A significant step toward completing the largest rail-trail loop on the East Coast was celebrated Monday as local and state representatives gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony under the new Church Street box culvert near the North Street trailhead of the Ghost Town Trail.
According to an article by Yahoo News, the newly constructed concrete overpass provided shelter from the elements as speakers highlighted the economic and recreational benefits of outdoor trails in the region.
“Watching the whole thing come together was so exciting,” said Cliff Kitner, executive director of the Cambria County Conservation and Recreation Authority (CCCRA). Kitner praised the project’s success, which began in September and concluded in mid-November, and credited Keller Engineers Inc. and Cottle’s Asphalt Maintenance Inc. for their excellent work on the $900,000 first phase.
This initial phase included the construction of approximately half a mile of trail and the installation of the culvert.
A notable feature of the new structure is its nod to local history, with rocks from the former Red Mill Bridge abutment lining the pathway and colored concrete inside the tunnel designed to resemble these stones.
Cambria County Commissioner Thomas Chernisky commended the CCCRA for its leadership in expanding outdoor recreation opportunities, emphasizing the broader benefits to the community.
He noted that the county’s success with projects like the Ghost Town Trail is frequently cited by businesses considering expansion in the area, alongside amenities like public transportation and the Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center’s Level 1 trauma center. “We’re winning here in Cambria County,” he declared.
Speakers including state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Regional Adviser Lindsay Baer, state Rep. Jim Rigby, and state Sen. Wayne Langerholc echoed this sentiment. Langerholc, who secured a $100,000 grant in October to support trail maintenance, emphasized the importance of continued investment in outdoor recreation.
“Cambria County is the best when it comes to these projects,” he said, pledging ongoing support for the CCCRA.
The outdoor industry has proven to be a significant economic driver for Pennsylvania, contributing $19 billion in 2023—a 10% increase from 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Kitner highlighted the essential role of trails like the Ghost Town Trail in that growth, showcasing the transformative power of recreation for local economies.
The next phase of the project will include coal refuse remediation and the completion of the remaining 1.5 miles of trail east toward Nanty Glo, where it will connect with the Ghost Town Trail’s C&I Extension from Ebensburg.
The ultimate goal is to open the full loop in 2025, offering residents and visitors alike access to a trail system that blends history, recreation, and economic opportunity.
As communities increasingly look to outdoor recreation to drive economic growth and improve quality of life, the Ghost Town Trail serves as a model for how thoughtful planning and collaboration can transform regions.
By fostering connections between natural landscapes, local history, and public health, projects like this not only benefit residents but also attract tourism and investment to the region.
Featured image by Indiana County Parks via Ghost Town Trail Photo Gallery
