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 eastward to connect with the Westmoreland County Community College and continue to Armbrust.

The trail’s flat surface is ideal for walking, jogging, biking, and cross-country skiing. It is handicapped accessible and accommodates everyone regardless of age or physical ability.

Recreational trails that operate next to active railroads, like the Five Star Trail, are an unusual circumstance, and only a few still exist in Pennsylvania. The Five Star Trail has been a success since the original lease agreement in 1996, and on January 1, 2021, the Trail reached a new 25-year lease agreement with the Southwestern Pennsylvania Railroad, extending until December 2045.

In the 25 years since the Five Star was constructed, the use of both the Trail and the Railroad has changed with the times.  While additional steps are being studied to improve the safety along the shared corridor, we have updated the trail rules in cooperation with the railroad.

Trail users must always remember:

• The trail is immediately adjacent to an active railroad line and trains can appear at any time, in any direction, and at any speed. When a train approaches, trail users should move as far away from the tracks as possible.
• No one is permitted to enter on to, walk on, or cross over the railroad tracks at any time. Trail users must remain on the trail at all times! Only cross at designated, signed crossings.
• STAY ALERT! Always be on the lookout for other trail users and approaching trains. Maintain personal awareness and limit your use of headphones or earbuds. Listen to music at a level that does not interfere with other trail users or your own safety.