OHIO RIVER TRAIL COUNCIL

Panhandle Trail — Walkers Mill, PA to Burgettstown, PA

Panhandle Trail 34 or 62-Mile Bike Trail Ride

Come out for a ride! This is part of a trail ride series sponsored by the Ohio River Trail Council (ORTC) intended to bring awareness to the wonderful trails in our quad-state region (Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia). All cyclists are welcome for this rails-to-trails, moderate-paced ride.

Join the Ohio River Trail Council as we visit the Panhandle Trail. We will meet at Walkers Mill Rd. (Carnegie Trailhead) just outside of Rennerdale and ride to Burgettstown before returning to Walkers Mill. An alternative Metric Century Ride (62-miles) also meets at Walkers Mill but rides to Weirton, WV and back.

Do not forget your camera!

Trailhead

Carnegie Trailhead, 2 Walkers Mill Rd, Carnegie, PA (Walkers Mill)

GPS: 40.396108,-80.131484

Directions

To reach the Carnegie trailhead, take Interstate 79 South to Noblestown Road. Turn and head west 1.7 miles to Walkers Mill. Turn left on Walkers Mill Road and then go 0.1 mile to a parking lot on the right where the trailhead is marked.

Features and Points of Interest

The Panhandle Trail is a rails-to-trails conversion of the Panhandle Division of the Pennsylvania Railroad, which once provided rail service from Pittsburgh to Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis. The trail runs a total of 29.5 miles, from Weirton, West Virginia, to Carnegie, Pennsylvania. The trail is known for a variety of beautiful natural hardwood trees while following Robinson Run.

The Panhandle Trail connects to the Montour Trail between the village of Primrose and town of McDonald and ultimately links to Washington, D.C., via the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Towpath. Recognized as a valuable resource and landmark for residents, the Panhandle Trail was the 100th successful rail-trail project in Pennsylvania. Officials from Washington and Alleghany counties, the West Virginia Rail Authority, PennDOT, the U.S. Surface Transportation Board, the Pennsylvania Department of National Resources and the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission continue to work to preserve the historic corridor and develop the trail.

Consider visiting the McDonald Trail Station and Meeting House, a historical and community center located at 160 S McDonald St, McDonald, PA 15057.