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Clarion-Little Toby Trail

Pennyslvania Rail Trails
Allegheny Region

Family / Historic / Wildlife

Trail Description

Location: Allegheny National Forest. The Clarion-Little Toby Creek Trail connects Ridgway and Brockway. Elk, Jefferson and Clearfield Counties

Directions: Take I-80 to exit 16. Travel north on US219 to Brockway. Trailhead is at Taylor Park on 7th Avenue in Brockway. You can also access the trail from the northern end in Ridgway at Water Street or at Croyland, near Portland Mills.

Trail Length: 18 miles

Trail Surface: Crushed stone, ballast, cinder

Trail Difficulty: Easy, flat grade

Trail Use: bicycling, mountain biking, hiking, cross country skiing

Caution: Shared use with hikers. Much of trail crosses State Game Land. Avoid during spring and fall hunting season or wear orange while riding. The trail parallels an active line for about 1.8 miles in the middle section of the trail; there is very light train traffic, but caution is advised.

 

 

 

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Clarion Little Toby Rail Trail Map

Note: The trail maps on this website have been simplified to provide an overview with approximate locations of trails and special features. Read Full Disclaimer.

The Trail:

The 18 mile Clarion-Little Toby Rail Trail is one of the most scenic rail trails in Pennsylvania. It follows the abandoned bed of the Ridgway and Clearfield Branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad and parallels the Clarion River, a designated Wild and Scenic River, for half its length and Little Toby Creek for the rest.

The non-motorized, recreational trail provides an easy bike ride as it travels over a flat grade. The path is well-marked with mileage posts along the route. The northern section of the trail winds along the southeastern edge of the Allegheny National Forest. On hot summer days, the shaded trail is a welcome relief and good for a family bike ride. In winter, the trail becomes a popular xc ski route. Because it lies mainly within Pennsylvania State Game Lands you will be bicycling through pristine forest habitat and experiencing a variety of wildlife. Sightings of deer, wild turkeys, herons and eagles are not uncommon. The scenery is spectacular with mountain and river vistas. At times the trail winds through narrow river valleys, the mountain slopes close on both sides.

Highlights along the Clarion / Little Toby Trail include several ghost towns including the ghost town of Blue Rock, located around mile 12.2, where a swinging bridge across Toby Creek provides an excellent place for a trail break and photo opportunities. Experienced mountain bikers will enjoy the challenging, fun ride across the bridge. Don’t forget your camera!

 

Historical Note:

The Ridgway and Clearfield Branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad was built in 1885. The last train ran in 1968. Ridgway is a fine example of a late 19th century Victorian town. Remnants of the Lumber Era are evident along the trail and include ghost towns, logging dams, railroad bridges, quarries and a “stone crusher”.

 

 

For more information:

For other long distance multi-use rail trails in this region see Pennsylvania Rail Trails and other Allegheny National Forest Trails ideal for mountain biking.

 

DCNR - Rails-to-Trails Program
George Facer
P.O. Box 8551
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8551
Phone: (717) 783-3342

TriCounty Rails to Trails Association
PO Box 115
Ridgway PA 15853

 

 

 

 

 

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