Journey Along The Abandoned PA Turnpike On The Pike 2 Bike Trail In Pennsylvania
By Beth Price-Williams|Published January 06, 2021
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
It’s probably fair to say we’ve all traveled on the turnpike at least once during our lives. However, not everyone knows about the stretch of the turnpike – 13 miles, to be exact – that has been abandoned for decades. Once left abandoned and ignored, the stretch of highway now attracts hikers and bikers as the Pike 2 Bike Trail in Pennsylvania.
The Pike 2 Bike Trail, which runs from Breezewood to Waterfall in Bedford and Fulton Counties, clocks in at just over eight miles and offers the perfect backdrop for hiking or biking adventures.
Bring plenty of water; wear sturdy shoes whether you’re hiking or biking – and don’t forget to bring your flashlight. (If you have a bike, you might want to ensure it has a headlight.)
The trail along the former turnpike will take you along some rocky and uneven terrain, some of which is dotted with graffiti. Some who have traveled the trail say that it has an eeriness to it.
Along your journey, you’ll pass through two abandoned tunnels – Ray’s Hill Tunnel and the old Sideling Hill Tunnel. (Another abandoned tunnel, the Laurel Hill Tunnel, also sits along the abandoned stretch of the turnpike. However, you won’t go through it on the trail.)
The tunnels can be very dark and have very uneven terrain (but they’re definitely fascinating to check out), so a flashlight is strongly encouraged to ensure your safety.
While the trail can get pretty busy at times, you’ll still have plenty of space to explore and to maintain a safe distance from other hikers and bikers.
Have you ever hiked or biked along the Pike 2 Bike Trail in Pennsylvania? Do you have any suggestions for other hikers and bikers? Let us know in the comments! Then read more on how this section of the PA Turnpike actually became abandoned.
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