In August, the Randell E. Nicholson Irrevocable Trust signed a trail easement agreement with Mountain Watershed Association (MWA). The easement allows the non-profit to build a 1.1- mile section of the Indian Creek Valley Trail. MWA is one step closer to completing the 19-mile rail-trail that runs from Jones Mills to the Youghiogheny River.
The Indian Creek Valley Trail is a crushed-limestone trail built on an abandoned rail corridor that is open to the public for hiking, skiing, running, and cycling. MWA began managing its first section of trail in 1999. The organization’s goal is to develop the entire former railroad into a non-motorized recreational trail, eventually crossing the Youghiogheny to join with the Great Allegheny Passage.
The newest 1.1-mile section starts at Whites Bridge along Route 653 in Springfield Township and follows Indian Creek to the south. Before opening this section to the public, MWA will raise funds to resurface the trail and make it safe for recreation.Â
“The Nicholson family has always been great to the community,” says Virgil Shaffer, a member of MWA’s Trail Committee. “This is just another opportunity for them to give back and make a place for people to get out to walk, bike and enjoy nature. They’re a great family.”
In 2023, MWA closed a pivotal half-mile trail gap in Mill Run, from Route 381 to the Steyer Bridge over Indian Creek. The organization is also looking to resurface an additional 3.5 miles in the near future. However, MWA is still seeking landowner permission to resurface and finish the final 1.5 miles of trail.
“We want to increase active transportation while promoting the beauty of the watershed,” says MWA’s Conservation and Recreation Manager, Taylor Robbins. “Once we close the last gaps, we’ll finally have a continuous trail where our community can safely walk or bike all the way from Donegal to Mill Run.”
Washout construction begins
We have some other exciting trail news!
Construction on the washout in the Indian Creek Valley Gorge started on October 1. At the latest, this project will last until November 30.
This is a long-awaited repair to a section of the ICV Trail that washed away in a storm nearly three years ago. Our plans include strengthening the hillside with a sturdy base of boulders, then filling it in with clean fill. The trail will be widened, and drainage will be improved as well.
Until construction is complete, the trail into the Indian Creek Gorge will be closed for safety. The October 15 Trail Tuesday will be in a different location.
Thanks to everyone who supported our fundraising efforts for this project! Keep an eye on our newsletter and social media for re-opening updates!