The Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site is not only a collection of industrial…read moreartifacts, it's also got a great hiking trail, the 6 to 10 Trail System. The 6 to 10 Trail System is the only way you can see many of the attractions here. But for serious hikers, it's also a great trail for just plain ol' hiking. In fact, the NPS website encourages use of the trail, stating that not only is it good for your health, but also for the health of the national parks. The 6 to 10 Trail System is so named because it connects Engine House #6 and the site of Engine House #10. It's not a circular trail, so it's same-way-out/same-way-back walk. Mountain biking is allowed on east end of the trail only, from Muleshoe Bridge to Engine House #10. But before hiking, I warn you--there are some steep slopes along the way and you should have some experienced hikers in your group. In our foursome, the experienced hikers were the females (Susan and Cindy). Rick and Bob, not so much--but in all fairness to my guy, he's quite the cyclist. Comfortable clothing and sturdy hiking shoes are a must. The 6 to 10 Trail Systems follows the route of the old railroad, but it's not really a rails-to-trails. Not all sections are on the roadbed of the old railway. The construction of a portion of "New" US #22 saw to that! We began our hike upon leaving the Lemon House. We proceeded eastward, coming up on the site of Incline #6, a portion of which has been reconstructed. From Incline #6, we go down the slope and pass under the westbound lanes of "Old" US 22. The next site we encountered was the Skew Arch Bridge. With the construction of the highway, it is actually located between the eastbound and westbound lanes. The bridge can be reached via the trail or the mowed incline. After the bridge, the trail briefly curves to the west before heading east again. There aren't many sites to see on this portion of the trail, but it is a beautiful hike in through here. The trail hugs the park boundary along here before curving to the north again. Ah, here begins the fun part of the trail. The slopes get really steep in through here and they'll test your hiking abilities. But hey, Cindy and I are veterans and if we can tackle the Firelane Trail and the Lower Riverview Trails in Frick Park, we can handle this. "C'mon boys, ya gotta keep up with us! We've barely begun the hike!" I shouldn't talk--I know I'm gonna have to test my sugars soon. We then pass an historic culvert and then come upon the ruins of Engine House #6 and Incline #6. The next site we saw was Muleshoe Bridge. This is a stone arch bridge over "Old" US 22 and is presently closed to hikers and cyclists. This was also built on the Alegheny Portage Railroad right of way, but is much newer. The Pennsylvania Railroad built a freight train bypass line here in 1904 and it remained in use until 1981. The Pennsylvania called it the New Portage Line and a portion of "New" US 22 was built on that too. There is a tunnel up in Gallitzin called New Portage Tunnel and it remains in use by freight and Amtrak trains today. New Portage Tunnel is the sole remaining railroad operating part of the New Portage Line. But back to the Muleshoe Bridge, here is where the bike trail begins. We then passed some more historic culverts and a shout out to my Yelp friend Mike O--no these aren't the "Culverts" where you can get yummy frozen custard. We also passed the Hollidaysburg Reservoir. The State Gamelands are located along here. During hunting season, it is recommended that you wear bright clothing, even though hunting is not allowed on the trail itself. Further east of here, the bike trail splits from the hiking trail. If you're on foot, you will want to remain on the hiking trail. The trail passes the site of Incline #9, although nothing remains. It's mostly a pleasant hike from here and about a mile from the trailhead, the hiking and biking trails rejoin. The Foot of Ten Trail veers off to the left just east of Historic Culvert #1692 and goes to the Engine House #10 ruins at Foot of Ten. The ruins was the end of the line for us too and we decided to take a snack and water break before heading back. Remember, there are no restroom facilities anywhere on the trail. There are no places anywhere on the trail or in the park to obtain food and beverage. Make sure you have an adequate supply before setting out. There are no trashcans along the trail. This is because the park doesn't want furry little creatures scavenging through them. So whatever you bring in, make sure you take out. Finally this is an out-n-back trail. So hike to your abilites. Remember, if you make it to the end, you're really only 1/2 way done because you have to hike back. Thanks to my husband Rick for help in writing this.

I am training to hike the grand canyon to the bottom and back in one day next month, so this trail…read moreis good prep for that because by starting at the lemon house, you go down first then up. Parts of the 6 to 10 are much steeper than what I will encounter in Arizona. I only did the hiking portion of the trail, as the rest is just flat. Well marked, with a couple exceptions, as I actually veered off the trail unknowingly once. This trail will test your hiking abilities, and will disappoint few serious hikers.

