On the Beaten Path: Pedaling Pittsburgh and Beyond

Ghost Town Trail

Ghost Town Trail is a rail trail connecting Naty Glo, Vintondale, Dilltown and Ebensburg.
For information: www.indianacountyparks.org/parks/gtt/gtt.html

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The 36-mile Ghost Town Trail runs through Indiana and Cambria counties mostly along the Blacklick Creek, which at times is highly impacted by abandon mine drainages. At the tiny town of Vintondale three holes were punched into the riverbed to relieve water pressure in a closed mine. From the trail you can now see three geysers shooting acidic, iron-filled water into the creek impacting life for miles down stream. The trail is well manicured by the local parks department and the scenery is great, even if at times the river you are viewing runs red from the iron dropping out of the water and clinging to the rocks. Make sure to leave time in Vintondale to take a look at the Eliza furnace and the passive water treatment project that is removing heavy metals from the river. Like many rail trails the Ghost Town slowly rises from Dilltown to Ebensburg. You get a workout getting there but the ride back is nice and easy. There is also a spur that heads north to RT. 422. The grade is a bit steeper but again, the ride back is great. There are plenty of benches and picnic tables to take a break at and every town you pass through has a place to grab at least an ice cream cone to refuel your legs.

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