This is one of the best bike trails in W PA! It can be difficult to locate, just watch for the many signs pointing to trail heads. Since it is an old rail bed, the ride is flat and straight and makes for great family biking. The trail crosses Sandy Creek multiple times and there’s even a tunnel! Breathtaking views from the bridges, particualrly in the fall. Bring a picnic, at the least a snack and of course water because there are no facilities off this trail. This trail can be accessed from the Allegheny River /Samual Justis trail that passes through Victorian Franklin, but it is quiet a day of biking. Plus there’s a big stairway climb from the River trail to Sandy Creek trail. Best access is from Pone Lane off Rt. 8 in Franklin. Just watch for the signs.
Susan D.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Pittsburgh, PA
The Sandy Creek Trail is a part of the Allegheny Valley Trails. It’s a rather isolated trail and the trailheads and parking lots seem to be very hard to find. It connects, however, just south of Oil City, PA with the Allegheny River Trail and the Samuel Justus Trail. My husband Rick and I rode it on Sunday and we strongly recommend combining it with a ride on the Samuel Justus Trail. We did just that, along with the Allegheny River Trail, beginning our ride in Oil City. The Sandy Creek Trail is approximately 12 miles in length and is paved for the entire distance. So it’s one of the few rails-to-trails that you don’t need a mountain or trail bike. This was great for us because we got a chance to give our road bikes a workout. Because it is a rails-to-trails, it’s a relatively easy ride its entire length. But o-boy is this trail relatively isolated! Development is rather nonexistent along the entire trail. It goes through, however, some of the states most spectacular hills, valleys, and forests. The trail crosses numerous railroad trestles and goes through two tunnels. The 1385 foot long Belmar Bridge is one of the scenic highlights. It spans the Allegheny Valley and here you can connect to the Allegheny River Trail and the Samuel Justus Trail. Just be prepared though, you have to walk your bike down a flight of stairs if you are connecting! The other scenic highlight is the Deep Valley Tunnel. Be prepared when going thru the tunnels though. They are much cooler inside than the surrounding areas and I strongly recommend you have a headlight on your bike. There are also numerous other small bridges you’ll cross as you make your way along Sandy Creek. And also, just so you know before you go, there are absolutely no services or facilities along this trail. Be prepared before you begin your ride. Make sure you have food, water, tire repair kit, small air pump, chain tool, and a cel phone with you.
