A covered bridge dating to 1877, a 54-mile trail, and a visible section of a historic canal showcase different sides of Indiana County. There are also museums, natural areas, and bodies of water with distinct features. The selection ranges from individual historic sites to longer trail routes.
Trails with Different Features
The Ghost Town Trail is 54 miles long and runs through Indiana and Cambria Counties in Pennsylvania. The U.S. Department of the Interior designates it as a National Recreation Trail. Its story is one of the rise and decline of the coal and iron industries, working communities, and nature’s return. The trail thus connects its route with an interpretation of industrial change.
At 10 miles, the Hoodlebug Trail is considerably shorter and serves as a recreational and commuter route between Black Lick and Indiana. The two trails therefore differ both in their stated lengths and in their described functions. The West Penn Rail Trail passes through the Tunnelview Historic Site and runs between Saltsburg and the trailhead on Newport Road near Blairsville. Two public parking areas on State Game Lands 328 provide access to the West Penn Trail.
Those looking for routes in a natural setting will find six miles of hiking and cross-country skiing trails in the Blacklick Valley Natural Area. Hunting, camping, and motorized vehicles are not permitted there; check the posted rules before your visit. The two-mile Clark Run Trail passes through Clark Run Gorge and by small waterfalls and geological features. Pine Ridge Park has several miles of hiking and cross-country skiing trails; mature hardwood trees and the mountain stream Tom’s Run define the landscape described there.
Water, Forest, and Open Landscapes
Visitor facilities at Buttermilk Falls Natural Area include an overlook of the 45-foot waterfall and a hiking trail. The area also protects typical and distinctive plant and animal communities. For a trip on the water, Waterworks Conservation Area offers a canoe and kayak launch, as well as fishing access to Two Lick Creek. The paddle from there to the takeout near Saylor Park is a little over 12 river miles and includes a portage. Check water levels and safety conditions before setting out.
Yellow Creek State Park covers 2,981 acres in Indiana County and lies on the Kittanning Path. Its 720-acre lake appeals to boaters and anglers; the lake and park also serve as an important stopover for migratory birds. A sandy beach adds to the amenities, though its seasonal hours may vary. Blue Spruce Park has a 12-acre trout-stocked lake open to public fishing. Hemlock Lake Park, in turn, has a 60-acre lake with two boat launches. The trails at Old Smicksburg Park are suitable for hiking, birdwatching, and studying wildflowers.
Bridges, Iron Furnaces, and Canal History
Kintersburg Covered Bridge crosses Crooked Creek in Rayne Township and dates to 1877. Eliza Furnace is a historic site listed on the National Register and is considered one of Pennsylvania’s best-preserved iron furnaces. Buena Vista Furnace offers a different perspective on early iron production: the 30-foot-tall furnace once produced up to 600 tons of iron per year and is now disused.
At the Tunnelview Historic Site, an aqueduct and a tunnel stood directly next to each other at the only location along the canal where this was the case. A 900-foot section of the western canal is visible there, along with a canoe launch and interpretive exhibits. The site offers insights into canal history and is also located on the West Penn Rail Trail. Those interested in the history of the Underground Railroad can follow a continuous self-guided tour of related sites in Blairsville. Check the route details in advance.
Museums and Cultural Sites
The Blairsville Area Underground Railroad History Center is housed in the former Second Baptist Church, built in 1917. Visits are possible Mondays and Wednesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon; presentations and special events may be arranged by appointment. Confirm visiting hours before your arrival. Tours of the Silas M. Clark House are also available by prior appointment only.
The IUP University Museum is located in John Sutton Hall, a restored, nationally registered historic landmark dating to 1875. The museum holds its own annual exhibitions, cultural events, and educational programs focused on visual art, folk art, and material history. Admission to the Historical & Genealogical Society of Indiana County Museum is free; check visiting information in advance. The Jimmy Stewart Museum highlights his accomplishments in film, radio, and television and shows a film daily at 1 p.m. in a historic 50-seat theater. Since the schedule should be confirmed before your arrival, you can easily plan your museum visit around it.
Explore more destinations: Creekside, Erie, Huntingdon County, Centre, Clarion County, Blair, Westmoreland, Fayette County.
For the regional travel guide: Pennsylvania.