This was my first ever hike and I really enjoyed it! We took the blue trail and it was super fun…read more We only got to the a little over the mile mark and decided to turn around because it started getting a little too intense. I had a great time until then. I couldn't imagine anyone being able to do the scaling the mountain part!

Love, love, love this trail system in Johnstown. Easy to find, ample parking. Two restrooms with…read moreflushable toilets and running water with sinks. Playground. Maps were available at the trail sign. And nice maps, very nice maps. The waterproof kind, large, foldable, with all the trails on it. Impressed! It lists 8 trails. We chose the 2.2 mile out-and-back Pathway to the Falls trail with blue blazes. And, yes, it goes to small falls but the better falls are midway. The path is clearly marked with blue blazes on trees and rocks. Part of the trail is along the waterway so you have to navigate walking on rocks in this waterway. It hadn't rained for quite some time so navigating was mostly dry for us. It is along a shaded path with some hills and jewelweed with yellow and orange flowers. We even saw some dragonflies, a type I hadn't seen before. It exceeded my expectations and was geologically very interesting. On my list to come back again.

Great place to go for a walk or hike in the local area! I didn't know about this park until I saw…read moreit on the Johnstown bucketlist. We started at the main trailhead on Luzerne Street, next to the Westmont Municipal Building. "Luzerne" is the main trail and is a relatively easy hike, but keep in mind if you start at this trailhead it is mostly downhill, so be prepared for an uphill trek on your way back! They have maps and info at the entrance, helpful if you're unfamiliar with the area. We saw a ton of deer on our walk (end of May), and there were plenty of options to veer off onto different trails. There were also several pavilions we encountered which would have been nice for picnicking (however are currently closed due to COVID). We'll be back next season!

Stackhouse park is a beautiful 277 acre expansion of pure nature. It has over 7 miles of biking and…read morehiking trails. And filled with fun events year round. I am blessed because the park begins in my backyard so i have the pleasure of enjoying it everyday! Daily you can see hundreds of people enjoying the trails by foot or by bike. And also a fantastic place to walk your pooch if you have one. They have a long flowing peaceful creek that runs down the center with several bridge crossings for easy access. Many events take place year round. One Of my faves is called Shakespeare in the park.in which a talented acting group performs one of Willie's famous plays. Take a blanket and a bottle of wine and it makes for the perfect adult evening. They also have many public picnics with barbecues and bands which is fun for the whole family. The winter is no stranger to fun in the park as it is great for sled riding or toboggans!!!! A great natural monument for the city of Johnstown!!

We were driving by when we saw the signage for the Gallitzin Tunnels. Having just come from the…read moreAllegheny Portage Railroad site, we appreciated the meaning of the tunnels and pulled over to check them out. There is some parking available nearby, and you can easily walk out on the side of the bridge facing the tunnel. There are even two small "windows" in the fencing on the bridge so that you can easily view and/or take pictures of the tunnels. There is a real caboose and a wooden play train available in the grassy area next to the parking. The caboose was closed at the time of our visit, but the wooden play train was fun. There was also signage indicating that a museum was available across the street, but it was outside of the posted hours so we did not see that. If you're interested in train history, this is a good stop!

After our visit to the Allegheny Portage NPS it seemed fitting to take a quick swing over to the…read morelandmark tunnels that put them out of business. Thankfully this place has lots of signage all around the area because it's off the beaten path in the middle of a residential area. We showed up right on time as within about two minutes we felt the rumble and saw the headlight of a train getting ready to emerge from the tunnel. We got to the overlook bridge just in time to catch an 80+ car NS trash train right as it came out of the tunnel. Have a sinus issue? Catch this baby from the bridge and you will be cured because not only does it stink as it's going beneath you but the smell continues to waft out of the tunnel for a good ten minutes after the train is long gone. It's sort of a....Gallitzin Dutch Oven. As for the museum, supposedly the hours are Tuesday-Sunday from 12pm-5pm. We were there in the 4pm hour and nothing was open. The caboose still has hours listed from 2011 on the door so naturally that was also closed. It was disappointing that the caboose/museum were not open but it was still a fascinating look at some living history and we were thankful to see the tunnel in action as well.

