The Ghost Town Trail System (Cambria & Indiana Counties), consisting of the Ghost Town Trail and the C&I Extension, stemmed from visionary leadership, dedicated partnerships, and community engagement over a period of more than 30 years. The Ghost Town Trail extends 32 miles from Black Lick Borough (Indiana County) to Ebensburg Borough (Cambria County), while the 20-mile C&I Extension connects to it at two locations. These connections provide a 32-mile continuous loop, which is recognized as the second largest looped rail trail in the U.S. The trail system has 19 trailheads making it easily accessible for the diverse array of users. It winds through a rural landscape where users can experience historic bridges, Eliza Furnace, Coal Miners Memorial, and the first plastic pedestrian bridges constructed in the U.S. It also passes through several former coal mining communities, known as “ghost towns,” with interpretive signage telling their stories. More than 200,000 people from near and far use the trails annually, resulting in a tremendous economic impact on the regional economy. 

The trail system is maintained by the Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority in collaboration with Indiana County Parks and Trails, and with assistance from volunteers. This provides assurance that this popular trail system, which accommodates people of all ages and abilities, will continue to be a significant regional asset.