A committee consisting of members of the C&I Trail Council, Indiana County Parks and Trails, Cambria County Conservation and Recreation Authority, and other interested parties is planning a celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Ghost Town Trail that will span the months of September and October, ending with a final event on November 2nd. The C&I Trail Council has contributed $500 of its reserve funds toward the event’s budget and the committee will make an application for additional DCNR dollars available through a very timely mini-grant initiative to support trail celebrations in the month of September. Tourist Bureaus in both Indiana and Cambria Counties will assist in the promotion of the festivities. Trail system development efforts began in 1991 with funding, in part from America’s Industrial Heritage Project (AIHP), which initiated efforts to preserve and promote heritage attractions in the region and, in turn, stimulate the region’s economy. An outgrowth of the AIHP study was a plan to convert numerous abandoned railroads in the region into bicycling and walking trails. Following the development of a trail “Master Plan” and the 1991 donation of 16 miles of abandoned railroad in Indiana and Cambria County, the Ghost Town Trail was christened on October 1, 1994. The trail attracts thousands of visitors each year and has a significant economic impact on regional tourism. The planning committee is compiling a listing of events on the trails during the two month celebration and is open to possible additions of volunteer-led activities. Parties interested in contributing to the celebration through contributions of funds, in-kind items, or volunteer efforts are strongly encouraged to contact Indiana County Parks and Trails at (724) 463-8636.