Central Park in downtown Johnstown could be a great place when given some much needed love. It is…read morein the center of what I would assume is the business district for this small city. Central Park is located on a fairly nice piece of land in the heart of downtown Johnstown. It's not as big as some Central Parks you may come across in other cities/towns, but it is just right for the size and location in this city. Enough space to have a fountain in the center, pathways that crisscross, and a gazebo big enough to accommodate a band on the warmer months. I'll be honest, I have only ever really visited this park when in the winter. I know it's weird, but I suppose I am drawn here in the winter due to the holiday displays. Sponsored by businesses throughout the Johnstown area, Santa's village (as I call it) lines the pathways. In the center is a tree that was recently installed. When lit, it dances along to music. A different display for each song. It is pretty amazing and draws many people to view it. I really hope for the sake of Johnstown that the investment they made for this tree continues for the park. Making this park beautiful will draw people here and businesses nearby. It's always nice to have an oasis in the middle of all the buildings and streets.

Visiting Johnstown to see a hockey game, I had to see the site of the famous dog the saved…read moreCharlestown from the 1938 flood. Slap Shot fans know what I'm talking about. Anyway, the dog has been moved since George Roy Hill made Paul Newman's favorite film about a struggling minor league hockey team in PA. Despite the fact the the dog was moved a block away, the square is much the same and easily recognizable in the film. It's only a few blocks from the Holiday Inn or the Cambria County War Memorial so be sure to stop by when you're in town.

Wonderful atmosphere, staff and owner are so unbelievably sweet, interactive and fun. I have gone…read moreas softball team bonding, and out with friends and family. I will absolutely be back. I and everyone I know love it here. It is such a blast every time. If you are looking for something fun to do with a group, or whatever your situation may be, look no further. You will for sure have fun!

Totally recommend this place! A friend and I walked in without a reservation on a Saturday…read moreafternoon and had a blast. We had the place to ourselves. There are plenty of games around-- air hockey, Jenga, connect 4, ping pong-- you can do while you're waiting for a lane or just want a break if you're in a group. It's $20 per hour per person. There are timers on each lane to keep track of the time. The employees are super fun and helpful-- the girl who helped us and the owner actually cheered us on while we played a few rounds of a game. There's a room available for rent for parties and they're closed on Mondays and Tuesday's specifically for private events. You're allowed to bring your own food and drinks as well! We will definitely be back.

What a great recreational area for the city of johnstown. Its filled with more activities than one…read moreperson one person handle. I am an avid tennis player so they have more tennis courts that are well kept than any other spot in the city. They also have pick up leagues through the summer and fall which helps to keep you on your toes. They also have basketball and handball courts. Volleyball, and hockey courts. 3 baseball fields. The great thing about this park also is that it is host to one of the city's greatest monuments...the Roxbury bandshell. A brick wall built in 1939 by the people of Johnstown during the great depression to signify the strength and survival of the people of johnstown. Also host to the greatest ice cream shop on the planet Roxberry Creamery. Me and the family spend many summer days right here engaging in physical activity as well as tasty creamy treats. Enjoy if you get the chance!!!!

This is a gorgeous trail. It is very easy and you can walk as far as you want. The trail is well…read moremaintained (mostly crushed gravel) and a fun place to go for a walk, run, or bike ride. You will see beautiful forest areas along the way.

Well another biking milestone for yours truly and her husband Rick. We did the entire 60+ mile…read moreround trip between Black Lick and Ebensburg on the Ghost Town Trail! It took all day, I'm still saddle sore and my leg muscles ache a little, but it was totally worth it. Besides, we're building up our strengths so we can do the 120+ miles of the Great Allegheny Passage Trail between McKeesport and Cumberland, MD. There's not too much more I can write about the trail. Last year we rode the Black Lick to Nanty Glo segment of the trail and most points of interest are between those two towns. Still, the remaining segment between Nanty Glo and Ebensburg makes for a pleasant ride. I did find out a few other things about the trail since the last time we rode it. Just east of Black Lick, the trail passes a salvage yard of discarded rail cars. These almost seamlessly blend into the scenery and they're altogether appropriate because this is a rails-to-trails conversion. Between Dilltown and Vintondale the creek has a bright red color because of the acid drainage from the coal mines. At several points you will exit the cool green forested surroundings and experience an "ecological disaster area", a legacy of the mining era. You'll see the remains of some slag dumps, which have an eerie beauty to them. Keep an eye out for the AMD & Art Park (AMD stands for Acid Mine Damage). One other thing to consider. This trail goes through some state game lands. During hunting season, you should wear brightly colored clothing. Riding the Ghost Town Trail can be very rewarding. Plan to take the whole day and be sure to enjoy the sights along the way.