Work wraps on Cambria trail extension

Project connects Ghost Town Trail with Duman Lake County Park

BLACKLICK TOWNSHIP -- Construction for a new trail extension in Cambria County concluded Wednesday just in time for the warm spring weather.

The 2-mile extension will connect the Ghost Town Trail with Duman Lake County Park, and local officials are excited to see the project come to fruition.

"This is huge," Cambria County President Commissioner Tom Chernisky said. "This is an exciting story that we are growing. These trails are part of the fabric of Cambria County."

Work on the project concluded Wednesday, nearly a year after ground was broken in June 2020.

The majority of work on the segment was completed by Robindale Energy Services Inc., and Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority Executive Director Cliff Kitner said the project was completed at no cost to the county or taxpayers.

"Robindale donated its time, labor and resources," Kitner said. "When (Chernisky) first mentioned possibly doing this, I thought he was insane. I didn't think there was any way possible we could complete this project. But we didn't let that deter us, and things started to fall into place."

In addition to constructing the base and topcoat, Robindale also filled four sludge-filled ponds in the middle of the extension.

Chernisky said 80 to 90 tons of ash were hauled in to fill the ponds.

"The sludge was initially believed to only be about 6 feet deep," Kitner said. "It ended up being much, much deeper than originally anticipated."

While the trail is now open to the public, Kitner said one of the holdups for the project is a bridge that requires work closer to the end of the new extension as it reaches Ghost Town Trail.

Kitner said the Center for Metal Arts is interested in transforming the bridge into a memorial for the steel industry of Johnstown, which would cost $35,000.

The bridge is not functionable now, but Chernisky said the county is optimistic a grant can be received to cover the costs.

Kitner said the county recently received a "small grant" toward funding the bridge, and additional larger grants are being sought as well.

"We want to make it usable, but it would be really nice to make this a showpiece," Kitner said. "I think we can do something very special with it."

If a larger grant is received, Kitner said renovations on the bridge would not begin until October.

"The trail is open, and anyone can use it now," Chernisky said. "But if you enter from Duman Lake County Park, you would have to stop where the bridge is at. But a large portion of the trail is open right now and usable."

Kitner said there has been a demand from the public for camping along the Ghost Town Trail, and with Duman Lake County Park now connected, camping, restrooms and showers are now available.

The Ghost Town Trail was Pennsylvania's 2020 Trail of the Year, and Chernisky is hoping the popularity of the trail can draw in more out-of-town visitors.

"This is going to bring other people's money into the community," Chernisky said. "People come from all over to run, bike, hike. They're staying in hotels, or they're spending money in our local restaurants. This trail directly supports our local businesses."

Chernisky said a ribbon cutting event will be held this summer.

Mirror Staff Writer Calem Illig is at 814-946-7535.