Nestled in the beautiful Alleghenies, 65 miles east of Pittsburgh, Johnstown, Pennsylvania is becoming a hub for outdoor recreation, with a multitude of land and water trails that immerse bicyclists, hikers, and paddlers in the region’s remarkable history.  Those looking to forge new trails should add the Johnstown region to their to-do list!

The Ghost Town Trail is a 51-mile rail-trail that is soon to become the only looped rail-trail in the east. This acclaimed trail, named for the long-gone coal mining communities that once dotted its right-of-way, passes by traces of industrial history, including two massive iron furnaces. The 32-mile main stem connects the charming town of Ebensburg westward to Blacklick. The Blacklick Creek valley is gorgeous, with mountain streams, stands of rhododendron, wildflowers, and cool woodlands. At Vintondale, the trail branches off offering another 17 miles to explore, plus a two-mile mixed surface connection to Duman Lake County Park, ideal for overnight camping.  

Pennsylvania’s 2025 Trail of the Year, the Path of the Flood Trail, extends 14 miles from the breastworks of the former South Fork Dam to downtown Johnstown. It follows the same route the devastating flood waters took when they surged into the town on May 31, 1889.  The dam’s remains are part of the Johnstown Flood National Memorial, featuring a visitor center with a film and exhibits, hiking trails in and around the former lakebed, and the nearby 1889 Historic District.  The trail itself is naturally beautiful as well as challenging in places.  It also includes interpretive markers and passes through the Staple Bend Tunnel – the first railroad tunnel built in America. The 2.5-mile Staple Bend Tunnel Trail portion is an easy walk or bike ride for all abilities.

The Stonycreek River, or “Stony” as locals call it, is fast becoming a center of river recreation. Meandering through the city of Johnstown, it’s common to see kayakers and canoeists paddling by the renowned Johnstown Inclined Plane, through the arches of the historic Stone Bridge towards the Cambria City Cultural District, and on through the steep Conemaugh Gap.  The Stonycreek is part of the Kiski-Conemaugh Water Trail with 86 miles of paddling connecting five counties.  Minutes from downtown Johnstown is Whitewater Park a 300-yard man-made water park within the Stony’s banks, where paddlers can hone their skills. Plenty of lodging and great dining options are close to the trails and river, allowing more time for exploring and playing. 

While visitors are discovering Johnstown’s vast recreation assets, new residents are finding the area to be a perfect home base, with an affordable, relaxing lifestyle, and outdoor adventure just minutes from their doorstep. 

Go to VisitJohnstownPA.com to plan your “Simply Incredible” visit, or your next move!