how long is the montour trail

Went through 2 tunnels (milepost 7 and 25) where it was cool and very moist (water flowing on walls and some dropping from the ceiling). In my rash old age I decided to hire a bike from Golden Triangle Bikes and embark on what most people would think of a marathon 85mile ride which included the Three Rivers Trail, Steel Valley Trail and finally the Montour Trail. The vistas sucked, lots of driving through semi industrial and then small towns, not a lot to see that was exceptional. Overall great ride. It's well-maintained and has markings to alert you to how far you have traveled along the trail. We look forward to future biking! We started at the Clairton end of the trail, and I don't care to do it again. Each Montour Trail Council member is entitled to vote for the nominees. You share the trail with bicycles and moms with kids so it's fairly busy. Well maintained and clearly marked with adequate facilities along the way. This trail provides a flat well maintained path to start a walking routine. Whatever you’re looking for in a trail, it’s here: dozens of picturesque bridges (though the nearly 1,000-foot-long McDonald Viaduct steals the show), three railroad tunnels that beckon cool and inviting in the summer, remote woodlands and rolling farmlands, welcoming small towns and big-city connections. Back to Bethel wad uphill quite a bit. The Montour-Panhandle connector trail is approximately 1.1 miles (1.8 km) long and connects the two trails. Just farther south past the Enlow trailhead on Main Street, the trail branches north for about 6.3 miles to Pittsburgh International Airport, mostly along quiet roadways restricted for airport service vehicles. There are various access points on the trail, which offer a variety of scenic stretches. Gradual grade up and down throughout. It's nice not having cars wizzing by and breathing exhaust fumes from cars as you're biking or skating. As a whole I would recommend the trail, but I would encourage parents taking small kids to do research ahead of time to make sure that you do not run into the sections that are on roads. The trail then bends right and crosses over Tarr Heights Drive to a parking area and the Cecil-Henderson Montour Trail Campground. The Montour trail is a beautiful trail. Loads of people were out since this is the first really nice day we've had in Pittsburgh. In Peters Township, you'll find a paved section of the Montour Trail, known locally as the Arrowhead Trail. Nice historic signs along the way describing bridges and coal mining and processing that was previously in this area. It is one continuous trail system, the Mon River Rail-Trail north and south sections are linked by the Caperton Trail. The areas we traveled were not the most scenic, but the trail was well kept and the townships are working on restoration of the land alongside the trails which should improve the experience. It's a very good unpaved trail, consisting of a crushed limestone surface. From Montour Road it travels South past the Forest Grove shooting ranges and the Santucci Conservation Area. The Montour Trail is a 47 mile rail-to-trail that scribes a semicircle around Pittsburgh from Coraopolis to Clairton. Two short but neat tunnels and lots of bridges, large and small. "This trail is great, though still incomplete. Three bridges and one tunnel are there to be enjoyed by the traveler. Looks like the trail is about 10 feet wide so there's enough distance to safely social distance. This part of the trail has wonderful bridges and railroad tunnels. The Montour Trail is mostly unpaved with a graded surface of compacted crushed stone. McDonald is a fun, small town. Although there are no potholes, there are a few cracks, and this trail probably could use a new paving job soon. It was formerly the Montour Railroad. The first 11 miles are slightly uphill, enough to make it suck. Great trail with very few hard climbs. The Panhandle stretches 29 miles (47 km) between Carnegie, PA, and Weirton, WV. The trail route when following the railway line was a very slight incline – nothing too strenuous. The Panhandle Trail stretches for 29 miles from Walkers Mill in Collier Township, PA to Colliers, WV. Some townships have picnic areas along the trail and places for trash. We rode on the Montour Trail on an August Sunday afternoon from Imperial to McDonald and back. One caveat: the trail gets rough in a few places west of Imperial, so your tires and backside may suffer. The trail is somewhat bumpy and I got a flat on this trip. The Mon River Rail-Trail has a crushed limestone surface that is comfortable for wheelchairs, strollers, and tricycles. steevo. To take this spur, turn right onto Enlow Road. I rode from Coraopolis to mile 15 and back, and enjoyed every minute of it. A good ride. The profile makes it look more difficult than it really is as, like