The Baker Trail was established in 1950 and named for the late Pittsburgh attorney, Horace Forbes Baker. The Baker Trail is a 132-mile hiking and backpacking trail that passes through Armstrong, Indiana, Jefferson, Clarion and Forest counties. The trail follows forest paths, old jeep trails and dirt roads through woods, farmlands, along rivers and creeks. The northern section of the Baker Trail merges with the North Country Trail. It is one of the 18 state-designated hiking trails. Currently, there are nine campsites with open front “Adirondack” shelters located on side trails. Besides the shelters, there are primitive campsites along the trail where tents can be used.

Source: Baker Trail – PAHikes

Allegheny Front Trail, or the AFT as it is commonly called, is a relatively new addition to the trails of Pennsylvania. The trail encircles Black Moshannon State Park and offers a number of vistas as well as excursions down off of the Allegheny Plateau along some very scenic mountain streams. Being nearly 42 miles in length, it is a nice trail for backpacking that could be done in as little as three days but more typically done in four or five $12.95 Add to Cart Guide to the Allegheny Front Trail by Ben Cramer A 7-mile cross-connector passes through the park, while most of the orange-blazed trail is outside the park’s boundaries. The northeastern portion intersects with several blue-blaze cross-country ski trails, known as the Rock Run trails. The trail crosses many roads, both paved and dirt, with ample parking at most crossings. Choose your trailhead and start your adventure. If 42 miles isn’t something you can manage, there are many smaller hikes possible, utilizing many of the side trails and forest roads. The terrain, though challenging in places, lends itself to novice hikers and this trail is a great way for those new to backpacking to get their feet wet.

Source: Allegheny Front Trail – PAHikes

September 9, 2017 9 a.m .Johnstown, PA The 5k out-and-back course will be along the original section of the Jim Mayer Riverswalk Trail in Johnstown that extends from Riverside to Moxham. Participants will follow the scenic section of the trail along the Stonycreek River and will pass by the Trail Art Murals near the old trolley bridge in Moxham.

Kids under the age of 8 years old can participate in the Kids’ Trail Trot at 8:45 a.m. at the 5k start/finish line.

All proceeds from the Jim Mayer Trail Family Fun Run will benefit the Friends of the Trails program, which exists to enhance and expand the Cambria County Trails.

Source: Trail Events – Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority

June 17, 2017 7 a.m. Ghost Town Trail Challenge

Blairsville, PA to Ebensburg, PA The 2nd Annual Ghost Town Trail Challenge, hosted by the Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority, will be on June 17, 2017, the Saturday before the summer solstice, which is the longest day of the year.

The Challenge is a 32-mile long (50k), one-day, sunrise to sunset endurance hike (or run) on nearly the entire Ghost Town Trail from Blairsville, PA to Ebensburg, PA.

Unlike a footrace, the “challenge” is not to come in first or win, but to endure, to finish the hike in one day.Full Challenge (32 Miles – 50k) – It begins at 7:00 a.m. at Saylor Park in Blairsville and ends at the YPCC in Ebensburg.Half Challenge (16 Miles – 25k) – It begins at 7:00 a.m. near the Wehrum Trailhead and ends at the YPCC in Ebensburg.Friends/Family Challenge (7.5 Miles – 12k) – It begins at 7:00 a.m. at the Nanty Glo Trailhead and ends at the YPCC.All proceeds from the Ghost Town Trail Challenge will benefit the Friends of the Trails program, which exists to enhance and expand the Cambria County Trails. Paper Registration Form

Source: Trail Events – Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority