A multi-day riverside hike through a bucolic part of Pennsylvania

Statistics

1

day +

817

m

509

m

4

max°

Difficulty

FATMAP difficulty grade

Moderate

Description

This scenic trail follows the path of the former Ebensburg and Black Lick Railroad and the Cambria and Indiana Railroad, and combines natural beauty and historical significance.

It was named for the numerous abandoned mining towns and remnants of the coal mining industry along its route. The trail begins in Blacklick, Indiana County, and extends to Ebensburg, Cambria County.

Along the way, it passes through several ghost towns, including Bracken, Armerford, and Wehrum, giving a glimpse into the region's industrial past.

Wehrum is one of the most notable ghost towns, once a bustling coal mining town with over 200 buildings, including homes, a school, and a company store, all now reduced to foundations and ruins. The Ghost Town Trail is also recognized as a National Recreation Trail, highlighting its importance for outdoor recreation and historical preservation. Managed by the Cambria County Conservation and Recreation Authority and the Indiana County Parks and Trails, the trail is maintained through a partnership that ensures its preservation and accessibility for future generations.