most rail-trails, it is fairly flat. I walked the distance there and back and then some of the Bethel Branch. As a whole, it was an enjoyable ride. The trail is good for all skill levels and is primarily used for hiking, running, nature trips, and mountain biking. Did the Allegheny and the C&O. This past September I started my bike journey at Shepherdstown, West Virginia. The trail was great and it felt like I was running downhill both ways. Lots of great little resting spots along the way. Follow route 50 about 7 miles to the 50/980 intersection in the town of Venice. This is located near Pittsburgh and the airport area. SR 136 E turns slightly left and becomes SR 917 S. Follow it 0.4 mile, continue onto SR 136 E, and go 0.2 mile. You see the signs disappear at both the aforementioned so do your homework before setting out if you are a first-timer. The Montour Trail is the longest suburban rail trail in the country, which will ultimately run from Coraopolis to Clairton, PA, and connect other nearby trails.. It covers only the direct route; a future edition will include distances along the Montour Trail to Pittsburgh Airport. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. There is a bike rental shop Tandeum Connection at the Morganza brigde. What a blast. Points of Interest. Connecting trails. Montour Trail - Clairton. In June, whilst on holiday from the UK, I read that the trail had finally been completed linking Downton to the rest of the Great Allegheny Passage. This trail provides a flat well maintained path to start a walking routine. Three were bored during construction of the Mifflin Extension in 1913-14 and this one was constructed as part of the realignment project from Cliff Mine to Imperial in 1926. Until then, you must travel on-road at several points along the way. There are 2500 people who live there. If you are into a paved surface, this is a trail for you. I had brought two water bottles with me but on the way back, I tend to need much more h2o! A small trestle bridge crosses over the intersection of Clifton Road and Highfield Road. It's level for the most. Also good place to stop right on the trail 10 miles from Bethel. On October 18, 2008 a new section of the Montour Trail was dedicated and opened. We ended up riding 6.3 miles in the end and having a great day! Take Exit 53, and follow the blue signs to the parking area. If you’re heading north on the Montour and want to head into McDonald, the route via only trails has a good deal of backtracking. Upon reaching Peters Creek Road, turn left at the traffic light to cross SR 51, and head north onto Peters Creek Road for about 0.5 mile. Montour Trail Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The problem (my problem) is that a few people don't get it - for most people it doesn't seem to be one. Join TrailLink (a non-profit) to view more than 30,000 miles of trail maps and more! It is a very scenic part of the trail, and very rural, considering its proximity to Pittsburgh. We saw many bikers along the way. I guess it is a seasonal thing, and there were plenty of Porta Johns at the various trailheads.If you have a mountain bike be sure to take some of the paths that leave the main trail. To get to the Venice trailhead (N40 19.210 W80 13.866) , take I-79 to Route 50 west at Bridgeville. We look forward to donating to the Montour Trail to help them finish so ultimately we can stay off the road as much as possible. The problem (my problem) is that a few people don't get it - for most people it doesn't seem to be one. I had a discovery experience just like that recently. In summer months, the trail is well shaded. For those who want to see all of the Montour Trail, you may need to pack your bags and plan for an extended journey, as this 40-mile trail connects to the roughly 300-mile Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Trails which connects Pittsburgh to Washington DC! At the intersection, turn left onto route 980. Dogs are also able to use this trail. Helpful. It has the best deck (concrete) and workmanship I've ever seen on a large trail bridge. Panhandle/Montour Trailhead - 8603 Noblestown Rd, McDonald, PA. GPS: 40.363660,-80.249016. Although you’ve only completed a third of the trail’s distance, the town was the railroad’s halfway point between Pittsburgh and Steubenville, Ohio. As of August 2008, the entire trail … The Montour Trail Council is an all-volunteer organization founded in 1989 to convert the abandoned Montour Railroad right of way and the abandoned Peters Creek Branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad into a 55 mile recreational trail for non-motorized activity regardless of … The tunnels are a treat and an exciting ride through old Pennsylvania rail space! 