Explore the Trail & Beyond
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The Erie to Pittsburgh Trail is an emerging network of trails connecting landscapes and outdoor recreation for over 270 miles with hiking, biking, and paddling along the way. The continuous trail is still under development, but as gaps are filled and new trails are added each year, you can traverse unique experiences between two major western Pennsylvania cities, nine counties, and two states. Whether you are a local resident, scoping a day trip, or someone wanting a vacation exploring the full series of trails, you can plan your adventure and experience these three different regions among one developing recreational corridor.​​
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Great Lakes Region (Northern Hub from Erie to Spartansburg)​​
Lake Erie is a backdrop you won’t forget for its scenic beauty and vast view. Start (or end) your journey at the Mile Zero Medallion located at Dobbin’s Landing, just steps away from the Bicentennial Tower. From here, you can connect to Presque Isle State Park and take in Pennsylvania’s only beachfront! While in Erie, explore local shops, bayfront dining, and the Erie Maritime Museum featuring the U.S. Brig Niagara. From Downtown Erie, you’ll take the trail into western New York state and cross the state border twice. As you travel, you’ll pass by farmland, vineyards, and other lakes, such as Chautauqua Lake (near Mayville and Chautauqua, NY) and Clear Lake (near Spartanburg). Returning to Pennsylvania, you’ll enter the City of Corry where the Climax Locomotive originated. This engine was used on logging railroads around the world and in the surrounding area as a major industry in this region. You can visit a restored engine in Corry’s Mead Park. In and around Spartansburg, many Amish communities call this area home and often sell goods in nearby towns or right from their homes along the trail.
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Trails in this region: Bayfront Connector Trail, Great Lakes Seaway Trail, Chautauqua Rails to Trails, Corry Junction Trail, and East Branch Trail
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Oil Region (Central Hub from Titusville to Parker)​​
Heading south on the trail corridor, you enter the “Valley that Changed the World'' when petroleum oil was discovered by Edwin Drake on August 27, 1859. Starting in Titusville, you can bike along or ride with the Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad. For an extra fee, you can bring your bike or kayak along. The trail and train makes a quick stop at Drake Well Museum before heading through Oil Creek State Park. Throughout this region and trail towns, you will find a mix of Victorian-style architecture that shows the richness of the oil boom. The trail meets the Allegheny River in Oil City - where it continues alongside all the way to Pittsburgh. Oil City has a growing arts scene where you can find galleries and murals throughout town on a share-the-road trail. Just ten miles south on the trail, you’ll come to Franklin (upon crossing the bridge), known for its many events and festivals all year long. The trail continues through a lush forest with hidden remnants of the oil and railroad history. Five miles south of Franklin, the spectacular Belmar Bridge (1385' long) of the connecting Sandy Creek Trail can be seen above the trail. As the trail continues south you will travel through the Kennerdell Tunnel (3350’ long) and the Rockland Tunnel (2868’ long) These are popular spots and cool in the summertime, but make sure to have a strong flashlight ready. Further south in this region are the three communities of Emlenton, Foxburg, and Parker featuring various trail and riverside services and amenities between them all.
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Trails in this region: Queen City Trail, Oil Creek State Park Bike Trail, McClintock Trail, Oil City Trail, Samuel Justus Trail, Allegheny River Trail, Allegheny River Trail in Clarion County,
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Three Rivers Region (Southern Hub from East Brady to Pittsburgh)​​
As you continue south along the trail and along the Allegheny River, you’ll enter a region that once was and still is dominated by coal. Surrounding the town of East Brady are several must-see locations including the Brady’s Bend Overlook (above town, not on trail), the Brady Tunnel, the Coaling Tower, the Phillipston Turntable, and a connection to the Redbank Valley Trail. Through this river valley, you’ll start to notice river locks and dams as well as hidden gems such as Buttermilk Falls. The experience in this section of trail slowly transitions from rural to urban crossing several communities such as Kittanning, Ford City, Freeport, and Sharpsburg before entering the City of Pittsburgh. These communities were hubs for industries related to coal, glass, and steel making. Before reaching the “Point,” you will pass by Pittsburgh’s iconic bridges, sports stadiums, and skyline - all without leaving the trail. Expand your trail ride through several connecting bike lanes or trails directly from Point State Park to enjoy all that the city has to offer.
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Trails in this region: Armstrong Trail, Tredway Trail, and Three Rivers Heritage Trail
