Explore the best rated trails in Altoona, PA. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Bells Gap Rail Trail and Lower Trail. With more than 28 trails covering 262 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
This trail is well maintained and an enjoyable ride, a bit cool even when the temps are in the 70's, a lot of shade. Volunteers were out trimming hanging limbs and clearing debris from the trail. They also gave us instructions to navigate the streets in Punxsutawney, could have been a real problem without these directions. Made the 15 mile trip out and on our way back stopped at Luigi's Pizza for awesome pizza. Jenn, the owner/manager was very friendly and made our time at lunch enjoyable. Unfortunately we didn't get to see the Eagles nest as it was blown down in a recent wind storm. Definitely a trail to ride again.
Took our horse and carriage for a family outing and loved this fabulous trail. Flat, wide, with room for all users, and beautiful scenery…You can’t go wrong. Equestrian users, please follow the rules and leave a good impression on others so we will remain welcome…This trail is a GEM!
Nice maintained trail but it is some sort of interesting paved surface. It is a bit bumpy in a few sections but overall nice trail. You do ride next to the highway and through several small towns. If you are looking for nature trail this is not it. We started in Blairsville and rode entire trail. Mostly downhill on the way back which was nice. Would ride again.
It is a very nice path but it is short.
I lost my black wristlet along this trail today (5/27/23) Please call me at (814) 937-7979 if found.
Beautiful countryside. You will encounter very few people. Trail quality ranges from good to rough. South of Hopewell the trail becomes a gravel road. I believe there has been a slight improvement in road condition but you may dislike the ride based on what sort of tires you ride. The road ends after a couple of miles and trail continues. The trail is not mowed as frequently as one would expect. I ride a recumbent trike and the overgrown grass in the middle makes it difficult to ride. If you ride a trike, I would recommend you stay away from this trail.
I mean, the trail is beautiful, and I would honestly give it five stars if it wasn’t for the fact that cars are constantly going on it, despite signs saying that they aren’t allowed. I seen no less then 4 cars/trucks/SUVs on it today, alone, and I am hiking this trail with my baby in her jogging stroller! The “no motor vehicles “ rule needs to be better enforced, and more signs need to be put up, as well as a barricades, to prevent these motor vehicles from going on the trail! Not only are those motor vehicles a safety hazard, but the trail is badly chewed up in places because of them! I love this trail, and want to be able to feel safe hiking it with my children! Also, I have found shot gun bullet casings along it, before. Probably some illegal hunting going on, but it makes me feel a bit uneasy…
I went on this trail from Laurel Summit. If you park in the lot, you can only go 1-2 miles before the trail is gated off and says no tresspassing. Even if you could pass that gate, the trail is covered by bushes, trees and rocks...there is nothing there...
This is a nice and somewhat atypical rail trail. The first couple of miles going east to west have a smooth, crushed stone surface, and the remainder of the trail is unimproved and is more of a double-track dirt road with a hard-packed but somewhat rougher surface. 38c or larger tires are recommended. The whole area is very rural, but this part of the trail has a wilder and more remote feel.
Unlike a typical rail trail, this trail has a consistent, but not terribly steep uphill grade going from east to west for the whole length. The trail gains roughly 1,000 feet of elevation over 6 miles as it climbs the Allegheny Front. Near the top of the climb, you'll find some very nice views of the valley below.
Having done the Ghost Town last year we decided to ride the Hoodlebug yesterday. Starting from Saylor Park in Black Lick we had just a bit of issue figuring out where the trail went but were helped by some folks but would have found it ourselves. There is an initial road ride which is short and then the trail proper. It's obvious that the trail doesn't entirely follow the old rail bed, probably because part of it was destroyed by Rt 119. There is a steep drop under the road and along a river then a climb along a side road up to the old rail bed. This section is gravel.
Once back along Rt 119 the trail is very noisy as noted by other reviewers. Some bushes or shrubs between the trail and road would be helpful. At Coral/Graceton there is a noise barrier wall which was welcome but it isn't real long and then you're inundated with the noise again. Fortunately, after a bit you veer away from the road and into Homer City. I liked this section. Be sure to read the marker about the world's largest egg incubator factory. There is a small section of back street riding but unlike other reviewers I didn't find it hard to find - just stop and look around - you'll see the sign.
After Homer City I really didn't notice the road much at all. You go through more woods and along an active rail line and eventually end up in Indiana, PA, right at the Indiana University campus. This trail has more than it's share of ups and downs and the surface is variable. Most of it seemed to be tar and chip with some nicer pavement in Homer City and the aforementioned gravel section. It was fairly bumpy also.
As far as amenities Homer City and Indiana seemed to have enough at least. In Homer City you ride within practically arms length of a Sheetz. For those so inclined, Levity Brewing is right on the trail also. On our return trip we didn't have any problem riding the climb near the end but some will I suspect. After hitting Saylor Park we went down and rode the spur into Black Lick but it really didn't go anywhere. On the way home I saw the disconnected section further south and it is literally right along Rt 119 with only a concrete barrier separating the two - doesn't look fun at all! This is really a 2.5 star trail but I can't round it up to a 3. If you're choosing between this and Ghost Town there is no comparison - choose Ghost Town.
Very nice trail enjoyed the ride. The trail through Punxsutawney could be marked better.
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