Located about 50 miles ENE of Pittsburgh, the Armstrong Trail is a 39 mile bike trail connecting East Brady with Schenley, PA. It's parallel to the Allegheny River and is a rails-to-trails conversion, occupying the route of the former Allegheny Valley Railroad. Looking at a Google Map, it appears that this trail will eventually connect with the Butler-Freeport Community Trail, across the river from its southernmost end.
The address I gave you above is an approximation based on Google Maps. My husband Rick and I are avid trail riders and we covered the 24 mile segment between East Brady and Kittanning, or a 48 mile round trip. We parked at the East Brady Community Playground, as recommended on the trail's website, then spent a spectacular day meandering along the banks of the river.
The first few miles out of East Brady are a mixture of pavement and crushed limestone, which I think is the best surface for a trail. We passed by the Pine Run Waterfall, then the train turntable where they used to turn locomotives around. Right around MP 65, we stopped for a moment at the Brady Tunnel. This is an abandoned railway tunnel, which trains used to bypass East Brady. Right now the tunnel is closed, but it will eventually (hopefully!) link to a presently disconnected part of the trail that runs from East Brady to Catfish. This tunnel is presently sealed off because it isn't safe.
Now between the train turntable and Gray's Eddy, a distance of about 11 miles, the trail is extremely rough in places. It's got a rough, rocky surface in some areas. You must have either a mountain bike or a decent trail bike to get through this section. A city bike or a road bike won't make it, particularly if it has recently rained! East and South of Gray's Eddy, the trail improves with a crushed limestone surface. Speaking of Gray's Eddy, that was a small company town, built to serve the river. After the railway was completed, it declined but today you can see a stone arch culvert and a beautiful waterfall.
Just east of Gray's Eddy and at Mahoning (MP 55) we cross the Pittsburg and Shawmut Railroad bridge. That's right, no "h" in Pittsburg. When the railway was built, Pittsburg was spelled without it. Curving to the south, we hit Templeton, PA and here we use the city streets before regaining the trail. At MP 52, we see the remnants of the Ore Hill Furnace where pig iron was made. Near Mosgrove, we see the Pine Creek Underground Winery http://www.manta.com/c/mtd5lcd/pine-creek-underground-winery
Near MP 48, we see the remnants of the Monticello Iron Furnace. This one began operations in 1859 and they manufactured iron used to make nails, tools, etc. They closed in 1874 but today you can see the remains of a retaining wall and an iron slag pile opposite it. Nearby we also have a boat launch with parking, restrooms, and a picnic area. This'll make a nice place to have our lunch on our return trip!
Further on down the trail we pass Kittanning Marina, before entering the city itself. The trail continues for several miles on down to Schenley but after parking & locking our bikes, we'll take a short walk around town and then head back. As I always say, when biking and you arrive at your destination, you're really only halfway there 'cos you've gotta turn 'round & go back.
This is a great trail to ride but it's not for everyone. You have to assess your physical condition and your biking skills before taking on a lengthy ride here, particularly if you're heading out of East Brady. I'm a type-1 diabetic myself, so I have to make extra sure my sugars are okay when doing physical activity such as this. Also, make sure your bike is in tiptop mechanical condition before heading out. This trail isn't as isolated as the Ghost Town Trail is, but it's a bitch walking your bike if your chain breaks or you get a flat tire. You should carry a chain tool, tire repair kit, and a small air pump. Also be sure to carry water and snacks like dried fruit, nuts, apples, etc, and maybe a PBJ sandwich.
And to reiterate, if you are riding out of East Brady, you will need a good mountain bike or trail bike. read more