WESTMORELAND HERITAGE TRAIL:
SALTSBURG-SLICKVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA
-BIKE IT OR HIKE IT-
Last Updated: June 23, 2013
Length: Westmoreland Heritage Trail; 5 miles
Difficulty: Easy. Flat stone-dust rail trail.
Directions:
To Start from the Saltsburg Playground in Saltsburg; From the junction of Routes 22 & 981 in New Alexandria travel north on Route 981 to the junction of Route 286. Turn right across the Conemaugh River along Washington St (Route 286) into Saltsburg. Turn right along Salt St which merges onto Canal St. When you come to Water St turn right into the parking area.
The Westmoreland Heritage Trail follows the rail bed of the former Penn Central RR, which fell into disuse in 1972. The rail line was originally opened in 1852 by a subsidiary of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, led by George Westinghouse, Jr. to connect Saltsburg and Export. Currently the trail travels between Saltsburg and Slickville, but plans call for a 20 mile trail all the way to Trafford. The next phase of construction will extend the trail another 4 miles from Slickville towards Delmont and is expected to be completed by the Fall of 2013. In Saltsburg this trail converges with the West Penn Trail at the Saltsburg Playground. For more information visit; WESTMORELAND HERITAGE TRAIL .
Starting from the Saltsburg Playground in Saltsburg; Both the West Penn Trail & Westmoreland Heritage Trail begin next to the playgrounds entrance. The 0 mile marker begins here (posted every 1/4 mile along the trail) Head west along the stone-dust Westmoreland Heritage Trail passing by some old RR tracks and an informational sign.
Note; The West Penn Trail veers north along the Kiski Section.
You immediately cross over the Conemaugh River along an old RR bridge. Next a tunnel takes you underneath Route 981 followed by another old RR bridge over Loyalhanna Creek. Trail then heads into the woods. I only checked out a short section of this trail. The trail continues southwest, following Grey Run. You'll pass by the Country Road parking lot at around 2.5 miles where the trail turns west following Getty Run. After 5 miles you'll come to Route 819 in Slickville where the trail currently ends.
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CLICK HERE FOR WEST PENN TRAIL MAP
BEFORE YOU SET OUT BE SURE TO READ THE
WAIVER OF RESPONSIBILITY AND DISCLAIMER
BIKE IT OR HIKE IT