In the News
Trail Closure: National Tunnel
During an inspection of National Tunnel, engineers found areas of deteriorated concrete in the ceiling, enough to affect the tunnel’s stability. In the interest of safety, the National Tunnel temporarily closed in early November, for initial stabilization work near the western entrance. The tunnel, located in Cecil township at MM 25, was constructed by the Montour Railroad in the early 20th century.
Montour Trail Council expects to re-open the tunnel early in 2026, after the initial stabilization phase is completed. More extensive renovations will occur in the future. MTC does not recommend any on-road detour at this time due to narrow lanes and limited sight lines. Trail users wishing to travel west can access the trail at the McConnell Road trailhead (MP 24.7); users heading east can get on the trail at Kurnick (MP 25.6).
Arrive by air and roll straight into adventure on the Great Allegheny Passage! Fly into the new terminal at Pittsburgh International Airport and use the Airport connector, then the Montour Trail, which links you to the GAP. For route details, maps, and planning tips, click on the photo.
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 about 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.