Ghost Town Trail Pennsylvania
A well-maintained gravel trail in Pennsylvania, perfect for biking and walking, featuring scenic creek views and historical remnants.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat & see wildlife
Ghost Town Trail Pennsylvania
Best Time
Beat the heat & see wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A well-maintained gravel trail in Pennsylvania, perfect for biking and walking, featuring scenic creek views and historical remnants.
"Such a cool place well worth the trip. Extremely well maintained."
🎯 Early Bird Gets the Trail
Start your ride early morning to avoid heat and crowds, and increase chances of spotting deer!
👟 Check Trail Conditions
Some sections can be bumpy due to washouts; check recent reports if possible.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Buena Vista Furnace
Mid-trail between Dilltown and Ebensburg
Explore remnants of industrial history along the trail, offering a unique glimpse into the past.
Black Lick Creek Scenery
Various points along the trail
Enjoy peaceful rides alongside the creek, with beautiful natural views and occasional wildlife sightings.
Rhododendron Blooms
Along the trail, especially in mid-May
Witness vibrant blooms of rhododendrons, adding a splash of color to your cycling or walking experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & Best Entry Points
What to Expect on the Trail
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Early Bird Gets the Trail
Start your ride early morning to avoid heat and crowds, and increase chances of spotting deer!
👟 Check Trail Conditions
Some sections can be bumpy due to washouts; check recent reports if possible.
💧 Beware of Creek Stains
The creek's mineral sediment can stain clothes, so be mindful.
🦋 Butterfly Encounters
Visit in mid-May for a chance to see tiger swallowtail butterflies puddling.
Johnstown, PA has the worlds steepest vehicular incline plane at 71.9% that you can ride up and bring you car
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Early Bird Gets the Trail
Start your ride early morning to avoid heat and crowds, and increase chances of spotting deer!
👟 Check Trail Conditions
Some sections can be bumpy due to washouts; check recent reports if possible.
💧 Beware of Creek Stains
The creek's mineral sediment can stain clothes, so be mindful.
🦋 Butterfly Encounters
Visit in mid-May for a chance to see tiger swallowtail butterflies puddling.
🚲 Bike from Ebensburg to Vintondale
This stretch is considered an easy ride, perfect for a day trip.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Ghost Town Trail for its excellent maintenance, scenic beauty along Black Lick Creek, and historical points of interest like the Buena Vista Furnace. It's considered an easy to moderate trail suitable for biking, walking, and running, with plenty of amenities like benches and restrooms at access points. Some users noted rougher conditions in certain areas and mineral staining from the creek.
"Such a cool place well worth the trip. Extremely well maintained."
Michael L
"7-4-25
I'm going to leave a review every time I ride my bike on the trail. I haven't touched a mountain bike in over 30 years. Today, I set out early morning to ride from Sailor Park to the Heshbon Access point and back. The whole trip from Sailor to Heshbon was a slight uphill incline. It wasn't the most pleasant but not horrible at all. It was manageable for this 45+ lady. I did make it from point A to B with no stops. The scenery is beautiful compared to the nearby Hoodlebug.
7-6-25
Rode my bike today from Heshbon Access to Dilltown and back. Both access points have nice restrooms and break areas. I do believe the total elevation climb for this bit is only 90ft or so, making it a little easier than last time. There was not as much water scenery as last time, but it was still very nice. The Rhododendrons were blooming, and the bridges provided some nice views. The Buena Vista furnace was a nice break spot on the way back to my car as it is in the middle of the two access points.
7-12-25
Dilltown to Wehrum to Vintondale. This will be the last out and back I do on the trail. The incline the rest of the way to Ebensburg will be a little steeper. Next ride will most likely be from Ebensburg back to Vintondale. It was peaceful since I began around 6:15am to beat the heat. lots of deer along the way. The Dilltown and Vintondale access points are very nice. Vintondales amenities are around the corner by the Furnace. view of the creek wasn't as scenic as the beginning. I did notice more bugs for some reason. Might want to spray yourself first.
