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The Ghost Town Trail is a ride through forests and farmland along Blacklick Creek. The name of this Pennsylvania rail trail comes from the abandoned coal mining towns, that were once located on the rail line. Markers all along the trail give interpretive information about Blacklick Valley history and interesting features you'll find adjacent to the trail, such as the Eliza Furnace National Register Historic Site and the Buena Vista Furnace. The well-maintained rail trail has a fine crushed limestone surface and is ideal for an educational family bike ride. Due to a one mile “missing link” just to the west, we recommend riding east from the trailhead at Dilltown. Efforts are under way to construct bridges that will complete the link. At this time there is no suitable bypass. From the missing section to the western terminus at Saylor Park is 12 miles. From Dilltown, the Ghost Town Trail travels 12 miles east to Nanty Glo and another 8 miles to the eastern terminus at Ebensburg. The Rexis Branch now extends north to Route 422 and adds an additional 4 miles (one way) to your ride. Between Dilltown and Vintondale the creek is a bright red color due to acid drainage from the coal mines. At several points you will exit the green surroundings and experience an “ecological disaster area”, a legacy of the mining era. About one-half mile east of Dilltown, the Ghost Town Trail bisects the Blacklick Valley Natural Area, which offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. After Vintondale the trail begins a long gradual climb up to the town of Nanty Glo. The forest here is denser with the stream now flowing clear, with rapids and waterfalls. You can take a break at Nanty Glo for lunch (eateries in town) before the return trip…downhill! The Ghost Town Trail connects with the 10 mile Hoodlebug Trail, a non-motorized recreation and commuter trail, at the western terminus in Saylor Park. “Hoodlebug” refers to the self-propelled passenger coach that ran on the line until 1940.
Historical Note: The Ghost Town Trail follows the route of the former Ebensburg & Blacklick RR. The Rexis Branch follows the route of the Cambria & Indiana RR. The name of the trail derives from the numerous mining towns, abandoned during the 1930s, that existed along the rail corridor. The Ghost Towns: The largest town, Wehrum, was developed by Warren Delano, the uncle of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Other towns included Bracken, Armerford, Lackawanna #3, Scott Glenn, Webster, Beulah and Claghorn. Few remnants remain and most of the former towns are now on private property. Eliza Furnace: Located at the midpoint of the Ghost Town Trail. The site is on the National Register of Historic Places. It operated from 1846-1849 and is one of the best-preserved hot blast furnaces in Pennsylvania. At peak production the furnace employed over 90 people. These furnaces helped to bring the Industrial Revolution to the Blacklick Valley. An interpretive exhibit is at the site. This site also features a trailside picnic area with rest rooms and an interpretive exhibit area.
Buena Vista Furnace: This was a cold blast furnace that operated intermittently from 1849-1855.
Nearby Outdoor Recreation Opportunities: Blacklick Valley Natural Area: .5 mile east of Dilltown, preserves an area of natural habitats, wildlife and songbirds with six miles of hiking and cross-country skiing trails. The Buttermilk Falls Natural Area: 6 miles southwest of Dilltown, features an impressive
For more information: For other long distance multi-use rail trails in this region see Pennsylvania Rail Trails
Indiana County Parks & Trails Phone: (724) 463-8636 Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority Phone: (814) 472-2110
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Family / Historic
Ghost Town Trail
Description
