The best traffic-free bike rides in Cambria County

There are 5 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes in Cambria County featured in this guide, offering a range of distances and difficulties for a peaceful ride.

The routes in this guide range from easy to moderate. You'll find 2 easy routes, such as the Eliza Furnace – Ghost Town Trail loop from Dilltown, and 3 moderate routes, like the Headache Hill loop from Prince Gallitzin State Park, ensuring options for various fitness levels.

Yes, many of the rail-trails in Cambria County, including sections of the Ghost Town Trail, are known for being family-friendly due to their mostly flat grades and paved or crushed stone surfaces. Routes like the Roadbike loop from Benson are classified as easy, making them suitable for families.

You can expect diverse and picturesque scenery. Routes often traverse the Blacklick Creek Valley, featuring mountain streams, rhododendron groves, and shaded woodlands. Other routes pass through rolling hills, wooded areas, and even along the shores of Glendale Lake within Prince Gallitzin State Park.

Absolutely. Many routes follow former railroad lines, passing through historical remnants of coal-mining towns. A notable highlight is the Eliza Furnace, a well-preserved iron furnace from 1846, which you can see on the Eliza Furnace – Ghost Town Trail loop from Dilltown. The region also features the Johnstown Flood National Memorial and the Laurel Highlands Veterans Memorial Park.

Yes, several routes offer convenient loop options. For example, the Eliza Furnace – Ghost Town Trail loop from Dilltown provides a continuous circular ride. The Beverly Lake – Quemahoning Reservoir loop from Bens Creek Church is another excellent choice for a longer loop experience.

The rail-trails in Cambria County, such as the Ghost Town Trail, are open year-round. However, spring offers vibrant wildflowers and rhododendron blooms, while autumn provides stunning fall foliage. Summer is also popular, with shaded sections offering respite from the sun. Winter cycling is possible, especially for cross-country skiing on some trails, but conditions may vary.

While this guide focuses on specific routes, the broader Ghost Town Trail itself is a 54-mile rail-trail, with a 32-mile continuous loop, offering a significant long-distance, traffic-free experience. Routes like the Clara Barton Memorial Bridge – Johnstown Greenway Trail loop from Dale also provide a substantial ride of over 50 km.

The komoot community highly rates the cycling experience in Cambria County, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the quiet, scenic nature of the routes, the well-maintained rail-trails, and the opportunity to explore historical sites without vehicle traffic.

Access points and parking are generally available at various trailheads along the major rail-trails like the Ghost Town Trail and Path of the Flood Trail. For specific details on parking facilities and directions, it's recommended to check local trail resources or the individual route descriptions on komoot.

While many rail-trails are relatively flat, some routes in Cambria County incorporate rolling hills and elevation changes. For instance, the Headache Hill loop from Prince Gallitzin State Park, classified as moderate, includes over 500 meters of elevation gain, providing a good challenge on traffic-free roads or dedicated paths.