7-19-25
Finished the main trail today with an early morning ride from Ebensburg to Vintondale. Easy ride. Rough conditions between the Twin Rocks parking area and Vintondale. There had been a bunch of washout that they are working on fixing. Some areas had just been topped over with thicker gravel. It got a little bumpy. The Nanty Glo and Twin rocks parking access areas didn't have amenities as most of the others did. There were plenty of sitting areas especially closer to the towns. The stretch towards Ebensburg was the least scenic of the whole trail. Vintondale had some quite nice stuff to see about a half mile from the parking area obit can be easily accessible even if wanting a small walk.
So overall, trail was easy to moderate. I'd say riding from Ebensburg to Blacklick may be the better route if wanting to do the trip in one day."
Jennifer Shaffor
"Nice trail with plenty of benches and picnic tables along the route. Great historic tidbits to check out. Very well maintained."
Old Dirtball
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ghost Town Trail has multiple access points. Popular trailheads include Ebensburg, Dilltown, Vintondale, and Sailor Park. Each offers parking and varying amenities.
Yes, most trailheads like Dilltown and Ebensburg offer parking facilities. Some smaller access points may have limited parking.
Public transportation options to the trailheads are limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car.
The trail is well-marked, but having a map or using a GPS app can be helpful, especially for longer rides.
Yes, the Johnstown Incline Plane is a notable nearby attraction, offering a unique historical experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Ghost Town Trail is free to access and use. There are no admission fees.
The trail is generally open from dawn to dusk. There are no official operating hours posted, but it's best to use it during daylight.
No booking is required. The trail is open to the public, and you can visit anytime during daylight hours.
No permits are required for recreational use of the trail, such as walking, running, or biking.
Many trailheads, like Dilltown and Ebensburg, offer restrooms and break areas. Some also have picnic tables.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The trail is mostly crushed gravel, which is good for biking and walking. Some sections can be rough or have washouts.
Yes, it's a popular spot for cycling, offering both flat and gently inclining sections.
Absolutely! The trail is wide and clean, making it great for walking and running.
Restrooms are available at several access points, including Dilltown and Ebensburg trailheads.
You'll find beautiful views along Black Lick Creek, historical remnants like old furnaces, and opportunities to see wildlife.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly on the trail. You'll need to bring your own food and drinks or find options in nearby towns like Ebensburg or Johnstown.
Yes, there are picnic tables available at various access points, making it a great spot for a packed lunch.
It's recommended to pack plenty of water and snacks, especially for longer rides or walks, as services are limited.
Ebensburg is a nearby town with several restaurant options, including diners and casual eateries.
Small convenience stores might be available in towns like Dilltown or Vintondale, but it's best to stock up before you arrive.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for scenic views along Black Lick Creek, the historic Buena Vista Furnace, and during the rhododendron bloom in May.
Yes, early mornings offer a good chance to spot deer and other local wildlife along the trail.
Early mornings provide soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the natural beauty and wildlife.
The remnants of old industrial sites, like the Buena Vista Furnace, offer unique historical photography subjects.
A versatile lens for landscapes and wildlife, and a sturdy camera bag are recommended. Consider a wide-angle lens for scenic shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and water, as dining options are scarce along the trail. 🚴 Cyclists Seeking Scenic Rides
🚶♀️ Walkers and Runners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the History of the Ghost Town Trail
Many visitors find the historical tidbits along the trail to be a fascinating addition to their outdoor activity. The presence of old furnaces and the understanding of the railroad's history enrich the experience beyond just a simple bike ride or walk. It's a chance to connect with the local history and appreciate how the landscape has evolved over time.
Navigating the Ghost Town Trail: Terrain and Best Routes
For those looking for a more manageable ride, the stretch from Ebensburg to Vintondale is often recommended as an easier option.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit