Explore the best rated trails in State College, PA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Buffalo Flat Trail and Bells Gap Rail Trail . With more than 25 trails covering 295 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.
We are older Gen X rail trail mountain bikers and we found this trail near where we were RV ing. It was relatively flat and about 5 miles round trip. The views along the creek were nice and the tunnel and bridge were neat. Our rating is due to the condition of the trail surface, which we found rocky, rough, and in need of maintenance in a few spots. We only encounter 2 other bikers and a few hikers. We believe with some improvements this would could hecome a more sought out destination.
We did only 10 miles today 10 miles up and 10 miles back, but I love this trail. They have rest stops every 3 miles which is great because you can use the bathroom. The trail was beautiful. We started from black lick. I can’t wait to ride the other side.
A friend and I rode the Ghost Town Trail from Blacklick (Saylor Park) to Nanty Glo and back in June 2024. Temps were in the low 90s with some humidity.
The trail surface is generally good - mostly packed dirt with occasional gravel spots. Between mileposts 20 and 21 there was a washout on half the trail. The other half has ravines and requires caution. Orange cones mark the damage.
The trail is uphill virtually all the way from Blacklick to Nanty Glo. Several sections are steeper than others. Plan to spend more time riding west to east.
The trail has frequent historical signage and some photos at the sites of the 9 ghost towns. We enjoyed reading the signs' text. Unfortunately in most cases there is nothing to see (no foundations or chimneys). Several coal seams are reminders of the mining.
The trail is very rural, and reminded us of the Katy in Missouri. It is important to carry hydration and food, as we saw no place to buy food until Nanty Glo. All restaurants in town were closed at lunchtime Monday, so we bought snacks at the RiteAid.
A friend and I rode the Lower Trail in June 2024. Temps were in the low 90s; it was humid. Fortunately the trail is very well shaded. The section from Alexandria to Williamsburg is nearly flat and mostly 2-track well-packed dirt. The last 3 miles are paved asphalt. The pavement used to be rough. It's much better now, with occasional tree root bumps.
The trail has LOTS of benches and several picnic shelters. It's quiet so we heard a variety of birds. En route we chatted with Mike, a local who's a trail keeper. We also encountered a local who was removing invasive species along the trail.
The only disappointment was the Lower Trail Creamery in Williamsburg. We (and another couple) saw an employee enter the Creamery at 11:30am. We knocked on the door and asked if we could be served soon. We were told to wait until the posted noon opening. Very disappointing on a hot day!
Years ago when we first rode the Lower Trail, we would only see one or two riders or walkers. Today there were 10 vehicles in the Alexandria parking lot. Mike said the parking lot fills up on weekends.
Awesome ride. Just completed this incredible trail over two days. Rode Wellsboro to Jersey Shore with an overnight pause at Slate Run. The trail is an easy ride with spectacular views of nature. Can't wait to ride again.
Drove about 3 hours to try this wonderful little trail. Parked at western terminus in Mifflinburg next to the Rusty Rail Brewing Company, which was a great post ride visit, and rode east to Lewisburg. At both ends of the trail are paved with crush ballast for most of the ride. Some soft gravel so stay in the worn track is recommended. Two cautions: watch the gates and poles as you cross the country roads and there is one very small disconnected section once into Lewisburg and need to cross US15. Recommend head north to light (with bike lane) cross and then ride up half a block and make a right. You'll run into trail that completes a few blocks later. Bonus are the facilities at both ends of the trail.
Did the entire trail with e-bike. Great ride in lowest pedal assist mode! Few areas washed out by recent rains but able to navigate.
Rode this trail on a Tuesday morning in June, starting in Alexandria. The parking area is easy to find and has a bathroom. I encountered maybe 10 or 15 other people/groups in about 2 hours, mostly cycling with an occasional runner/walker. Lots of benches along the way with an occasional bathroom at other parking areas. The first 11 miles is all shaded with no road crossings, flat, and very peaceful once the trail veers away from the road after a mile or so. It is well maintained (didn’t see a single piece of trash), the surface is nice for cycling, and while the asphalt section had some bumps from tree roots, they were well marked. I turned around shortly after Williamsburg (about 12 miles) due to the heat, but will absolutely be back to do the entire trail. HIGHLY recommend.
A beautiful trail for walking only. There are signs stating no bikes, rollerblading, and no skateboarding.
Having completed 2/3 of trail beginning at jersey Shore, we decided to start at the northern end today. Beautiful ride in the gorge! Great picnic area at Darling Run. Will definitely return to ride again!
Always a favorite trail as it’s close to State College, PA, I rode it again yesterday with friends. Scenic and really well maintained, the trail offers a little bit of everything. Thanks and appreciation to those who maintain the trail—especially at the picnic area.
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