Pittsburgh & Beyond Bicyclers

Join us for a two trail adventure on the Allegheny River and Sandy Creek Trails. Several bridges, tunnels, Native American rock carvings, lunch in historic Franklin, PA will fill our 26 mile journey.

This is a beautiful ride, with dark tunnels. Bring a bright light. 800 lumens or more. Plus you should have a tail light.

As always, I strongly emphasize the importance of wearing a helmet.

Once we meet at 10:45 am at the Rockland Road access point, we set off at 11:00 am.
Closer to the date, I will list my cell phone number for attendee availability.

Location is: GPS N 41 19.022 W 79 43.486

• Rockland Road —The trail is accessed from Rockland Road. Follow Route 322 to the intersection of Route 257 in Cranberry (site of the Cranberry Mall) turn south and travel about 3 miles until you cross over the old railroad grade (just before you cross East Sandy Creek. There is an access road that turns to the right.
• *****************We’ll ride west for a stretch on the scenic Sandy Creek Trail starting from the Rockland Road Access Point. Then, we will cross over the Historic Sandy Creek Rail Trail bridge, make a U-turn, and go down the bike ramp/pedestrian stairs to the ***Allegheny River Trail out to see the neolithic Indian God Rock markings on the Allegheny River.

From there, we'll stay on the Allegheny River Trail and head up north to the quaint town of Franklin, PA. We can refuel with lunch at the Rails to Ales Brewery. It opens at 11 am. There’s a cute ice cream shoppe in towne as well. … just say’n.
https://trailstoalesbrewery.com/trails/

Then we'll head back from Franklin on the ART south to the Sandy Creek/ART junction where we'll climb back up to the Sandy Creek Trail to where are cars are parked at the Rockland access point.

The ramp and stairs are a bit strenuous. You place your bike on to a inclined ramp that runs parallel to the stairs and roll your bike along your descent. See posted pictures. It's actually easier going up, then down. But I have to say, if I can do it, I'm sure you will too.
If need be and if we agree to assist each other, there should be no problem.

Here is a link to the trail brochures.
https://www.avta-trails.org/maps.php

I don't believe you can take an e-bike on this trip due to descending stair/bike ramp to the Allegheny River Trail. It would be quite the hoist and would take much strength holding the bike while descending the stairs. Also note, there is a sharp turn in the stairs.

All in all, once we are back on the Sandy Creek Trail, this ride totals close to 26 miles with the shortest leg from Franklin back to Sandy Creek at Rockland, approximately 10 miles. You can extend out to Van towards the eastern end of the Sandy Creek Tail if you wish.