** UPDATE NOW OPEN! Temporary Closure of The Great Allegheny Passage due to Severe Weather Damage

** UPDATE NOW OPEN! The Great Allegheny Passage, a renowned recreational trail connecting Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Cumberland, Maryland, has experienced temporary closures in two sections due to severe weather damage caused by an F2 tornado that struck the region on the morning of August 26th. The affected areas include the segment between Connellsville and Ohiopyle,…

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2023 Tour de Trail: Berlin, PA to Flight 93 Memorial

Place 1025 Main Street Berlin, PA US 15530 Description The September 11th National Memorial Trail is thrilled to host our fifth annual Tour de Trail, a bike ride through the beautiful Laurel Highlands region of Pennsylvania, including a loop through the grounds of the Flight 93 National Memorial. Please join us on Saturday, September 30,…

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Why Small Towns Should Embrace Outdoor Recreation as an Economic Strategy

Outdoor recreation has long been recognized as a key component of a healthy and thriving community. Not only does it provide residents with opportunities for physical activity and mental well-being, but it can also serve as a major economic driver for small towns. By embracing outdoor recreation as an economic strategy, small towns can not…

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ALERT! GAP TRAIL CLOSING FOR BRIDGE REPAIRS | NOV 8, 2022

ALERT! GAP TRAIL CLOSING FOR BIRDGE REPAIRS | NOV 8, 2022 To our trail community, we want you all to be aware that this fall, Somerset County will be closing the GAP from the Harnedsville Trail Head (Mile Marker 59) to the Markelton Trail Head (Mile Marker 50). The County has hired Crilon Corp. to…

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Leaf peeping with pedals.

Leaf peeping is a favorite autumn activity in western Pennsylvania. And the GAP provides a leisurely path for getting up close and enjoying the season’s color, scents, and crisp feel. The eighty-plus miles of the trail winding along the waterways of the Allegheny Mountains from the Eastern Continental Divide to Connellsville hold plenty of varying…

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Ready! One, two, three ……. LIFT!

Well, that’s not exactly what happened, but have you noticed that the section of the Keystone Viaduct crossing the CSX tracks is higher than the portion over the woods, creek, and road? There’s a reason. In 2010, CSX upgraded its line to accommodate double-stacked container cars. However, the Keystone Viaduct was too low – just…

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THANKS TO ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS

We had our SCRTA Volunteer appreciation event last night at the Confluence Cafe. It was so great to have all the folks from past and present in one place for a night. Thanks to everyone who came out.  We could not do it without you.  

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Lake Somerset returns!

After years of work repairing the dam and spillway, building fish breeding structures, adding trails and pavilions, and generally making the surrounding landscape suitable for all visitors, shimmering blue water is beginning to dominate. 22 May 2022, the Somerset Daily American reports that “the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has given the authorization to refill…

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