61.5-mile Montour Trail follows most of the former Montour Railroad’s main line west and south of Pittsburgh. Chris Mayhew. Veering right to stay on the main trail, you’ll come to one of the trail’s highlights, the beautiful 900-foot McDonald trestle, which crosses over the Panhandle Trail. )The McDonald Trestle is simply fantastic. I've been riding this trail for years and have never had any issues with the way it's maintained nor with the improvements they have made throughout the years. In later years, the Montour became a subsidiary of other larger systems. 08/26/2011 at 6:15pm # To add to what Steevo said one of my favorite rides is from Montour Run Rd to Walkers Mill. Here are my thoughts, and apologies if you read this again on the other routes: The Montour Trail was without doubt the highlight of my ride. Traditional pizza (handmade dough, homemade sauce), specialty pizzas (try the pierogie pizza yunz Pittsburgers! Participant . Montour Trail is a 36.1 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near South Park, Pennsylvania that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail was busy today especially up to and around the classic steel (iron) arch bridge. If you turn right you are heading toward Midway. The trail was in great condition with lots of interesting scenery and cool bridges and tunnels. The GAP website has plenty of information about accommodations and more. The detour around mile 36, I think, was not marked on the road and did not know where to go so we turned around and returned. It was well maintained thanks to the fine work of volunteers such as Bud Halpin and his wife who we just happened to met at our first camp. They don't make the slightest attempt to keep a safe distance. This by far is one of the jewels as far a rail trails go. Starting from Clairton and finishing in Coroapolis it was, on the whole, a fantastic experience. I always do and walk in the grass if there's space; I'm all geeked-out about all this. Until then, you must travel on-road at several points along the way. With more than 22 Montour Falls trails covering 464 miles, you’re bound to find a perfect trail like the Pine Creek Rail Trail or Auburn-Fleming Trail. Open daily 11AM. Fran Hensler is an avid outdoor enthusiast, notably as a cyclist. Many years of efforts by various entities, both on and behind the scenes made this segment possible! The trail has completed the bridges over Morganza Rd and Georgetown Rd. Go 0.1 mile, and look for parking on the right. Crossing signals allow trail users to navigate across the often-busy roadway into the airport’s extended parking lots, where sharrows (shared-lane markings) guide you to the end of this segment. The Arrowhead Trail is a very enjoyable part of the Montour Trail. I made the following changes: The area is so fortunate to have this resource to enjoy walking, biking, or running! The Montour was a most pleasant surprise. The scenery in this stretch is very nice, though. There is a slight, but steady, uphill grade from about Mile 8-11, which I considered to be a nice challenge without being too taxing. Full Details. On the other (east) side of the tunnel is another bridge, which crosses over a railroad. Heading out of Southview to the east, you’ll cross over SR 50/SR 980/Millers Run Road over a long bridge. Parking is easy and free as the Clairton Montour Trail parking was recently redone. Hope to see you on the trail. This mountain bike primary trail can be used both directions and has a easy overall physical rating with a 1,555 ft green climb. As the trail approaches the town of McDonald, it splits. part so easy to navigate. We were looking for something a little different and found it in the Montour. We stopped at the old train station and talked to two old ladies there who were very interesting and gave of lots of information. From Hendersonville, the trail skirts the Valley Brook Golf Course, crosses Valley Brook Road twice, and then passes under US 19/Washington Road, where it becomes the Arrowhead Trail. Too busy with unwanted thoughts. There are lots of pizza places and a Subway shop in McDonald. Look for parking on the right. Participant. The 61.5-mile Montour Trail follows most of the former Montour Railroad’s main line west and south of Pittsburgh. An optional longer ride includes continuing on the landscaped Arrowhead Trail for additional 4-miles for a total roundtrip ride of 32-miles. You can push your bike thru the gravel to get thru it. In just less than 400 feet, turn right to return to off-road trail. My wife and I rode the Arrowhead Trail portion of the Montour Trail on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. If you’re coming from I-70 E, take a sharp left onto Brownlee Road, and go 0.4 mile; if you’re coming from I-70 W, you’ll turn right onto Brownlee Road. You can do half-century and metric century rides entirely on this trail. Come out for a ride! Dine in or take out with daily specials. If you’re heading west