Treasures Along The Rail

Summer 1997

The Yough River Trail - Boston to Ohiopyle in 1998

Named by "Travel and Leisure Magazine" as one of the best 19 trails in the world and its not only beautiful (let's keep it that way) It's also free!!

21 million live within 90 minutes of the trail!!

Trail News Update:

Trail Director Bob McKinley announced that the first state grant awarded the RTC was approved for $500,000. Until this time, grants from the federal government and others had been the mainstay of the trail's development. In addition, a state grant of $150,000 awarded the Steel Heritage Trail will assist in helping with the completion of the Yough Trail into McKeesport (Ed. Note: Congratulations, Bob McKinley and Board of Directors!)

In other developments, a ceremony is being planned to recognize the linking of the trail from Smithton to Dawson, thereby completing the portion of the trail from Boston to Ohiopyle.

"Folks from Whittset, Perryopolis, and Layon are really excited about this event," said Director McKinley. The ceremony date is being planned for September 1998.

Gate counts of trail users this spring were high, which is expected to continue all season.

The Department of Environmental Protection has begun the spraying program for the gnat-like insect, Black Fly. Although harmless, its swarming can create a major nuisance for persons outdoors along the river banks. The River and Trail Communities represented by Lower Tyrone Township, Dunbar Township and the cities of Dawson and Connellsville all granted dollars for the program. Fayette County did not include the program in this year's budget despite the participation of the communities in helping fund it. In addition, Linden Hall is helping to underwrite the remaining portion of the program by holding a golf outing on September 7th as a fund-raiser. Call 724-529-7543. (Ed. Note: Linden Hall is to be commended for its help in assisting the children and adults of the River and Trail Communities through these fundraising efforts. This is the type of Community/Business interaction which is at the heart of the Return to the Turn of a Century Concept.)

Our newest "Century Land" attraction, The Greater Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival, opened Saturday June 28th with the clashing of jousting knights on horseback and period pageantry. Only a few miles from the Yough Trail at West Newton or Smithton, off Route 70 on Route 31 Mt. Pleasant Exit, the Festival's permanent home here will have a substantial impact on area tourism. Already a good friend and neighbor, Festival officials have met with Trail Director McKinlet to explore the possibilities of Trail and Share the Road access to eventually permit visitors to enjoy yet another significant area attraction as they use the trail.

Join the volunteer trail group nearest you by calling Bob McKinley at RTC headquarters: 724-872-5586.