On the Beaten Path: Pedaling Pittsburgh and Beyond

Youghiogheny River Trail: Mc Keesport to West Newton

The Youghiogheny River Trail is a 43 mile trail from Mc Keesport to Connellsville. This review covers the first third of the trail.
For information: http://www.youghrivertrail.com

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This is where The Great Allegheny Passage begins or ends depending on which way you are traveling. The trail will eventually continue into Pittsburgh ending at Point State Park. The roughly 18 miles between the two cities is visually as wide ranging as you can find on the trail. Beginning in Mc Keesport you start in the city's marina. (Park under the bridge so the people who rent boat slips don't get mad.) From there the trail winds along public housing and working factories before breaking into suburbia. The first part of the trail is a bit hard to follow and you have to cross the river on a narrow sidewalk separated from a busy road by a waist high concrete barrier. After crossing the bridge you need to make a quick left and go into what looks like an industrial park before getting back onto the crushed stone trail. The YRT then passes through some Western Pennsylvania Conservancy lands and into Boston were many people like to start their ride. Moving out of Boston you are all but riding through backyards, which at times give way to rocky cliffs and some great waterfalls. There are some nice parks along the way including some with flush toilets and camping areas. Take time to read the historic markers along the way. You never have to worry about getting a bite to eat. Every few miles you pass a store where you can grab a snack and a few full service restaurants. From West Newton the trail roughly follows the Youghiogheny River all the way to Confluence PA.

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