Mountain Watershed Association, the Indian Creek Valley Trail Committee, and many trail supporters have been hard at work over the past several years raising funds to complete the Gorge section of the Indian Creek Valley Trail. On June 19, 2019 we officially announced that the Gorge was finished and reopened!
The Indian Creek Gorge is a magnificent area of natural diversity. It is host to unique wildflowers, scenic views, and an array of wildlife that can make this trail a Number One path for biking, hiking, snow shoeing, running, and enjoying.
With difficulties in securing funding from grants for this project, we turned to community support in order to raise the funds needed to finish the trail. Phase I, replacing old and/or missing pipes and box culverts and regrading the surface, was finished in the fall of 2017. But at that point, all the money we had for the project had been spent. The deficit was still over $100,000 to correct the gravel surface. In June 2018 we launched the Gorge Trail Completion Campaign and with help from the local community, trail users, and a few grants, we raised the money needed to correct the surface and finish this section.
We began this project five years ago with a vision to share this wonderful and unique place with others. That vision has become a reality and now we are on to the next goal- to cross the Youghiogheny River. The Gorge ends at the confluence of Indian Creek and Yough River with the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) just on the other side of the Yough. Connecting the ICV Trail with the GAP provides greater access to this amazing place as well as increased recreational and economic opportunities for our community. Crossing the Yough doesn’t necessarily mean construction of a bridge, however. Other options such as a self-propelled ferry or floating pulley system are also options to consider.
To commemorate the Gorge’s completion, please join us on Wednesday, August 7 at the Gorge trailhead (next to Camp Christian in Mill Run), time TBD. We will celebrate the completion of this section and those who have helped make it possible.
It is our sincere hope that you will consider making a tax deductible donation today and help MWA reach our next goal of crossing the Youghiogheny River and connecting to the GAP. Thank you for your continued support of the Gorge and the Indian Creek Valley Trail.
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