The Montour Trail is a multi-use non-motorized recreational rail-trail near Pittsburgh, PA, that will ultimately extend 46 miles from Moon Township near Coraopolis to Clairton. Currently, multiple sections of the trail totaling over 40 miles are completed. New sections are being added each year.
Trail Surface:
The Montour trail is paved with a smooth surface of crushed limestone, which makes it ideal for all forms of non-motorized use: bicycling, walking, running and cross-country skiing. In certain sections, horseback riding is also permitted, but not on the improved trail surface.
One section of the Montour trail within Peters Township, called The Arrowhead Trail, is a paved surface, suitable for roller blading as well as cycling, walking and running. This porion of the Montour Trail is owned and maintained by Peters Township.
History of the Montour Trail:
The Montour Railroad was built in 1877 and eventually linked the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad with over 30 area coal mines. Forming a semi-circle around the western and southern sections of the city of Pittsburgh, the Montour also connected with other railroads, including the Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh and West Virginia, the Baltimore and Ohio, and the Union. When completed, the Montour Trail's 55 miles will connect the Ohio and Monongahela Rivers, crossing numerous highways and creeks on a variety of bridges, including one almost 1,000 feet long, and three tunnels.
Amenities:
Portable toilets are located approximately every 2-4 miles along the Montour Trail from May through October only. Water fountains can be found every 2 mile or so along the more heavily trafficked sections of the Montour Trail (such as Robinson) and as far apart as 6-7 miles along the more rural sections.
Montour - Panhandle Trail Connector:
In McDonald, near the McDonald Trestle, a trail connector leads off from the Montour Trail to connect walkers, runners and cyclists with the nearby Panhandle Trail. Follow the connector trail down to 980 and then cross the street to the parking lot to continue following the connector up to the Panhandle Trail. Left on the Panhandle Trail will take you towards Sturgeon, Oakdale and the trail end near Walker's Mill. Right on the Panhandle Trail will take you through Burgettstown and several miles into West Virginia.
Before You Go:
Visit the Montour Trail Web site for up-to-date information on access points, parking, amenities (such as water and restrooms), as well as suggested detours around uncompleted sections.
