Armstrong Trails explores converting 14-mile Kiski Junction Railroad into a recreational trail

With the demise of the Kiski Junction Railroad in Gilpin and surrounding communities, Armstrong Trails wants to convert the corridor into a 14-mile recreational trail.

The Kiski Junction Railroad was a 165-year-old short line used for commercial hauling and autumn leaf tours for tourists. The railroad’s owner, Rosebud Mining, ceased operations in recent years and is working through the legalities to shut down the railroad permanently.

Rosebud President Jim Barker has said the company is exploring options for rail line corridor. It already has started to sell off railroad equipment.

For years, the organizers of the Armstrong Trails have viewed the rail line as a critical connector for a series of existing recreational trails.

“While saddened to see part of our heritage close up, you can’t help but be excited of the possibilities of growth for the region,” said Chris Ziegler, executive director of Armstrong Trails.

The Armstrong group is proposing a project, costing at least $5 million, to install a new trail along the railroad corridor. It would serve as a vital connector for the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail, Ziegler said.

“It’s a game-changer for recreation in the region,” he said.

The new trail would connect with other trails in the region, creating opportunities for cyclists and hikers to enjoy multi-day trips, which bring in more tourist dollars than just day trips, according to Ziegler.

For example, multi-day trips generate $124 for local business, while day trips bring in about $18, said Ziegler, citing tourism statistics from the Great Allegheny Passage, the 150-mile trail from Cumberland, Md., to Pittsburgh.

The trail would boost tourism in the county, said Donald Myers, chairman of the Armstrong County Commissioners.

“We support the trail, and hopefully everything will work out,” he said. “It’s all about tourism. The trail could be marketed to attract more people to the county.”

Local restaurants, stores and other businesses would benefit from riders and hikers visiting the communities along the way, known as “trail towns,” Ziegler said.

“Trail towns revitalize rural communities by growing outdoor tourism, small businesses and linking people to communities in all directions. Much like a bicycle wheel, the hub is the community and the spokes are the trails,” she said.

Developing the Kiski Junction railroad corridor into a trail is strategic: One end of the Armstrong Trails terminates along the Allegheny River at Rosston, Manor Township.

The next logical extension would be the Kiski Junction corridor, which starts at Rosston, traverses the banks of the Allegheny for 10.25 miles to Schenley, with a railroad bridge crossing the Kiski River to Allegheny Township. Another segment starts in Schenley and follows the Kiski River on the Armstrong County side for almost 4 miles to the Bagdad section of Gilpin, near Leechburg.

A key connection

Armstrong Trails is integral to the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail, PA Wilds Trail, Pittsburgh to Harrisburg Mainline Greenway Canal, Ziegler said. The extension of the Armstrong Trails could link it to the other local trails , including the Baker, Rachel Carson, Butler-Freeport, Tredway and Roaring Run.

Ziegler is working on a funding plan, filing applications and talking to foundations.

“The ball is rolling,” she said.

If the trail group reaches a deal with Rosebud, Ziegler said, acquisition and the beginning of the trail installation could happen within two years.

Residents who would like to see the new trail can send a letter of support support to armstrongtrails@gmail.com by mail to Armstrong Trails, P.O. Box 777, Kittanning, PA 16210.