Scenic Trails
Honan Ave Community Hiking and Biking Trail Eagle Trail Joseph P Whipey Trail Family Fun easy to walk
Open Year Round
Honan Ave Hiking & Biking Trail
What Started as a radio interview with the Late great Congressman John P. Murtha, a foundation of people working together to achieve a common goal. During that interview the congressman talked about the region and its deep ethnic roots, and how the people could unite together and preserves our deep rich ethnic communities. Ron Shawley continued to interview the congressman and he got the idea of starting an organization built on the foundation of preserving our many ethnic groups. Today Laurel Highlands Historical Village continues to provide not only an education concerning our ethnic heritage but building a network of trails that allow persons to walk thru the remnants of a once power house steel mill operation, ending at a huge waterfall and beautiful lake. The Trail is also being dedicated for all veterans from the region. The Trail starting in Minersville runs for 3.5 miles passing a huge Beaver dam, a huge waterfall and the remnants of the Rosedale Coke plant. Honan Ave was once well traveled as children and their parents would walk and bike to the top where they would spend the day away fishing. After the 77 flood the road seemed to just fall apart, long gone were the presence of foot traffic and bicycles. Today people young and old alike can make the journey up this trail, and spend the day at Hinckston Reservoir fishing and having a picnic.
Explore The Eagle trail
Located Behind the Hinckston Run Dam is the Eagle Trail so named because of recent visiting Eagles who their to feed. The trail is short with some small hills. Along the trail are waterfalls, historic foundations, woodlands birds, waterfowl,, Deer and other small animals. The trail parallels the dam for a short way then turns west heading towards waterfall road where it ends.
Explore Joseph P Whipey Trail
The LHHV Forest The LHHV Experimental Forest, located 3 miles north of Johnstown, in Middle & East Taylor townships, offers quiet refuge to all who seek the natural enchantment of a forest experience. Tucked away in the heart of the Hinckston Run Dam , the Forest is bordered on its Western ridge boundaries by the Hinckston Dam Wildlife Management Area. The LHHV Forest is located on property that surrounds Hinckston Reservoir . Our hiking trails encompass the wooded area itself. The trail as listed above has stops for resting and watching the area wildlife. We have local students who utilize the Forest Trail as an outside classroom. We are seeking funding to support wildlife projects, i.e. Eagles, blue Birds nest etc. The hiking trail will starts at current pavilion and running in the same direction as the road which runs the length of reservoir. The total length of trail is 1 mile. At the ¾ mile marker we have an over look whereby hikers are able to sit and watch the water foul and birds. We built the Eagle trail which goes around the western flank of reservoir, ¾ mile trail. On the Eagle Trail you can view Eagles, waterfalls and other wildlife. Also bring your fishing gear, as we have some of the finest fishing in region.
Honan Ave. Community Hiking and Biking Trail
The trail starts off the River Walk trail in Cambria City, Johnstown, heading North on Honan Ave. Along the 3 mile trail you will be able to view a huge active Beaver dam, small waterfalls and at the end of trail a huge waterfall. Then the trail splits in two parts, one part staying on the western side of the dam, named eagle trail where Bald Eagles can be seen. To reach the Joseph P Whipey trail, you cross the bridge turn left on road and enter at midpoint or by pavilion.
We are also building this year near the starting point of Honan Ave Trail, the LHHV Mountain. Here hiking trails will weave in and out of fields, extending up a slight slope reaching the summit. On the summit will be an over look, with views of Stone Bridge, Johnstown, Cambria City and West End. Keeping it as simple as possible, the trail will allow everyone to not only view native wildlife but learn about plants, wildlife, and the whole eco system. We have already reached out to UPJ Geology Club, and they are going to provide outdoor classes on Geology of region, Space, Weather, and conservation. Also on location will be various ethnic communities show casing their heritage. Parking for Honan Ave Community Hiking and Biking trail is next to the river, signs point the way. Please do not park near gate as this is a turnaround for those living there.
The LHHV Forest
The LHHV Experimental Forest, located 3 miles north of Johnstown, in Middle & East Taylor townships, offers quiet refuge to all who seek the natural enchantment of a forest experience. Tucked away in the heart of the Hinckston Run Dam , the Forest is bordered on its Western ridge boundaries by the Hinckston Dam Wildlife Management Area. The LHHV Forest is located on property that surrounds Hinckston Reservoir . Our hiking trails encompass the wooded area itself. The trail as listed above has stops for resting and watching the area wildlife. We have local students who utilize the Forest Trail as an outside classroom. We are seeking funding to support wildlife projects, i.e. Eagles, blue Birds nest etc.
The hiking trail will starts at current pavilion and running in the same direction as the road which runs the length of reservoir. The total length of trail is 1 mile. At the ¾ mile marker we have an over look whereby hikers are able to sit and watch the water foul and birds. We built the Eagle trail which goes around the western flank of reservoir, ¾ mile trail. On the Eagle Trail you can view Eagles, waterfalls and other wildlife. Also bring your fishing gear, as we have some of the finest fishing in region.
Below is a map showing the future LHHV Mountain and it’s trail. In this map you can see the trail to summit as it will overlook the city below. We plan to connect the LHHV Mountain with Honan Ave Hiking Trail.
At this time we need funding to complete our trails. For the most part we have our Cambria County work force helping to clear the trails etc. We do need funding for gravel, signage, trash removal, benches, and Gates.
Honan Ave trail will follow the current road being shared with vehicles only from the dam site to Grata lane. From here south to the city the road will be remained closed to traffic. The trail is a little over 3 miles in length. The trail will link up with the river walk trail, in Johnstown.
