Experience riding the 36-mile Ghost Town Trail from Ebensburg to Black Lick, PA.

For a unique vacation in Indiana County, PA, you’ll want to experience riding the 36-mile Ghost Town Trail from Ebensburg to Black Lick, PA. This bike and hiking trail follows Blacklick Creek, taking you through many ghost towns that had been abandoned in the early 1900s, with the decline of the local coal mining industry.

The first seven miles take you through overflowing creeks, flowers and wilderness on your way to Nanty-Glo, the first small town the trail connects with. Huge coal banks rise in the background as you come off the trail. Stop at Niner Diner and try Tiny’s Challenge – a 3 lb burger, 5 lbs of French fries and drink for $21.95. If you eat it all in two hours, it’s free!

You’ll come across 20 bridges on this trail as you ride through tranquil scenery, with the occasional noise of creeks and waterfalls. At Blacklick Creek South Branch you’ll see high coal banks running along the river with bright orange rocks. These rocks have turned orange due to the mine acid in the water. Here you can read about mine acid – where it comes from and how it’s being cleaned up.

Just a bit further is the wetland area, which is the result of cleaning the water.  The next mile showcases the Vintondale Map, and an etched, black granite coal miner’s wall monument that comes alive with life size coal miners. Next stop is the Eliza Furnace – an enormous structure used in the making of steel from 1846 to 1849. Later you’ll come across the Buena Vista Furnace, built in 1847.

After three more miles, you’ll come across the Dilltown pavilion, offering picnic tables, water fountains and restrooms. For a souvenir, stop at the Dillweed Inn, a county store selling everything from Ghost Town Trail.

If you’re looking for a vacation in PA that offers a diverse mix of scenery, rural areas, and historic attractions, The Ghost Town Trail is a trip you’ll remember.