“Milestone moment:” Montour Trail closes last gap
Observer-Reporter, October 2024
The completion of Montour Trail from Stewart Road to Wood Street in South Park Township was a long time coming. In recognition, MTC celebrated with an official grand opening celebration that included a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the 36.6-mile trail marker. The opening of the section closes the last trail gap between Library and the western part of Jefferson Hills Borough. It eliminates the last on-road section of trail between mile marker 0 (zero) in Moon Township and the Green Man tunnel.
Safety Urged for Montour Trail in Bethel Park
TribLive, September 2024
During 2024’s long, hot summer, Montour Trail Council received many complaints from Trail users being buzzed by speeding ebike riders and misbehaving youngsters. “Take a photo of the offender and report the incident to the police” is our advice, as captured in this news article.
Greer Tunnel Reopens
Pittsburgh Union Progress, November 2023
Observer-Reporter, November 2023
Observer-Reporter, May 2024
Montour Trail Council President Ned Williams called the accomplishment “one of the most significant infrastructure projects ever completed by the Council in the history of the 34-year-old trail” and thanked users for their patience.
Within the first 90 minutes of the Greer tunnel’s reopening, a half-dozen walkers and cyclists navigated their way through the tunnel, admiring the new eastern portal with the MTC logo emblazoned upon it and the shiny galvanized steel support lining.“I’m glad you kept the original dates up,” said Dave Ollett, a Bethel Park resident who cycled by.
The 235-foot-long tunnel in Peters Township is available again for cyclists, walkers, runners or anyone else who uses the Montour Trail. It reopened following a year-long renovation project that cost more than $1 million and provided a new lining for the tunnel and upgraded the facades. A ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated the completion of the project May 10.
9 Breweries You Can Visit from a Bike Trail
Discover the Burgh, June 2024
Trail biking or walking is even better when we can finish the ride at a Pittsburgh brewery for a draft (or two).
Hiking Through the Montour Woods
Uncovering PA, May 2024
This 320-acre park is located about 25 minutes west of downtown Pittsburgh in Coraopolis, PA and near the city’s airport. It has been managed by the Oak Hollow Land Trust since 1993 and features 10 miles of hiking trails adjacent to the popular Montour Rail Trail.
Best Bike Trail in City Paper contest
City Paper, September 2023
City Paper’s readers’ poll selected the Montour Trail as its “Best of PGH 2023” bike trail. With the award, the paper noted that “Pittsburgh’s rail-trail network has improved dramatically in recent years, but the Montour Trail remains one of the most complete and interconnected sections … The Montour remains the best way to ride outside of city limits and a symbol of how far the region has come since the heyday of industry.”
Best in the ‘Burgh, Again
Pittsburgh Magazine, July 2023
Montour Trail Tunnel to Re-open
Observer-Reporter, May 2023
The 110-year-old tunnel was closed in March when structural deficiencies were found in its deteriorating ceiling. By Memorial Day, runners, walkers, and bikers might be able to use the Greer Tunnel again.
Snow Steppin’
Observer-Reporter, January 2023
Area outdoor enthusiasts pass the winter by using the Montour Trail.
‘Living life’: Man Treks Montour Trail in Wheelchair to Advocate for Outdoor Access
Observer-Reporter, October 2022
The Almanac, October 2022
Ian’s Ride on the Montour Trail advocates outdoor access for all users, no matter their abilities. Wheelchair user Ian MacKay suggests, “Too often, people think about the things they can’t do instead of the things that they can do. Make sure you’re not being stagnant, that you’re attempting growth, and you’re out there living life.”
Montour Trail Named Best in the ‘Burgh, Again!
Pittsburgh Magazine, July 2022
In the entertainment & leisure category, readers chose the Montour Trail as their favorite.
Stepping up: Volunteers Donate Thousands of Hours of Time Maintaining the Region’s Myriad Hiking, Biking Trails
Many trails see heavy use and require regular maintenance, which is handled largely through a cooperative effort among trail officials, volunteer groups and the towns through which they pass. Montour Trail Council President Deb Thompson says there is more to trail volunteer work than people realize.
New Pathway to Connect Southpointe with Montour Trail
Observer-Reporter, June 2022
A ceremonial groundbreaking announced a 1,300-foot pathway that will link Montour Trail to Southpointe. County, township and business representatives touted the project as a way to connect businesses and residential neighborhoods to recreational opportunities located just over the hillside.
Always B Smiling Launches Adaptive Bicycle Riding Program on Montour Trail
The Almanac, May 2021
The nonprofit hosts adaptive bike rides for children and young adults and expects to build an activity center somewhere along the Montour Trail.
A Walk with a Purpose
Observer-Reporter, April 2021
A reporter’s walk on the Montour Trail yields a garbage bag filled with castoffs from other users.
Montour Named to PA Top-Ten Trails List
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, January 2021
The national trail network touts the Montour Trail for its fascinating bridges, tunnels and colorful landscapes. Pennsylvania is a leader in national trail development.
Allegheny Land Trust Acquisition at Montour Trail to Enhance Outdoor Recreation
Tribune-Review, November 2019
Great American Rail-Trail Coming
Post-Gazette, May 2019
How the Great Allegheny Passage Transformed a Region
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, May 2020
The GAP is a valued recreation and active transportation asset for communities. It is also a bucket-list destination for bicyclists and hikers, some of whom begin or end their trek on the Montour Trail.
Montour Trail Council Enters 30th Year of Championing Outdoors
Tribune-Review, March 2019
Volunteers Work to Ensure Montour Trail Tunnel Remains Open During Winter
The Almanac, February 2019
Montour Trail Named Pennsylvania’s 2017 Trail of the Year
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources,
January 2017