BEST FALL COLORS of the WEB
"Out my backdoor access to trails and greenways"
Welcome, and enjoy your
visit here. This page is from the Best Fall Colors of the
Web promotion sponsored by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
folks a while back. The photos of the Ghost Town Trail shown
here were provided by Laurie Lafontaine, Chairperson of the Cambria
& Indiana Trail Council. Although these photos are from previous
years, the trail always puts on a great show in the Fall.
Twin Rocks access area. Photo taken from bridge showing South Branch of Blacklick Creek. The entire length of the present trail follows the course of the Blacklick Creek.
"Rail-trails are a significant portion of the rich network of greenways in Pennsylvania that serve to improve the quality of life in our communities and contribute significantly to the state's job-creating tourism industry. This administration understands the vital role recreational trails play in the quality of life. Year-round, these trails offer us a chance to escape the rigors of everyday life, enjoy the outdoors, and improve our health."
at the Governor's Conference on Greenways and Trails, April, 1997
Colors of the Rainbow & Black. This view of a portion of the trail shows the wide range of Fall colors found on the trail. The black in the center of the photo is the remains of a mine refuse dump near Vintondale. This is a very interesting wetland area with a large population of cattails, blueberrys, and an assortment of wild grasses, ferns and flowers.
Remains of the mine dump along the trail near Wehrum. Along the Blacklick Creek at this location one may see poplar trees felled by beaver.
Future plans include an interpretive display to explain the industrial heritage of the sites, such as this, along the Ghost Town Trail.
Since the Ghost Town Trail opened on October 1, 1994, it has been a success for both residents and visitors. It is estimated that currently more than 75,000 visitors per year use the trail.
Approaching the railroad bridge crossing the South Branch of the Blacklick Creek near the Twin Rocks access area.
Approaching the "rock dump", as the mine waste dumps are locally known, near Vintondale. A short distance from this site the trail crosses the South Branch of Blacklick Creek.
The Ghost Town Trail is recognized as one of the very best in Pennsylvania. Proposed extensions to the trail would add 20+ miles to the existing 16 miles.
A wetlands plant inventory conducted on the trail in August 1992, identified the following trees in the wetland areas: Silver Maple, Black Cherry, European White Birch, Shagbark Hickory, Black Gum, Staghorn Sumac, River Birch, Sweet Birch, and Mountain Laurel.
Wildlife seen along the trail include deer, bear, turkey, grouse, geese, ducks, rabbits, squirrels, porcupine, raccoon, opossum, woodchuck, muskrat, beaver and more.
White Mill (once known as Chrysler Station) Terminus where the trail passes under Route 422, the Ben Franklin Highway. White Mill was a grist mill operated by Thomas Duncan while John Duncan operated the Red Mill, further downstream. White Mill is located at the confluence of the North Branch of Blacklick Creek, shown on the left, and Elk Creek on the right.
An economic impact study of the trail was completed in October 1996 by interns from the Southwestern Pennsylvania Heritage Preservation Commission and the Penn State School of Forest Resources. The trail is having a definite economic impact in the region. Average daily expenditures for the resident visitors was $4.33 per day while non-residents spent $9.28 daily. Estimated attendance during the May to October study period was 66,000 visitors, of which 23% came from areas outside of Cambria and Indiana Counties. Overall economic impact of the trail during the study period amounted to $362,000.
"Covering Our Tracks", Winter
1997
Parking Area and Facilities at Dilltown
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Indiana County Parks Blue Spruce Park Road Indiana, PA 15701 [Voice] (412) 463-8636 [FAX] (412) 463-8740 |
Chairperson Cambria & Indiana Trail Council [e-mail] trailsrme@att.net |
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Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority 401 Candelight Drive, Suite 234 Ebensburg, PA 15931 [FAX] (814) 472-0686 [e-mail] ccra@penn.com |
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