Members of the Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge Trail Club report they have seen an increased number of people operating unauthorized motor vehicles on the trail and warn that those who violate the rules of the trail may be reported to the state police.
“ATVs, UTVs, motorcycles, Jeeps and (other) unauthorized motorized vehicles are prohibited on the Knox & Kane Rail Trail. It is private property and posted,” said Carolyn Stroup, club president. “We have trail cams up and anyone identified, or their vehicle identified, may be turned into the state police.”
The club requests those who see and can identify violators to send a report to the club’s website, Facebook page or email.
Stroup said, “We want to get the word out before anyone has to be embarrassed online or confronted by law enforcement. It’s a safety issue” as the club sees many walkers and joggers including children on bikes and parents with strollers.
Stroup said a kiosk providing information was recently installed on the trail.
“The kiosk has a map, information on our trail club, safety posters regarding wearing orange during hunting season, safety information,” Stroup said.
She added trail visitors should keep their dogs on a leash due to trapping in areas near the trail.
The entire Knox & Kane Rail Trail runs from Clarion County to Kinzua Bridge State Park and is 73.8 miles. The finished section of trail is 3.8 miles between Mount Jewett and the Kinzua Bridge.
Stroup said, “Our trail club is developing the section from Mount Jewett to Lantz Corners. It is accessible for bike riders and pedestrians.”
The trail is not handicapped-accessible, however horses are allowed on certain parts of the trail. The trial club also hopes to have culvert replacements and ditches installed by the end of summer.
Work days are currently being planned, and a meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Mount Jewett Memorial Library. Stroup further noted the club’s meetings are held at 7 p.m. the fourth Thursday of each month at the library.
The club will also host two hikes Saturday at Kinzua Bridge in honor of National Trails Day. The first hike will be at 10 a.m. and the second will be held at 1 p.m. Cyclists are also encouraged to ride the trail during that time.
In addition, the Bob Swanson 5K run will be held Aug. 11 and will start at Kinzua Bridge. Registration will be at 8 a.m. and races will start at 9 a.m.
Stroup said the trail club is also raffling off a TREK Marlin 4 Mountain Bike and will draw the winning ticket at Kinzua Bridge’s Fall Festival Sept. 22.
For more information, contact the club is by email at mj2kbtrail@gmail.com, through their website www.mj2kbtrail.club or during a meeting.
