Rail Trail Leader 8/13/22

As an avid rail-trail rider, I consider myself lucky to live in central Pennsylvania. “Not only has Pennsylvania completed the most rails-to-trails projects,…but it has more projects underway than any other state…, [with] 1,740 miles of track into trails.”* Pennyslvania's early and extensive history in railroad transportation gave the Commonwealth the potential to be the leader in rail-trail development.

* https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/govbeat/wp/2015/06/05/best-state-in-america-pennsylvania-for-turning-old-rails-into-trails/

Riding a bicycle for 10, 20, or more miles on former railroad beds that have been graded and covered with packed finely crushed limestone or asphalt in a few places, is great exercise. But, unlike riding a stationary exercise bike while reading, listening to music or/or watching TV, the natural surroundings are so much more pleasing and interesting, as per the following photos of...

Beautiful vista and trail-side creeks, rivers and waterfalls:

Four-legged friends (though restricted to trail grass borders) and their riders:

Families of all kinds on and in the water:

Railroad and canal era remnants, some rehabilitated for current trail use:

Sometimes unexpected trail buddies:

Isolated small communities and businesses (e.g., eateries, B&Bs, camp grounds) serving trail users:

And fellow friendly riders:

The above photos were taken on the GAP (Greater Allegheny Passage), Lower and Pine Creek trails over the past half-dozen years.