Within the past five years, two of Cambria County’s three trails have earned the distinction of being named Pennsylvania’s trail of the year by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The Ghost Town Trail was named trail of the year in 2020, and the Path of the Flood Trail, a 14-mile trail tracing the historic route of the 1889 Johnstown Flood, was awarded the distinction this year.

The scenic trail attracts 80,000 visitors annually from across the globe with its blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities and historic landmarks, including the Staple Bend Tunnel, the first railroad tunnel in the United States, according to Cliff Kitner, the executive director of the Cambria County Conservation and Recreation Authority.

“If you look at that award, receiving it two times in the last five years is just unprecedented. It just shows you that we’re doing things the right way,” Kitner said.

In a press release, DCNR secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said naming the Path of the Flood Trail as the 2025 Trail of the Year honors its unique role in preserving history while providing a vibrant space for recreation and community engagement.

“This trail is a destination, inviting visitors from across the nation and the world to experience the history of the 1889

Johnstown Flood while enjoying outdoor activities in a stunning natural setting,” Adams Dunn said.

“We hope this designation will bring even more visitors to explore the trail, supporting local businesses and fostering economic, environmental and social benefits for the region,” she said.

Composed of crushed stone and pavement, the Path of the Flood Trail is accessible for a variety of activities, including biking, hiking, running, birdwatching, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

One event, the Path of the Flood Historic Races, draws nearly 1,000 participants to the area each year, further boosting tourism and local engagement, according to the release.

Cambria County Commissioner Tom Chernisky said the distinction is “huge” for Cambria County’s economy.

“We’ve been winning year in and year out with our local economy,” Chernisky said. “It’s pretty cool when 67 counties in the state of Pennsylvania look at us and say, ‘Hey, look what they’re doing in Cambria County. Look what they’re doing in outdoor recreation.'”

Chernisky said Cambria County has “a lot of good neighbors in outdoor recreation,” who could also benefit from having two acclaimed trails in the region, including Indiana, Bedford, Clearfield, Blair and Somerset counties.

“What’s good for our neighboring counties is good for us, and what’s good for us is good for our neighboring counties also,” Chernisky said.

Mirror Staff Writer Matt Churella is at 814-946-7520.