Nearly two decades after the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail Alliance took the initial steps to create regional recreation opportunities, leaders are celebrating 188 miles of trails that have been carved out amid dozens of communities showcased along the path.
The goal to connect the two cities and thousands of steps in between is about 70% complete. Another 82 miles of walkways are planned and in development. Of note is the 12-mile Kiski Junction Railroad corridor in Armstrong County.
To mark its success, alliance leaders will celebrate with a fundraiser Tuesday, June 27, at Pittsburgh Brewing Co. in East Deer.
The brewery will be a future trailhead, making it a perfect location for the celebration, leaders said.
“It is to thank our supporters and partners who continue to show up, advocate, donate and support the vision of connecting 270 miles from Point State Park in Pittsburgh to the Bicentennial Tower along Lake Erie,” said Kim Harris, alliance secretary.
Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald will be honored during the event with the Jim Holden Leadership Award, named for the alliance founder’s leadership and vision, Harris said.
The group aims to honor people who exemplify Holden’s legacy and passion for the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail.
“Fitzgerald has dedicated his tenure to developing trails across Allegheny County,” Harris said.
In 2022, Fitzgerald dedicated $22 million from the county for trail development projects.
The awards included a grant of more than $1 million to help the continued development of the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail.
“He has been a leader for trails not only in Allegheny County but across the commonwealth,” Harris said.
The group began its journey in 2005 and now comprises 16 trail organizations that have come together with more than 100 partners in 38 communities.
Vice President Courtney Mahronich Vita cited the bipartisan cooperation afforded to the alliance and said she looks forward to the future success of the group.
“We are building on our momentum,” said Mahronich Vita, who serves as director of trail development for the nonprofit Friends of the Riverfront.
“We’re excited to have so many projects going at the same time.”
Across the Alle-Kiski Valley, trails are in the works in Tarentum, East Deer, Cheswick, Brackenridge and Harrison.
A $4.4 million trail project in Tarentum and East Deer is expected to create public access to the shoreline, promote recreation and spur economic development.
The 5-mile path would pass Dreshar Stadium and Pittsburgh Brewing Co., providing shared-lane markings for bicycles and off-road sections for walkers.
Construction is not expected for several years while both towns seek financial planning.
In Brackenridge, the first phase of a trail recently was built between First Avenue and the Allegheny River.
Work kicked off in April as part of the larger, 33-mile Three Rivers Heritage Trail operated by Friends of the Riverfront.
That $445,000 project is nearly seven years in the making.
Stretching from Mile Lock Lane to Morgan Street, it will link other pending trail sections nearby. When completed, it will be part of the path from Erie to Pittsburgh.
“There are so many projects in motion, and gaps are continuing to be closed,” Mahronich Vita said. “Good partnerships have contributed to our success, and it’s exciting to see what’s coming.”
