Allegheny River Trail
Allegheny River Trail
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
53 reviews
Excellent
45
Very good
8
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
rdna5
Rockport, TX91 contributions
Jun 2021
My husband & I, both in our mid 60’s, hopped on this trail at the parking lot where the Allegheny & Samuel Justice trails meet. The lot was a little tricky to find, it’s just a narrow driveway down off the main road, but the lot itself had plenty of parking, several fairly clean port-a-potty’s as well as a few covered picnic tables. The paved trail bed is smooth and fairly flat, making for an easy ride, one that enabled us to really enjoy the natural surroundings. The first few miles are alongside the main road, so there was some traffic noise to start, but after a bit, the two separated and the road noises disappeared. The river views are stunning, with multiple boaters, kayakers and fishermen along the lazy waters. Critters abound, we saw multiple rabbits and squirrels, the chipmunks enjoyed playing chicken with us. Momma dear and her spotted twins watched us warily, but continued snacking on the plentiful vegetation.
There is an area about 13 miles in where the trail evidently needed to skirt a small community and the trail bed is gravel. As a tentative rider, I walked the hillier section, but for the most part, I rode low & slow & managed to get to the other side unscathed. The next area was quite interesting, the summer/vacation communities with their sloping lawns and cabins on the hill were for the most part empty of their families.
Then came the Kennerdell tunnel and going through it, you will understand the words “dark as pitch”. Even though we tested them the night before, my headlight didn’t work and his wasn’t bright enough to follow safely (did I mention that I’m a tentative rider??), so we walked through – easy peasy but flipping DARK!! And COLD – the temperature drops at least 15 degrees. Finally, daylight & we rode for another couple of miles, hitting 20 and turned around. Going back through the tunnel, I remembered the flashlight on my phone and Ta-Da, I managed to very, very carefully ride back through (was very proud of myself!). And then…it started to rain, which quickly turned into a deluge. I have never been that wet on a bicycle before! And that is about the only criticism I may have about this trail, there was no place along the 20 miles to get out of the weather. There are benches scattered about & a viewing station, but until we got back to the parking lot, nothing with a roof was available. Grateful it wasn’t a thunder storm.
There is an area about 13 miles in where the trail evidently needed to skirt a small community and the trail bed is gravel. As a tentative rider, I walked the hillier section, but for the most part, I rode low & slow & managed to get to the other side unscathed. The next area was quite interesting, the summer/vacation communities with their sloping lawns and cabins on the hill were for the most part empty of their families.
Then came the Kennerdell tunnel and going through it, you will understand the words “dark as pitch”. Even though we tested them the night before, my headlight didn’t work and his wasn’t bright enough to follow safely (did I mention that I’m a tentative rider??), so we walked through – easy peasy but flipping DARK!! And COLD – the temperature drops at least 15 degrees. Finally, daylight & we rode for another couple of miles, hitting 20 and turned around. Going back through the tunnel, I remembered the flashlight on my phone and Ta-Da, I managed to very, very carefully ride back through (was very proud of myself!). And then…it started to rain, which quickly turned into a deluge. I have never been that wet on a bicycle before! And that is about the only criticism I may have about this trail, there was no place along the 20 miles to get out of the weather. There are benches scattered about & a viewing station, but until we got back to the parking lot, nothing with a roof was available. Grateful it wasn’t a thunder storm.
Written 10 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John B
Middlefield, OH113 contributions
Oct 2020
We travel all over the country biking on rail to trails. This one is the best. It blows Utah and Colorado away! Tunnels, bridges, eagles, deer, and tons of other wildlife abound. The history of the area is a bonus. Only downside: Middle-aged (like me) guys dressed in Lance Armstrong costumes who think they are on the Tour de France. These losers travel in packs, at high speeds, and yell, grunt, and complain if you don't stop and let them by. We bid a lot, and this is the only place we've run into this. It's not a wide path, but these glory day reenactors think they own that. Nevertheless, even with these losers, the path is still the best I've encountered.
We've been on it at least 5 times this year, and we have to drive 2 hours to get there.
We've been on it at least 5 times this year, and we have to drive 2 hours to get there.
Written 11 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim M
Pittsburgh, PA173 contributions
Aug 2016 • Couples
Allegheny River Trail (ART) is a great trail. It is level, all asphalt and runs along the Allegheny River from Emlenton to Franklin. We have done most of the trail in sections, but the section we like best is about 14 miles one way starting in Emlenton. In this section, you will go through two tunnels (lights definitely required) and over a number of bridges. The area is remote and the scenery is gorgeous. The only down side is that there are very few porta-johns along the way. There is one at Emlenton, one at Belmar where the trail crosses the Sandy Creek trail and that's about it. Other than that, it's perfect. Also, if you're in Emlenton and looking for a place to eat, try the "Little IT Deli". The food is excellent.
