*The
Samuel Justus Trail
*The Allegheny River Trail
*The Sandy Creek Trail
*Oil Creek State Park Trail
*Two Mile Run Park Trails
Samuel
Justus Trail & Allegheny River Trail
Click here to view pictures taken
on the Allegheny River Trail
Description:
The trail is 15 miles of flat smooth asphalt surface from Oil City to Brandon, bordered on the west by the Allegheny River, and on the east mostly by woodland. The 8-foot-wide paved surface built on and old railroad grade is parallel to a dirt access road suitable for horses.
Location:
The Allegheny River Trail can be accessed from three major trailheads:
*Oil City - From PA Route 8, cross the Allegheny River at the Petroleum Street Bridge (The first bridge if entering from the south, the third if entering from the north) and make a right turn at the second stop light onto West First Street. The trailhead entrance is 1.6 miles from the light, adjacent to the GPU Building, across from Venango Campus of Clarion University. Parking is 1/4 mile from the street on a tar-and-chipped surface. Look for the yellow gate at the trailhead. The portion of the trail from Oil City to Franklin is designated the Samuel Justus Recreational Trail.
*Franklin - at the east end of 8th Street Bridge over the Allegheny River, on PA Route 322.
*Brandon - (a relatively remote access) From Franklin or Clarion, follow PA Route 322 to Cranberry, the intersection with Route 257 at the Cranberry Mall. Turn onto the Rockland Road (Right if coming from Franklin) and drive to the Coal City Road. Follow this road to the river and park at the end of the road. The paved trail is about 1/4 mile upriver.
Facilities:
Picnic tables are located 1/2 mile south of Oil City, at the Franklin trailhead, and 4 miles south of Franklin. Benches with river views are at several locations along the trail. Bicycles, canoes and rollerblades can be rented at the Franklin trailhead. Full service repair is also available at this location. A number of eating and lodging facilities are available within biking distance of both Franklin and Oil City trailheads.
*Special Features:
The natural beauty of the river and woodland are the greatest feature of this trail. In 1992, the portion of the Allegheny River from Franklin to Kennerdell was included in the National Wildlife and Scenic Rivers system. East Sandy Creek, which enters the Allegheny River at Belmar, is listed on the Pennsylvania Scenic Rivers inventory.
Artifacts from the oil boom of the late 1800's are apparent. About midway between Franklin and Oil City is the stately River Ridge mansion and farm of the late US Senator Joseph P. Sibley who acquired considerable fortune from the early oil industry. Oil well locations can be seen all along the river and trail - some abandoned for 100 years or more. John Wilkes Booth was part owner of an unsuccessful 1864 well one mile south of Franklin, very near the trail.
The spectacular Belmar Bridge over the Allegheny River was built in 1907 as part of a railroad constructed by local oil man Charles Miller and John D. Rockefeller intended to connect New York with Chicago. Ultimately, it transported much of the coal from Clarion County to Ashtabula Ohio on Lake Erie. Recently redecked, the bridge offers magnificent views of the river and valley.
Approximately 9 miles south of Franklin is a reminder of use of the river by Native Americans. A set of over 50 carvings dating between 1200 and 1750 AD we made on a large rock at the river's edge, known as Indian God Rock. The rock, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, can be easily accessed from the trail. An observation deck marks the location.
The Kennerdell Tunnel, 15 miles south of Franklin, is a nearly mile-long cut through a mountain, complete with a curve to ensure total darkness to the biker. The trail is not complete through the tunnel, so travel at your own risk (and bring a BIG light).
Sandy Creek Trail
Description:
This trail crosses the Allegheny River on the spectacular 1,385 foot Belmar Bridge. It crosses over the Allegheny River Trail and goes east to Route 322 at Van, a distance of 8 miles. The asphalt surface trail crosses East Sandy Creek 8 times on high bridges, and travels through a tunnel. The area is almost entirely undeveloped, remote and of great natural beauty. It is primarily level, suitable for most users. Creek vistas and occasional benches dot the trail.
Location:
The Sandy Creek Trail is accessible from several locations. The west end trailhead is at Belmar Village on the west side of the river. Access is from Route 8, 3 miles south of Franklin. Turn onto Pone Lane and take it to its end, then turn right and travel to the river. The parking area is to the right. The east trailhead is in the village of Van on Route 322. Take Tarkin Hill Road, about 1/2 mile to the parking area.
The trail may also be accessed from the Rockland Road. Follow Route 322 to the intersection of Route 257 in Cranberry (site of the Cranberry Mall), turn south and travel about 3 miles until you cross over the old railroad grade (just before you cross East Sandy Creek). There is an access road that turns to the right.
Facilities:
Bring your own food, water, spare tire and pump. Bring a cell phone if you have one. There are no facilities on the trail.
Special Features:
This trail offers spectacular scenery as it wends its way back and forth across Sandy Creek. Beautiful views from the bridges make this trail exciting and appealing. The Belmar Bridge offers a view of the entire valley.
Oil Creek State Park Trail
Description:
The scenic 9.7 mile asphalt trail is built on an historic railroad grade which runs parallel to Oil Creek through wooded park land. The trail is suitable for users of every level of conditioning. Creek vistas, restrooms, and picnic areas are strategically located along the trail.
Location:
Trailheads and parking are at the Drake Well Musuem near Titusville and the park office location in Petroleum Center near Oil City. Both have access roads that connect to PA Route 8. The museum entrance, off Route 8, is on the southern edge of Titusville at E. Bloss Street near the Jersey Bridge over Oil Creek. The park office entrance is 4 miles north of Oil City on Route 8 at the Rynd Farm Bridge. Follow the access road 3 miles to Petroleum Center.
Facilities:
A visitor center, bicycle rental, picnic area, playground and restrooms are located at Petroleum Center. The Drake Well Museum has a souvenir shop, restrooms, and picnic areas, along with the several buildings and exhibits at the museum itself. Food and lodging are available in the nearby towns of Titusville and Oil City.
Special Features:
This trail offers a special combination of natural beauty and historical significance. This trail follows the path of development of the oil industry in the 1860's. The story is told bu the museum, a replica of the first oil well (Drake Well), walking tours and programs, relics of the early industry, and interpretive signs along the trail. Other park features include:
*The Oil
Creek and Titusville Excursion Railroad
*15 miles of cross country ski trails
*Canoeing on Oil Creek (no rental)
*36 miles of marked hiking trails with overnight camping shelters
*Outstanding Fly Fishing
For more information about the Oil Creek State Park visit their website.
Two Mile Run County Park
Mountain Bike Trails
Description:
This 2695-acre park offers 20 miles of trails suitable for mountain bikes. These trails are mostly single track, and vary in length and difficulty. Although some of the trails are marked, it may be a good idea to get a map from the park office.
Location:
The park entrance is off PA Route 417, between Franklin and Cherrytree.
Facilities:
The park features a 144-acre lake, for fishing and boating. Boat rental is available, along with a guarded beach swimming area with restroom/shower facilities, and snack bar. Picnic pavilions and tables are available throughout the park. A campground offers a variety of camping services. There are also two furnished houses available for rent by the week.
For more information check out the Two Mile Run County Park website.
Other Links of interest...
Allegheny Valley Trails Association
Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad
Oil Heritage Region Tourist Promotion Agency
Please report broke links to the webmaster
Last Updated: Friday, 13-May-2005 15:06:54 EDT
©2003-2008
LLMWX.NET
