Non-MTC Events
Ebike Regulations in Peters
Peters Township regulates the use of ebikes within Peters Township parks, including Arrowhead Trail:
- All ebike operators must be at least age 16; those under 21 must wear a helmet.
- Ebikes riders must use paved pathways only, NOT grass, fields, open spaces, shelters, courts, playgrounds, picnic areas, etc.
- The maximum speed limit for ebikes is 15 miles per hour.
- All ebike riders must yield to pedestrians.
Pittsburgh’s Top Hiking Trail — Again!
For the seventh consecutive year, the Montour Trail has been selected by the readers of Pittsburgh magazine as the top hiking/biking trail in its Best of the ‘Burgh for 2025. The annual poll is revealed in the July issue. You can check out the Entertainment and Leisure winners online here.
Get Your Own Montour Trail Jersey
The Montour Trail official jersey allows you to pedal in style while supporting your favorite bike path. Order from AeroTechdesigns.com.
Summer Newsletter
The May-June 2025 issue of the Montour Trail-Letter is now available!
Welcome the Disabled Community to the Trail
Montour Trail Council welcomes users of all abilities to the Trail. If you want to learn more about this effort in Southwest PA, you can volunteer to create a welcoming and memorable experience for everyone. Contact Rebecca MacTaggart for details.
Long-term Construction in Airport Area
Duquesne Light is replacing transmission lines and towers near Hassam Road (MM 1.4), so there may be temporary closures in that area. Be cautious from MM .8 to 1.4; follow all warnings on signage as well as verbal instructions from construction flaggers.
This Outstanding Rail-Trail is in Your Back Yard!
The Montour Trail is a multi-use, non-motorized recreational pathway around Pittsburgh, the country’s longest suburban rail-trail. It is privately owned and operated. The main line extends ~47 miles; branch routes increase length to 60+ miles. The relatively flat half-loop stretches from Coraopolis (along the Ohio River) to Clairton (on the Monongahela River). A northwest branch connects directly to Pittsburgh International Airport.
The Montour connects to other rails-to-trails in western Pennsylvania and beyond: the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) and the C&O Canal Towpath, a completed trail system that stretches 300+ miles from Pittsburgh to Washington, DC.; the Panhandle Trail — a converted railroad line that stretches from Weirton, West Virginia, to Carnegie. And this local resource is part of U.S. Bicycle Route 50, which runs east-west and, when completed, will span the country.
Currently, 46 miles of the Montour Trail are continuous with several short gaps in the southeast section.
The Trail is easy to get to by car, as there are access areas and trailheads every few miles along the route. Pittsburgh’s rapid transit system runs near some of these, and it is bike friendly. The Trail is ADA accessible as well.
In Memory of Gil McGurl
MTC volunteers noted the passing of long-time colleague and friend Gil McGurl on January 11, 2025. Late last year, the organization honored him with a lifetime achievement award for more than 20 years of service to the Trail.
Gil served as our “elder statesman,” doling out well-considered and thoughtful opinions backed-up with overarching analysis. He was always a conscientious champion of trail-building and maintenance projects. He could see beyond the issue at hand and consider a broad view of how it would benefit the overall trail.
His volunteer stint included participation in the Engineering & Construction, Finance and Real Estate committees; trail construction project management; and Council vice president at a time of substantial trail expansion. Gil’s non-trail interests included bike riding, golfing, family, and church.
For more information, click here for obituary.