Written 14 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristin S
Forest Lake, MN101 contributions
Jun 2017 • Family
This trail is so beautiful. I ran from my hotel down to this trail and it was really easy to get to. Loved the port a potties on the trail. Plus there were maps along the trail that helped.
Written 22 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian S
Pittsburgh, PA41 contributions
Sept 2013 • Friends
This is one of the best rail to trail bike paths in Western Pennsylvania. It is paved all the way from Emlenton Pa, (right off Interstate 80) to Oil City. I believe it's a little over 30 miles. It follows the Allegheny River the entire way except for 1/2 mile somewhere in the middle where they were unable to get the right of way. You have to make a short detour through a small neighborhood, then you're back on the trail. There are also two tunnels with no lighting inside. They can be creepy, but they're fun to navigate. There's lots of wild life to see and I've even seen a Bald Eagle or two. It's the only place I've ever seen bluebirds flitting about. Make sure your take liquids and some energy snacks. There are no places to eat or drink between Emlenton and Franklin, which is the longest section of the trail so far. Grab a great weather day and set out for a fun ride.
Written 10 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dick W
Lancaster Co, Pa86 contributions
Sept 2020
We were looking for a place to hike and were referred to this trail by a staff member at the Quality Inn. Nice hike along the river.
Written 19 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Don B
Sharon, PA118 contributions
Jun 2019
The trail was pretty level and on a Saturday afternoon not too crowded. Going through the tunnel it is advised to have a powerful light; even then it can be scary.
Written 19 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pizzaman70
Hubbard, OH11 contributions
Jun 2019 • Solo
My wife and I took our electric bikes on both trails. We have taken the bikes on several other Rail for Trails trails. We are in our mid 70's and they made the trip doable and enjoyable. Both Trails are very scenic. The Allegheny follows the River and the Sandy Creek goes over the river and several creeks. Even though the Sandy Creek is shorter we felt it had a lot to offer and would recommend you taking it. We saw more wild life on Sandy Creek plus the views were fantastic. I would suggest you taking an extra light for the long tunnels on The Allegheny Trail.
Written 19 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
charisma2015
Wantage, NJ272 contributions
May 2019 • Friends
We were a group of 12 and started in Franklin. I only biked to the Kennerdell Tunnel, found a spot for lunch and returned; 30+ miles was enough for me. [several of my group continued and went through the Rockland Tunnel which is shorter]. On the return I fell in the tunnel - went off the pavement and into the gravel. There's a drop off the pavement and my wheel got stuck in the gravel. I had superficial wounds; I thought the reflectors were dimmer on the return. A headlamp was not sufficient for me - perhaps a bike light or something brighter that could be pointed towards the pavement would have been better. It was an awesome experience and I loved it! One of my group had a lantern and helped me get through the tunnel where we cleaned my scraped leg. Also there is a section that is not paved; the gravel is very large and difficult to bike. We had to walk most of this section; the rest of the trail is paved and the views are just spectacular. A totally beautiful bike ride - would highly recommend it if you are in the area. There is also a great iron bridge that you can take your bike up and bike across which connects to the Sandy Creek Trail. We decided to leave our bikes and walk across the bridge which was delightful.
Written 1 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gary F
Wellsville, OH15 contributions
Sept 2018 • Solo
WOW what a trail. My wife dropped me off in Emlenton, PA and I rode to Oil City. About 33 miles. It ran along the Allegheny River the whole way. All paved** and level the whole trip. The scenery was great. Many benches and picnic tables along the way. Stopped several times to watch the boaters and kayaks. In Franklin there is a information building. You should go in and talk to the guy running it. He told me from Oil City the trail is compete all the way to Titusville, PA. Just two more things. You definitely need a good flashlight for the two tunnels. As long as you do it is a lot of fun going in them. There is one place some idiot will not let you ride the trail. You need to walk on a gravel road** for a short distance. If you have a mountain bike you could ride it. I walked and looked at it as just an excuse to stretch my legs. This trail gets 5 stars for sure!
Written 4 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, My parents are wanting to bike this trail. We live about 5 hours away and are unfamiliar with it. I have read about the tunnels. DO you have a any recommendation on what lumen strength would be enough for lighting the tunnels? thanks
Written 6 December 2015
I just bought bike flashlights that attach to the handle bars
Written 5 June 2018
We got on the trail at Drake's Well park.
Written 13 October 2015
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