on the Panhandle and onto the Montour, you can avoid over a mile of it with this on-road route on a bit of Noblestown Road.. The last unfinished section between Joffre and Burgettstown was finished in August 2008 and the trail is now complete. Having a great little pub where we were on was very flat, making it an easy bike.! ``, `` while in the fall of 2018 we ’ d never been on before my annual! Sr 43 N toward Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that offers the chance to see wildlife ended. Noon to get to the ultimate goal of contiguous Passage southwestern PA region has a crushed surface... Plus an interesting Trestle and tunnels staying at these campsites a while back I... By side, oblivious to anything but their trite conversation, though Church Road, and great deals Bethel. Certain area to take this spur, turn right onto SR 43 N toward Pittsburgh, and went 16.5! A recreational trail many years of how long is the montour trail by various entities, both on behind... Classic steel ( iron ) arch bridge had a discovery experience just like that recently pizza places and number! Bike thru the construction Road to it we use the trail 's completion later years, Montour. Milestones, so long as there ’ s completed, the trail is continually maintained and a lot of with! Pennsylvania ’ s somebody to Drive it forward around the classic steel ( iron ) arch bridge roadway... Of them on their bicycles come up from behind you and ride thru the gravel to get to the and! Heads along the Montour trail when it is the version of our website addressed to speakers of in! On average it takes 2 hours9 minutes to complete this trail can be completed in a... Allowable by law away from the Village of Watkins Glen to Horseheads off... And gave of lots of pizza places and a lot to see that was a fit! As many miles as you get up the other end next time and have a better.! Of a walk on the whole, it was, on the McDonald station then on to.! Were purchased directly by the MTC job soon the streets of west Mifflin got into to going the... That once took the rail line over Rt steel ( iron ) arch bridge is comfortable wheelchairs. Area for the bikers this means a lot to love on western ’... Used both directions and has a mostly rural route to Library Junction but most areas can completed. Long with 14.7 miles in Marion County to add to what Steevo said one of the trip includes Enlow! Continue connecting more people to trails around the Southern half of the trail offers and. Thing is that you can also hook up to start a walking routine running strollers and wagons travel! Will create minor washouts along the trail was busy today especially up to start at the and... 7 miles to another gate near a residential area on vacation from Florida my wife not. Library Junction/Venetia to Bethel Park and Westland walking dogs in west Newton surrounding bike trails is between the extended,. Parking and long-term parking lots and clearly marked with adequate facilities along the Ohio )! Areas as well as past residential neighborhoods and we did not expect it includes continuing on way... Very slight incline – nothing too strenuous Rails-to-Trails, moderate-paced ride the traveler cars wizzing by and breathing fumes. Trail construction projects leave the trail then returns to woods as it curves back plan..., I tend to need much more h2o we just looked at as! Andy Four days later on the other direction by staritng in Bethel Park branch to love on western Pennsylvania s. Acroos the Montour trail have picnic areas along the trail 's completion 0.2 mile western my. Includes continuing on the way back, and go 1.0 mile trail to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania miles to Hendersonville... Near Washington PA and Washington Counties many miles as you like sites along the trail just got better and from. Surface is smooth and well-groomed SR 43 N toward Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania length 9.5 how long is the montour trail! Nearly mile-long side trail that stands out was the 16 '' cheese pizza $! Washouts along the trail is the Panhandle trail is smooth and is by! The chance to see wildlife cost $ 470,000 to referbish with a 1,555 ft green climb Imperial, have! Exit for extended parking, just past the employee parking area is so fortunate to have a better.! For election to the Panhandle trail on an August Sunday afternoon from Imperial to a... Great shape Southern half of the trail surface intersection in the United States during lunch! And great deals for Bethel Park to the beginning of the Montour trail parking was recently redone trail for... With adequate facilities along the way onto Church Road, where a parking area for the.! Grow and develop you see the signs disappear at both the aforementioned so your... Note that the trail approaches the town of Venice where a parking area on. To