View Our Visitor's Guide!
Sign Up for Our E-Newsletter
Trails and more!
Explore our rich history!
Baseball, hockey, and more!
For central reservations for camping, cabins, organized group tenting and picnic pavilions and complete information on facilities in all state parks, call: 1-888-PA-PARKS (1-888-727-2757) www.dcnr.state.pa.us
Ride through the first railroad tunnel in the U.S.! Finished in June 1833, the Staple Bend tunnel was advertised as the first railroad tunnel in the United States. It was the third tunnel of any kind built in the US; the first tunnels were for other canals in Pennsylvania. The 2.5-mile trail connects with the Path of the Flood Trail on the old Allegheny Portage Railroad bed. It’s handicapped accessible and open to walkers and bicyclists. Trailhead parking is available near the town of Mineral Point.
7,335 acres of scenic rolling hills and outdoor activities in northern Cambria County. Located north of Johnstown near Patton, PA, Prince Gallitzin State Park features 20+ miles of mountain biking trails. Network of roads, multi-use trails and snowmobile trail network. Terrain is varied, from wide natural surface multi-use campground trail to dirt double and single-track trails in the Killbuck Run Area (northern part of park), which are not very technical but with few downed trees.
The State Park features non-motorized, multi-use trails. Swimming, boating, hunting, fishing, biking, wildlife viewing & birding, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, ice boating, picnicking, 18 hole disc golf course, orienteering course, environmental education programs. Hiking trails, organized group tenting, pavilion rentals. Public game lands, campsites and camping cottages surround a magnificent 1,635 acre Glendale Lake. Rent modern cabins year round. Pets permitted in designated areas.
A National Recreation Trail, this historical trail enables users to start 300 yards west of the breached South Fork Dam on an off-road section of trail and follow the same watercourse that floodwaters took in 1889, when they surged into Johnstown. The Path of the Flood Trail provides numerous trail-side markers that tell the story and enable users to visualize the scene within the Little Conemaugh River valley, which remains largely unchanged more than 130 years later. This trail is naturally beautiful and challenging with some steeper grades and varying trail surfaces. The Path of the Flood offers a 13.86-mile bicycle ride that’s both intellectually and physically satisfying. In Spring 2023, the final 300-yard piece of trail to the breast of the dam was completed, allowing visitors to enjoy the full 14-mile Path of the Flood Trail.
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. 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 cross-country ski rentals are available at the Ebensburg trailhead at the Young Peoples Community Center to accommodate trail use year-round.
13,625 acres. The 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail snakes across the beautiful Laurel Ridge and offers spectacular scenery. Overnight shelters, cross-country skiing, snowmobile trails, hunting and picnicking. Accessible from Rt. 56 west of Johnstown, and Rt. 271 south of Johnstown.
Opportunities abound along this 320-mile corridor of history, culture, recreation, and natural wonders! Explore historic communities including Altoona, Johnstown, and Blairsville. Experience interpretive sites – Hollidaysburg Canal Basin Park and Saltsburg Canal Park. Hike, bike, or study nature along The Lower, the 6 to 10, The West Penn, Path of the Flood and The Roaring Run Trails. Paddle the Conemaugh River, part of the Kiski-Conemaugh Water Trail, through Johnstown.
The second deepest river gorge (1,560 feet) east of the Mississippi River. The conemaugh Gap extends for seven miles and was cut by the Conemaugh River channeling through the Laurel Ridge Mountain. An overlook is accessible from Rt. 56 just west of downtown Johnstown.
Located along State Route 271 North between Belsano and Nicktown, about 20 miles from Johnstown. The park features pavilions, horseshoe courts, ball field, volleyball courts, basketball court, swing sets, exercise and hiking trail. Weekend train rides and hay rides during the summer season. 19-acre stocked lake. Handicapped accessible fishing pier and hiking trail. Camping is available.
Year-round wilderness adventures on 6,128 acres of woodland, 25 miles from Johnstown. Swimming pool, picnic areas, hiking trails, mountain biking, trout fishing, equestrian trails, camping, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, nearby downhill skiing, environmental education programs, wildlife viewing, scenic views. Cabins and House Rental. Hours: Sunrise to Sunset.
277-acre nature area with 8.5 miles of maintained hiking trails. Two covered pavilions and numerous picnic tables throughout the park. Activities include hiking, cross-country skiing, sled riding, and bird watching. Pets allowed. Open daily, dawn to dusk. Free admission; membership encouraged.
