Rachel Carson Trail sees temporary detour in Springdale Township amid land dispute

A section of the 45-mile Rachel Carson Trail is closed near Agan Park in Springdale Township because of a dispute with a landowner, according to the Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy.

The conservancy has set up a detour for hikers while the matter continues, conservancy Vice President Steve Mentzer said. Trail users should follow the signs and yellow tape rather than the yellow blazes in the area.

In a statement on Facebook, the conservancy said eastbound hikers along the Springdale Bluffs should:

• Before the last hill climb (just before the bench), turn left and follow the dirt road to its end;

• Then, turn right and follow the dirt road down the hill to Riddle Run Road.

Westbound hikers should:

• Cross Riddle Run Road and enter Agan Park along the dirt road;

• Instead of turning left a short distance uphill, continue straight and turn left at the next gate;

• Follow this lane until reaching the trail and turn right.

Agan Park is located along Riddle Run Road in Springdale Township but is jointly managed by Springdale and Cheswick boroughs. Cheswick Council President Brad Yaksich said none of the municipalities are disputing the trail’s route, and they support visitors using it.

The borough is “digging into” the dispute since it only became aware of it recently, Yaksich said.

In the meantime, he said, the conservancy is welcome to reroute the trail through the park.

Mentzer said the detour will have “no material effect” on the length of the trail or the upcoming Rachel Carson Trail Challenge, an annual all-day endurance hike that will take place on June 21 this year.

The conservancy declined to comment on the details of the dispute.