5 Trails to Visit in Cambria County

During these stressful times that require social distancing and staying home, we can begin to feel depressed and alone. Fresh air, sunshine and exercise are all great ways to help combat these feelings and alleviate some of our stress.

The 5 Trails to Visit:

1. The Ghost Town Trail

If you haven’t noticed yet, I love the Ghost Town Trail. There are just so many benefits to the GTT! Multiple easy access trail heads, easy grade, soft surface which is gentle on the knees and back, beautiful views and amazing history just to name a few. As a result of my love of this trail, I have several posts on the GTT. You can check out my previous post, Ghost Town: Wehrum that talks about one of the sections of the trail. For more information and interactive maps head to Cambria County Conservation and Recreation.

2. Staple Bend Tunnel/Path of the Flood

The Staple Bend Tunnel Trail is part of the Allegheny Portage National Historical Site. It is also part of the Path of the Flood Trail. It is located in the mountains outside of Johnstown near the town of Mineral Point. The full trail stretches from Mineral Point to Ehrenfeld in Johnstown. In a previous post I visited the Staple Bend Tunnel. To learn a little more about the Path of the Flood Trail you can go to the Trans Allegheny Trails page.

3. Jim Mayer Riverswalk Trail

This 3.1 mile trail can be found in the east end of Johnstown. It is named after the local conservationist Jim Mayer. The trail travels along the Stonycreek River, beginning in Riverside and ending in Hornerstown near to the Sandyvale Memorial Gardens. It is a beautiful piece of nature in an urban setting. The Trans Allegheny page has more information about this wonderful trail.

4. The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail

This trail stretches 70 miles along the Laurel Mountains from the Conemaugh Gorge near Johnstown to Ohiopyle State Park. This is a wonderful trail for those interested in backpacking, however with the shelter areas closed that is not a current option. There are several sections of the trail that would make for great areas to start an out and back day hike since they are near the trail heads. To learn a little more about the Laurel Highlands Hiking trail you can visit the DCNR page.

5. Powell Stackhouse Park

This park is named after Mr. Powell Stackhouse. The park was privately owned during the 1920’s and was eventually gifted to the city of Johnstown in 1931. The park has survived neglect, decay and littering. It wasn’t until 1986 that restoration efforts were successfully begun. Today there are seven miles worth of trails to enjoy. Please visit the Stackhouse Park page for more information.

I have only listed 5 trails to visit. In a state like Pennsylvania, there are obviously a lot more trails. In future posts I will suggest trails in Indiana and Somerset counties. Keep an eye out for a post on interesting things to see outdoors.

Lets remember we are all in this together. Please allow space for social distancing, which can be a little challenging on some trails. Always respect nature: never litter, leave plants and animals alone, and never vandalize.