Ghost Town Trail

Ghost Town Trail is a hiking path built on former railroad tracks in western Pennsylvania that runs across compacted limestone surfaces alongside mountain streams. The route consists of a main section and a connected extension that together form a long continuous path through the region.

The trail was established in 1991 on the grounds of abandoned railroad lines that once connected the coal mining areas of the region. This conversion happened as coal operations declined in the early 1900s and the railroad tracks were no longer needed.

The trail passes by the remains of former mining communities where visitors can still see cemeteries and foundation stones that mark where people once lived and worked. These sites offer a glimpse into how coal extraction shaped daily life and left its mark on the region.

The trail has multiple access points with parking facilities at locations such as Ebensburg, Nanty Glo, and Twin Rocks where hikers can start their visit. The compacted limestone surface is easy to walk on and the route offers clear views with regular landmarks to help with navigation.

Along the trail stands the Eliza Furnace, a blast furnace from 1846 that is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and shows early American iron production methods. This structure gives visitors a direct look at the industrial past that shaped the entire region.

Location: Pennsylvania

GPS coordinates: 40.48417,-78.92222

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:04