Roaring Run Trail

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This information is a public record of the 2009 NRT application and may be out of date if it has not been updated by a trail manager --
check with the trail manager for updated details before visiting.

Roaring Run Trail

Nonprofit Backcountry Trail Frontcountry Trail Rail Trail Urban Trail
  • Length
    4 miles
  • Elevation Gain
    --
  • Route Type
    out & back
 (1 review)

The Roaring Run Recreation Area is more than just a rail trail. The more than 650 acres of preserved natural area protecting the Roaring Run Watershed features a 4-mile rail-trail and more than 15 miles of mountain biking/hiking trails, and a canoe/kayak launch onto the Kiskiminetas River.

  • Photograph by Mary Shaw.
  • Photograph by Mary Shaw.
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Location: Kiskiminetas Township, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania

  • States: Pennsylvania
  • Counties: Armstrong
  • Cities/Townships: Kiskiminetas Twp.

Roaring Run Recreation Area is an important feature in the 320-mile Pittsburgh-to-Harrisburg Main Line Canal Greenway. The Roaring Run Watershed Association currently owns 653 acres of largely recovered mine lands which, in some places, still bear the scars left from past environmental abuses. The Roaring Run Watershed is home to the 4-mile-long Roaring Run Trail, an ADA-accessible, crushed limestone surfaced trail built on a former railroad grade along the Kiskiminetas River. Another mile of the more rugged trail ends at the village of Edmon. Branching off the Roaring Run Trail, the 1.5-mile Rock Furnace Trail runs along the heart of the Roaring Run Valley at various grades, ending at a waterfall vista.

Nearly 15 more miles of hiking/mountain biking trails crisscross the Recreation Area and a number of bridges and special features have been built along this network of trails. The Watershed Association is currently working to secure land along the Kiskiminetas to physically connect the trail to the town of Apollo (3/4 mile). Work is also underway in cooperation with the Conemaugh Valley Conservancy to close a 5-mile gap between the Roaring Run Trail and the West Penn Trail in Indiana County.

The Recreation Area also hosts a launch site for the Kiski-Conemaugh River Water Trail. The Recreation Area is the only recreation asset in Kiskiminetas Township. Despite its remote location, the Recreation Area's 80 parking spots are nearly filled almost every weekend between March and November, often with mountain bike users from the Pittsburgh area. The maintenance of both the rail trail and park facilities is 100% volunteer-based. All special projects are coordinated and managed by volunteers.

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Reviews

david johnston
david johnston
Jan 13, 2022
the trail

Too steep -- can't walk it no more - the hill was like at a angle. i wish i could go back to yester years . I ran miles on the trail - hunting and fishing at one time great place, on left side first bench to the water from spring and late fall watching the copperheads like that area so watch out for these poisonous type snakes

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Allowed Uses:

Bicycling Boating, human-powered Dogs, on leash Hiking/Walking Snow, cross-country skiing Snow, snowshoeing

Other Activities

  • Fishing
  • Snow, snow play general
  • Wildlife viewing / observation

Public Contact

Rich Dixon
Roaring Run Watershed Association
PO Box 333
Apollo, PA 15613
[email protected]www.roaringrun.org

Contact the trail manager for current maps and visiting details.

More Details

  • Elevation (low): 820
  • Elevation (high): 840
  • Elevation (cumulative): --

  • Part of a Trail System? No
  • National Designations: Millenium Legacy Trail
  • Surface (primary): Rock, crushed
  • Surfaces (additional): Soil

  • Tread Width (average): 96"
  • Tread Width (minimum): 96
  • Running length (minimum): --

  • Tread Grade (average, percent): 1
  • Tread Grade (maximum): 4
  • Running length (maximum): --

  • Cross-slope (average, percent): --
  • Cross-slope (maximum): --
  • Running length (maximum): --
  • Certified as an NRT
    May 25, 2009
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