Ghost Town Trail Loop Nears Completion in Cambria County

Significant progress is being made on the Ghost Town Trail Loop in Cambria County, Pennsylvania.

Crews are in the final stages of completing this ambitious outdoor project, which will soon become the only continuous rail-trail loop east of Oregon.

The project, located near Nanty Glo, involves constructing two bridges, restoring a historic rail line, and reclaiming former mine lands.

Efforts include removing pollution-heavy "bony piles" and replacing them with grass, trees, and even kayak launches.

Cliff Kitner, executive director of the Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority, stated that the work has been years in the making and is set to wrap up by the end of November.

"It's not just important to us; it's important to the world," Kitner said.

"We have people coming from all over the world using our trails.

They stay in our AirBnBs; they stay in our hotels."

Officials highlight that the $4.4 million project, funded through DCNR and mine reclamation grants, is a significant win for the region, boosting tourism, supporting local businesses, and enhancing the quality of life.

In addition to the trail development, a $26.1 million water treatment facility is under construction along Blacklick Creek, approximately a mile from Vintondale.

Scheduled for completion in 2025, this facility aims to purify 7.2 million gallons of water daily from three major sources of acid mine drainage, potentially restoring 25 miles of the creek and establishing a fishery.

As the Ghost Town Trail Loop nears completion, the community eagerly anticipates the positive impact on tourism and local businesses.

The trail's development is a testament to the region's commitment to outdoor recreation and environmental restoration.