The Inclined Plane mountain biking trail is a unique trail nestled along the hillside. This trail is for experienced downhill mountain bikers, new riders should also walk the trail first before taking it on! Downhill or freeride bikes are required. The trailhead can be found to the right of Asiago's and The Inclined Plane, at the intersection of Edgehill Drive and Tiago Street. When it's in operation, the Johnstown Inclined Plane can transport riders back up to the top where they started.
Watch the video!:
Enjoy a variety of activities within the park: bird watching, hiking, picnicking, cross-country skiing, interpretive programs, nature walks. Information is available at the Visitor Center. History buffs can trace the path of the Allegheny Portage Railroad on 12 miles of trails.
Approximately 24,000 acres. Babcock State Forest Picnic Area: Rt. 56, four miles east of Windber. Clear Shade Wild Area and John P. Saylor Trail: south of Rt. 56. Lost Turkey Trail: north side of Rt. 56. All State Forest lands are open to hunting fishing and general recreation. Charles F. Lewis Natural Area: western end of the Rager Mountain Division near Cramer in Indiana County. 384 acre unique scenic area preserved as a Natural Area. Clark Run Trail (2 mi.) winds through the scenic Clark Run Gorge with numerous small waterfalls and interesting geologic features.
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.
Stand on either of the remaining dam abutments and look out over the empty lakebed to get a visual idea of how much water converged on the city of Johnstown. Managed as a wet meadow, the lakebed now supports a variety of plant, tree, and shrub species on both sides of the meandering South Fork of the Little Conemaugh River. The Walk Through the Ruins Trail, takes walkers to the bottom of the dam, through the breach and back up out of the dam on the other side. The Carriage Road Nature Trail follows the carriage road that the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club members would have taken after they crossed the top of the South Fork Dam on their journey from South Fork to the Club House and cottages.
Just minutes from downtown Johnstown, the park features over 12 miles of hiking trails of varying difficulty. Pathway to the Falls Trail leads to the beautiful Turtle
Falls, a 15-foot waterfall that is nestled in the back of the trail system. Campsites are available.
Anchored by a combined greenhouse and conservatory, indoor and outdoor classroom areas and an open-air performance venue, and fenced-in dog park, the Garden celebrates the passion and foresight of those who were once buried here – young heroes of the American Revolution and the Civil War, abolitionists who led freedom seekers through the Underground Railroad, determined pioneers who settled 19th century Johnstown, founding fathers and first families and the generations of immigrants who followed to fuel the nation’s industrial revolution.
Sandyvale’s large open expanse of lawns has historically been used as a pet recreational facility. So in response to a growing community need, Sandyvale opened its gates to the area’s first official dog park. Training seminars, agility sessions, dog walks, “Yappy Hour” and other related events are offered during the summer months.
13 miles of mountain bike trails with tight twisty, “turny” singletrack for riders of all skill levels. Advanced riders will be challenged by the burly rock gardens, logs, and skinnies. Riders of all abilities can enjoy the tight, narrow, and fast flowing intermediate trails. In addition, there is a wider yellow blazed trail that circles the park and is perfect for beginners. The park includes 137 acres of woodland, ball fields and picnic areas in addition to the mountain bike trail system.
The 1889 Park is located adjacent to the Johnstown Flood National Memorial, and right between the towns of St. Michael, Sidman & South Fork, PA. The park provides a variety of outdoor sports and recreation options, and scenic beauty throughout the seasons. Just ten minutes from US Route 219, enjoy beautiful nature trails, a game of softball, an old-fashioned picnic, birdwatching, roller hockey, playgrounds, and more.
Here in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Mountains, the Trans Allegheny Trails are a system of rail-trails – with attitude. Parts of them are almost level, while other sections are downright challenging. That’s part of the fun for riders who like to get their hearts pumping and don’t mind breaking a sweat. Most sections are typical rail-trail (less than 3% grade) and run through some of the Alleghenies’ most beautiful scenery. And these trails have all of the historic character of the Alleghenies themselves. Come for a day, a weekend or a week!
6.6 mile out-and-back trail on an old road bed 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 Hinkston Falls at the end of the trail.
1.5 mile trail that runs along the length of the Hinkston Run dam but through the wood line. The trail starts by the pavilion on the eastern flank of the dam. The 1st part of trail is easy walking, but the 2nd half is rather steep as the trail heads up to the overlook where hikers can view the whole reservoir below. The trail runs thru the LHHV Forest.
The Eagle trail so named because of the eagles who often can be seen perched along the trail in the higher trees. The trail starts behind the Hinkston Run dam along Hunt road, it then runs behind the dam coming out on waterfall road from their the trail follows the road along the dam. The trail is 1.75 miles long, and is an easy walk with some slight hills. Along the trail hikers can see waterfalls, old historical foundations, many low land and wetland birds, and also mammals native to region.