Backpedal to the Beginning of America’s Petroleum Industry

Part of a Series of Self-Guided Itineraries

TrAils to Ales in downtown Franklin, PA

The trails along the Allegheny River in Northwestern Pennsylvania provide miles of recreational opportunity as well as a chance to learn about PA’s ‘oil rush.’  Spend some time exploring Franklin’s downtown and town squares before riding the Samuel Justus Trail to Oil City.  The National Transit building now houses the Transit Fine Arts Gallery, but was originally the home of the Standard Oil Company.  To the north, you can connect from Petroleum Center to the Oil Creek State Park Trail and take in the interpretive signage that highlights the region’s oil heritage.  Be sure to hit the Drake Well Museum on your way to Titusville.

Download the full Trail Trip for print or mobile and check out the highlights below:  

  • The Drake Well Museum and Oil Creek State Park 
  • TrAils to Ales and Lavery Brewing’s Lager Haus
  • Bossa Nova Cafe and Roastery and Karma Coffee
  • Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad

The Kennerdell Tunnel along the Allegheny River Trail is a unique and accessible piece of infrastructure just 15 miles from Franklin.  Farther to the north, the Erie National Wildlife Refuge and Cook Forest State Park are worth a visit!

Looking to explore further?  The Story Maps linked below will give you some ideas!

Exploring the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Part of a Series of Self-Guided Itineraries 

Bridge over the Cuyahoga River near Lock 29 Trailhead

Check out more than 40 miles (round trip) of riding within Cuyahoga Valley National Park.  Expect smooth sailing with frequent views of the calming Cuyahoga River.  Outside of the National Park, continue on the Erie and Ohio Towpath Trail north to Cleveland or southward through Akron.

Download the full Trail Trip for print or mobile and check out the highlights below:  

  • Cuyahoga Valley National Park Beaver Marsh
  • The Everett Covered Bridge 
  • The Winking Lizard and the Peninsula Art Academy
  • Zoar Village and the Zoar Wetland Arboretum 
  • Cleveland’s Aquatorium

The Towpath Trail, Cuyahoga Valley National Park Trail Trip also points you in the right direction for some side trips and excursions within a short drive from the trail.  For a longer stay, plan an extra day in Cleveland.

Looking to explore further?  The Story Maps linked below will give you some ideas!

The 2018 Industrial Heartland Trails Coalition Summit!

Registration is now open for the 2018 Industrial Heartland Trails Coalition Summit!

This year’s summit will run from October 2nd through October 3rd at the Morgantown Marriott in Morgantown, West Virginia.  We have a number of engaging speakers and sessions lined up for the event.  A few field trips in the works to highlight the fun opportunities to hit the trail in Morgantown and beyond!

Click the photo below to roll over to the registration page. 

Celebrating 25 Years of the Keystone Fund!

July 2nd marks the 25th anniversary of the Keystone Fund!  This milestone gives us a great chance to reflect on the projects that have become a reality thanks to the program.  Many Western PA trails within the IHeartTrails region were made possible by the Keystone Fund, including : The Turtle Creek Trail, The Hoodlebug Trail, The Panhandle Trail, and The Allegheny River Trail.

Click the image below for more info and success stories related to the Keystone Fund!

Harrison Rail Trails Adopt a Dog Walk

 

Harrison Rail Trails and the Humane Society of Harrison County are teaming up to host an Adopt a Dog Walk this Sunday, May 6th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.  This is a free event with featured speaker Dr. Jenny Canfield, DVM. 

Head out and find a friend who will enjoys the Harrison South Rail Trail as much as you do!

Don’t Miss Out on this Weekend’s Fun!

Click the photo for more details.

Harrison Rail Trails will host their Opening Day for Trails this Saturday, the 27th of April at the Salem Depot Park along the North Bend Rail Trail.  The schedule is packed with a bicycle rodeo, miniature pony rides, bike give-a-ways, and much more.  Experience Harrison County’s trails, learn about future trail connections, and  shake the cobwebs off as we prepare for another great season of riding!

 

 

 

Photo courtesy of Mill Creek Metroparks. Click for more details.

To the north, in Canfield, OH, Mill Creek Metroparks is holding it’s Spring Skies at the Farm Kite Fest from 11 a.m.  The Mill Creek Bikeway runs right by the farm, so it’s a great opportunity to do some pedaling and some kiting.  You’ll soarly, I mean surely, have a blast!