Youghiogheny River Trail North

 

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I like to think of the Youghiogheny River Trail North as my home town trail.  Spanning 43 miles from McKeesport, PA to Connellsville, PA, this trail offers plenty of mileage for riders.  This is where I do most of my riding, due to its location.

 This trail seems to have something for everyone.  There are parts where you pass through small towns, such as in West Newton, but yet there are plenty of wooded areas.  Being a sweet eater, one of my favorite attractions of the trail is the ice cream stop about 5 miles shy of West Newton!

 Along the trail, you also ride past the Dravo Cemetery, through Cedar Creek Park, and under Interstate 70, before coming to the trails end in Connellsville, PA.  Connellsville is also a good place to stop and refuel, since it has many places to eat.

 The trail is actually rich in mining history, which is why the train even came through this area.  The area was a hot bed for mining at one time, as most of Western PA was.  One side effect of the mines which trail users get to witness is the Red Waterfall located around mile marker 28.  The Red Waterfall you see is actually a result of water running out of an old mine.  Coal contains iron and sulfur which react to become rust (iron oxide) and sulfuric acid.  This is why everything is coated in red.  No, the waterfall is not toxic, so take sometime to relax and enjoy the sites!

 As with most trails, you may be lucky enough to spot some wildlife.  Riding this trail about 4 times a week in the summer, I can attest that there is a family of wild turkeys living about 3 miles before the Dravo Cemetery.  I have also spotted numerous deer on the trail.

 The Youghiogheny River Trail North is a great resource right in our backyard!  It offers mileage, sites, and even sweets!  Definitely, go for a ride , if you have not already.

 Points of interest: Dravo Cemetery, Red Waterfall, West Newton, Cedar Creek Park, Interstate 70 overpass, Connellsville.

 Trail Website- Youghiogheny River Trail North

 

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This site was last updated 07/29/06