Regional Trail Corporation

We Are TrailKeepers:

We make sure the trails are there when you need them.

Transforming old railroad lines into greenways since 1991

New Concepts in Recreation, Conservation, and Tourism

We were at the forefront of a wonderful, growing phenomenon: Old abandoned railroad lines have been transformed into “greenways”, creating exciting new concepts in recreation, conservation and tourism. These trails pass through beautiful scenic rural settings and interesting historic and urban areas. Along the way, they are tying cities, small communities and municipalities together.

Many Communities. One shared responsibility.

What do Trail Keepers do?

Trail Keepers do three things: the physical maintenance work, the advocacy that protects trail access, and the visible community presence that extends the movement.

Across four trail systems spanning over 200 miles, Trail Keepers chapters coordinate an estimated 10,000+ volunteer hours annually, making the Regional Trail Coorporation one of the largest all-volunteer trail maintenance programs in Pennsylvania.

Maintenance Advocacy Community

Our Chapters

The RTC manages sections of the Great Allegheny Passage, the Five Star Trail, the Coal and Coke Trail, and the Westmoreland Heritage Trail. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Great Allegheny Passage is one of the most-visited rail trails in the United States, attracting an estimated 1 million visitors annually. Trail Keepers volunteers are the primary workforce that keeps this trail and three additional systems maintained year-round.

Five Star Trail

The Five Star Trail is a rail-with-trail that stretches from Lynch Field in Greensburg to Youngwood and is located along the Southwestern Pennsylvania Railroad corridor. At Depot Street in Youngwood, the trail branches off… (tap to read more)

Coal and Coke Trail

Ride or walk through history as you travel the Coal & Coke Trail, linking Mt. Pleasant and Scottdale. Set on scenic old railroad corridors, the Coal & Coke Trail provides outdoor recreational opportunities for… (tap to read more)

Yough River Bike Trail

The Yough River Trail Council is based at 794 Vanderbilt Rd, Connellsville, PA 15425. Monthly meetings are held in the “Blue Building” behind Martin’s Grocery Plaza, (800 Vanderbilt Rd (Rt 201), Connellsville, PA).Email us… (tap to read more)

Whitsett-Fayette Yough Trail

The Whitsett-Fayette Yough Trail covers and area from approximately milepost 41 to milepost 46. We have several pavilions, portable toilets and paved parking. A playground, ball field and basketball court are also adjacent to… (tap to read more)

Westmoreland Yough Trail

The Westmoreland Yough Trail Chapter (WYTC) supports and maintains 10.5 miles of the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP). It runs along the Youghiogheny River through southern Westmoreland County. The trail follows the former railroad bed… (tap to read more)

Westmoreland Heritage Trail

The Westmoreland Heritage Trail is a scenic bicycle and walking trail covering 8.5 miles from Saltsburg to Delmont and 9.3 miles from Export to Trafford. Future expansion is in progress to connect the two… (tap to read more)

Steel Valley Trail

The Steel Valley Trail Council manages a section of the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP), which offers 149 miles of hiking and biking between Cumberland, Md. and Pittsburgh, Pa. In Cumberland, the GAP joins the… (tap to read more)

How can you become a trailkeeper?

It starts with showing up. The trails exist because people built them. They stay open because people maintain them.

Visit a Trail

Explore our trails and we’re certain that you will gain an appreciation for the beauty and fun of them.

See our Trails

Volunteer

Organized trail maintenance days run year-round across all four trail systems. No experience is required; training is provided on site.

Find Opportunities

Represent Us

A Trail Keeper jersey on the Great Allegheny Passage, a cap at a cycling club ride, a patch on a pack at a trail event… each one extends the reach of the community into places no newsletter or social post can reach.

Shop Merch