Spring is in the air, and as the sun rises higher in the sky and the landscape thaws, it is time to get back outdoors. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, canoeing or simply going for a pleasant stroll, Armstrong and Indiana counties have great places you can spend time outside and away from the hustle and bustle of your regular everyday routine.
Armstrong County
The Allegheny River Trail runs between Franklin and Emlenton for 27.5 miles, and has an isolated section between Foxburg and Parker that totals 2.5 miles. The trail provides beautiful views of the Allegheny River. Allegheny Outfitters offers three basic self-guided day trips for canning and kayaking of varying lengths and prices. You can either bring your own canoe/kayak or rent depending on the packages offered.
Apollo’s Kiski Riverfront Trail is another great place to explore. This baby trail extends for 1.5 miles through Apollo Borough to North Apollo and is built on the former M-Line Railroad bed. The Kiski Riverfront Trail is popular with runners. It runs for about 3/10s of a mile along Canal Road then turns into a dedicated bike- and walk-way paralleling the Kiski River past the downtown area. The trail includes some on street sections.
One of the region’s longest trails is the The Armstrong Trail, which follows the Allegheny River for 35.5 miles. The trail extends from Upper Hillville to Rosston and connects the riverfront towns along the east bank of the river. You can walk, bike, fish, boat and more. Boat launch areas are available in Kittanning, Templeton, Ford City, East Brady.
If you love the water and want to get in a good upper-body workout while enjoying the sights and sounds along the river, you can head over to The River’s Edge Canoe. Located at 3158 River Road, just outside of Leechburg, The River’s Edge offers canoeing and kayaking opportunities.
Clymer Trail offers a short but memorable trip along a wooded hillside on Clymer Borough’s west end. It follows the former Sample Run Mine Branch of the Cherry Tree & Dixonville Railroad. If you are looking for a beautiful rest area kiosk, this is the place.
Indiana County
The Blacklick Valley Natural Area and the nearby Buttermilk Falls Natural Area were the first formally established natural areas in the county park system. The 300-acre areas are divided into three tracts. The Parker Tract, located south of Blacklick Creek, encompasses 300 acres. The Caldwell and Clarke Run Tracts form a contiguous 413 acre parcel, and lie north of Blacklick Creek. The Ghost Town Trail bisects the property about one-half mile east of Dilltown.
Blue Spruce Park is a 650-acre public park featuring more than five miles of trails, including the Getty Run Trail.
The Waterworks Conservation Area is a 10-acre site located adjacent to Two Lick Creek. There is a canoe and kayak launch at the Waterworks Conservation Area, and paddling Two Lick Creek is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and see the beauty Indiana County has to offer. There are a total of 12 river miles for water activities.
Old Smicksburg Park is a 33-acre park in Smicksburg at 179 E. Kittanning St
features hiking trails, picnic tables and gazebo. The Little Mahoning Creek provides a great location to launch a canoe or kayak.
Whatever your tastes may be, the great outdoor calls. Take advantage of pleasant spring days by taking to the outdoors. Doing so will benefit your body, mind and soul.
