Westmoreland Yough Trail
The Westmoreland Yough Trail is a 10.5-mile section of the Great Allegheny Passage along the Youghiogheny River in southern Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, anchored by the trail town of West Newton.
Overview
About the Westmoreland Yough trail
The Westmoreland Yough Trail Chapter (WYTC) supports and maintains 10.5 miles of the Great Allegheny Passage along the Youghiogheny River through southern Westmoreland County. The trail follows the former railroad bed of the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad, and railroad artifacts and a rich industrial history line the way.
Our segment is wooded and very scenic. It also passes through Cedar Creek County Park, where Adirondack shelters give trail users a place for overnight stays alongside many other amenities. Benches are placed along the route, and a very nice pavilion sits at the Smithton trailhead. Kiosks along the way carry trail information, including event scheduling.
The trail segment is beautifully kept by the volunteers of our organization, who do everything from fundraising to maintenance to running our annual events. We are always looking for great folks to help — please come join us, become a member, and volunteer.
Good for
- Cycling
- Walking
- Running
- Cross-country skiing
The setting
What you’ll see
A wooded, very scenic corridor following the Youghiogheny River, passing through Cedar Creek County Park. The shade and river make it a cool ride in summer and a striking one in fall.
The history
Rail & industrial heritage
The trail rides on the former Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad bed; railroad artifacts remain visible along the route, and the West Newton station area tells the story of the river-and-rail towns that grew here.
On the trail
Scenes from the Westmoreland Yough trail
Getting on the trail
Trailheads & access
West Newton
Visitor's Center, West Newton, PA
Smithton
Trailhead with pavilion
Cedar Creek County Park
Park access with overnight shelters
Amenities
Facilities along the way
- West Newton visitor center
- Pavilion at the Smithton trailhead
- Adirondack overnight shelters in Cedar Creek County Park
- Numerous benches along the route
- Information kiosks with event schedules
Keep this trail open
A close-knit volunteer chapter that handles fundraising, maintenance, and signature annual events. New members and volunteers are always welcome.
Meetings: Every third Monday of the month at 7 PM in the Visitor's Center, West Newton, PA.
Annual events: Trail Appreciation Day (early June), Labor Day Poker Run (September)
Chapter officers
President
Karen Craig
Kc109d@aol.com724-858-7095Vice President
Becky Nichols
Rlnichols28@comcast.net724-433-0330Treasurer
Diane Heming
dpheming@comcast.net724-217-5022Secretary
Mary Reid
Reids120@comcast.net724-875-5332
Contact
Good to know
Westmoreland Yough trail FAQ
- Where is the Westmoreland Yough Trail?
- The Westmoreland Yough Trail is a 10.5-mile section of the Great Allegheny Passage along the Youghiogheny River in southern Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, anchored by the trail town of West Newton.
- How long is the Westmoreland Yough Trail?
- The Westmoreland Yough Trail covers 10.5 miles. 10.5 wooded miles of the Great Allegheny Passage along the Youghiogheny River through southern Westmoreland County, with a visitor center in West Newton.
- Is the Westmoreland Yough Trail part of the Great Allegheny Passage?
- Yes. The Westmoreland Yough Trail is a maintained section of the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP), the 150-mile rail-trail between Pittsburgh, PA and Cumberland, MD.
- Is the Westmoreland Yough Trail accessible and family-friendly?
- Wide, flat, firm crushed-limestone surface. Numerous benches along the way and a pavilion at the Smithton trailhead. Adirondack shelters in Cedar Creek Park for overnight stays.
- How can I volunteer on the Westmoreland Yough Trail?
- A close-knit volunteer chapter that handles fundraising, maintenance, and signature annual events. New members and volunteers are always welcome. To get involved, contact Kc109d@aol.com.
Help keep the trails there when you need them.
Whether you swing a loppers on a Saturday or chip in a few dollars, every TrailKeeper makes the next mile possible.