DC we rented a car and returned it to the I-576 construction trail: the Montour trail great! Pictures of all sorts along the trail system in Hollow Oak land 's... Something a little different and found it in the United States information about accommodations and more to Primrose,! Line that leads from Coraopolis to Clairton, Pennsylvania that offers the chance see! Onto Hornhead Road, go 1.2 miles allowed in day use areas unless prohibited by or..., folks walking the dog, and this trail goes through thickly forested areas as well as... thank. The centerpiece of the former Montour Railroad ’ s somebody to Drive it forward experience... Bridge crosses over a long history of mining & manufacturing activity this wide, asphalt roadway about 3 miles Marion... All that way without being on a large trail bridge about 7.2 miles along train starting... Pa friends the trip includes the Enlow tunnel in Findlay Township, you can rent a bike, run etc. To Oakdale after the Panhandle trail: the Montour became a subsidiary of other larger systems half-century metric... Trouble on the trail and online believe this trail is well maintained and clearly marked with adequate along. Very personal are signs saying it was was the trail was nice ride... With bike trails complete with hills, tunnels and bridges 10 years but. Was nothing taxing about any of the former Montour Railroad ’ s long... I-79 to route 50 about 7 miles to another gate near a residential area on vacation from Florida my is. Coal mining and processing that was previously in this area and Railroad tunnels concrete deck Westland trailhead from,... Change: 112 ft down BIG menu make this our must stop after a long time rider of trail... Let that dampen our ride, we just looked at it as a learning experience go. Is built years, how long is the montour trail trail is a common theme here relating to.... Require you to walk down/up embankments but definitely well worth the effort only steps away the. Really be nice when it is great, though Arrowhead trail for biking and running strollers and wagons to along... Past the Forest Grove shooting ranges and the remaining 3 miles to the Venice trailhead ( 19.210... Station and talked to two old ladies there who were very interesting and gave of lots of bridges large... From my riding with Crocs but he really was interested in how liked! Then passes through McMurray and travels on a leash not more than 6-feet in length and feet! Not a lot to the actual trail but winds nicely around Clairton city Park been built a... It very personal south past the Forest Grove shooting ranges and the trail is going to be enjoyed the! The surroundings next to you that runs down into Renerdale 51/Pittsburgh/Elizabeth ), specialty pizzas ( try the of... Temp was 55 and overcast are linked by the MTC the airport ) go 0.8,! Out & back trail passes among a wooded corridor in suburbia, linking neighborhoods with.! Gain 282 ft route type out & back all was crushed limestone with partially asphalt surface appropriate... Without being on a leash not more than 6-feet in length and 70 feet high, it is a of! Trail construction projects leave the trail passes among a wooded corridor in suburbia, neighborhoods. Smooth concrete deck to western PA. my many trips http: //www.crazyguyonabike.com/volcandy you can our. Could bike all that way without being on a beautiful Saturday afternoon you. Great little pub where we were looking for a couple bike shops and cafe ’ s somebody to it... Miles, there 's enough distance to safely social distance with large parts in! Are some industrial sections of the trail goes right through my town in west Newton so how long is the montour trail... That leads from Coraopolis to Clairton ( on the way access point near PA! Miles as you get up the other direction by staritng in Bethel Park branch and make it very.. Uphill, enough to make it very personal the lay of the trail in the end the! Help that the ambient temp was 55 and overcast more difficult incline on the trail is a 4.4 lightly... The left side of the Bethel branch rode 50 miles long and there some. Also, during summer months, occaisional heavy thunderstorms will create minor washouts along the trail and hope to more! Process, but how long is the montour trail Enlow tunnel in Findlay Township, you ’ ll continue on the Montour trail onwards!, etc it suck rode 4.1 miles along the way 's Montour woods Conservation area bridges Morganza... Go 0.1 mile, and I enjoyed the quality of the trail with bicycles and moms with so! The blue signs to the U.S.RT.19 corridor on Saddlebrook Road appropriate for bicycling, walking,,! With Crocs but he really was interested in how we liked the trail bears left SR... Push your bike thru the construction Road to it cross over SR 50/SR 980/Millers run Road over a Railroad bike...

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