Five Star Trail
The Five Star Trail is a rail-with-trail in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, running from Lynch Field in Greensburg to Youngwood, with a branch east toward Westmoreland County Community College and Armbrust.
Overview
About the Five Star trail
The Five Star Trail is a rail-with-trail that stretches from Lynch Field in Greensburg to Youngwood, running along the Southwestern Pennsylvania Railroad corridor. At Depot Street in Youngwood, the trail branches off eastward to connect with 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 unusual, and only a few still exist in Pennsylvania. The trail has been a success since its original 1996 lease, and on January 1, 2021, it reached a new 25-year lease agreement with the Southwestern Pennsylvania Railroad, extending through December 2045.
Good for
- Walking
- Running
- Cycling
- Cross-country skiing
The setting
What you’ll see
A green ribbon through Greensburg and Youngwood that blends town and trail, with the unusual character of riding alongside a working railroad.
The history
Rail & industrial heritage
The corridor follows the Southwestern Pennsylvania Railroad. As a rare 'rail-with-trail,' it shares its right-of-way with active trains — a living link to the region's railroad era.
On the trail
Scenes from the Five Star trail
Getting on the trail
Trailheads & access
Lynch Field
Greensburg, PA (north end)
Youngwood
Depot Street junction
Armbrust
Eastern branch terminus
Amenities
Facilities along the way
- Trailhead parking at Lynch Field, Greensburg
- Connection to Westmoreland County Community College
- Flat, accessible surface throughout
Keep this trail open
Volunteers maintain the trail and coordinate closely with the Southwestern Pennsylvania Railroad to keep the shared corridor safe.
Chapter officers
President
Vaughn Neill
vaughnneill@yahoo.com412-260-2983Vice President
Marissa Haynes
MHaynes@hempfieldtwp.orgTreasurer
Mark Jackson
jacksonmark469@gmail.comSecretary
Austin Erhard
austinerhard1995@gmail.com
Contact
Good to know
Five Star trail FAQ
- Where is the Five Star Trail?
- The Five Star Trail is a rail-with-trail in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, running from Lynch Field in Greensburg to Youngwood, with a branch east toward Westmoreland County Community College and Armbrust.
- How long is the Five Star Trail?
- The Five Star Trail covers About 8 miles. A flat, accessible rail-with-trail from Greensburg to Youngwood — popular for walking, running, and easy family rides in the heart of Westmoreland County.
- Is the Five Star Trail part of the Great Allegheny Passage?
- No. The Five Star Trail is a regional rail-trail maintained by a Regional Trail Corporation chapter; it is not part of the Great Allegheny Passage.
- Is the Five Star Trail accessible and family-friendly?
- Flat and handicapped accessible, accommodating everyone regardless of age or physical ability — a top choice for walkers, runners, and families near Greensburg.
- How can I volunteer on the Five Star Trail?
- Volunteers maintain the trail and coordinate closely with the Southwestern Pennsylvania Railroad to keep the shared corridor safe. To get involved, contact vaughnneill@yahoo.com.
Help keep the trails there when you need them.
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