in the Valley® motorcycle rally every June.   Organized by the Greater Johnstown/Cambria County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the event offers parades, live entertainment on multiple stages, stunt shows, demo rides, manufacturer exhibits, vendors, and much more!  The four-day event attracts over 200,000 attendees.

Several local motorcycle groups promote events during Thunder in the Valley® including fundraising rides, dinner rides, poker runs, welcome parties, and many other activities.

A few of the motorcycle clubs in the Johnstown area include A.B.A.T.E., H.O.G., Christian Motorcyclists Association, Johnstown Touring Club, and many more social motorcycle clubs.  Many of these groups assist with planning events that benefit local communities and their residents.

Dealers & Organizations may be located in our Members and Services Section.

Pennsylvania's scenic roadways
Pennsylvania's scenic roadways

Tour the Alleghenies! You’ll enjoy first class motorcycle touring in a beautiful and unique area of Pennsylvania…The Alleghenies. Mountain vistas, great curves and wandering roads lead to historic sites and superb accommodations all along the way. Ride your own bike on our seven self-guided tours, all mapped and ready for you to experience. Collect pins from 22 participating sites! For information and maps, visit: www.TheAlleghenies.com  

ATV Parks

ATV riders at Rock Run Recreation Area
ATV riders at Rock Run Recreation Area

Rock Run Recreation Area: Located in Cambria and Clearfield Counties near St. Lawrence, the 6,000 acre Rock Run Recreation Area provides a nearly endless network of trails for 4-wheelers and dirt bikers.  Winding through a diverse topography of timbered ravines, open grasslands, pine groves and scenic expanses overlooking the mountains of The Alleghenies, the trails of Rock Run are designed for riders of all levels.  From leisurely family rides along rolling green trails, to more advanced black diamond trails, Rock Run gives riders a chance to match their skills to the terrain of the region. Day, Multi-Day and Seasonal passes available. For more information, contact: Rock Run Recreation Area, Inc. P.O. Box 94, 1228 Saint Lawrence Road, Patton, PA 16668, 814-674-6026 www.rockrunrecreation.com

Current Weather

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