Expedition Indiana County
Many fascinating places are scattered throughout Indiana County, PA!
We invite visitors & locals to travel throughout the county and discover why we say, “It’s A Wonderful Life (IAWL) in Indiana County, PA!”
Turn your expedition into a memorable photographic journey! Create memories with friends & families. Selfies at locations are encouraged and can be submitted to: info@VisitIndianaCountyPA.org for consideration to be included in advertising promotional materials. #IAWLinIndianaPA
TRAILS
Blairsville Riverfront Trail*: Blairsville, PA 15717 (Near Bairdstown Bridge)
This easy 1.7 mile trail, ideal for hiking, biking and cross-country skiing, provides the perfect backdrop for scenic outdoor photos with a river in the background.
https://indianacountyparks.org/our-trails/blairsville-rivefront-trail/
Ghost Town Trail*: Stretches from Indiana County, PA to Cambria County, PA
Have your camera ready to capture beautiful nature and potential wildlife along this 51-mile, which has been designated as a National Recreation Trail by the U.S. Department of the Interior. It was deemed as “PA’s Trail of the Year 2020” by the DCNR. The trail also connects to the Hoodlebug Trail.
https://indianacountyparks.org/our-trails/ghost-town-trail/
Hoodlebug Trail*: Travels from Black Lick, PA to Indiana, PA
Enjoy a laid back, recreational ride, or hike, along the 10.5-mile trail which connects to the Ghost Town Trail.
https://indianacountyparks.org/our-trails/hoodlebug-trail/
West Penn Trail*: Connects Blairsville, PA to Saltsburg, PA
Hike, bike or cross-country ski on this moderate level trail that spans 17 miles, while enjoying beautiful views and scenery.
http://www.transalleghenytrails.com/trails/west-penn-trail.aspx
*Part of the Trans Allegheny Trails
COVERED BRIDGES
Harmon Covered Bridge: 2725 Donahue Road, Creekside, PA 15732
Harmon Bridge is the youngest of the County’s four covered bridges. John R. Carnahan was awarded a contract to build a “frame covered bridge” over Plum Creek, near Dice’s. The contract specified that the bridge was to be completed within 30 days after the abutments were in place. The bridge was designed by Thomas Pealer, County Engineer, and was completed in July of 1910 at a cost of $525. Harmon Bridge is named after Civil War veteran J.S. Harmon.
https://indianacountyparks.org/covered-bridges/harmon-bridge/
Kintersburg Covered Bridge: 1966 Musser Road, Indiana, PA 15701
Kintersburg Bridge was named by Isaac Kinter, in honor of his father, John Kinter, a Revolutionary War veteran. J.S. Fleming, a Civil War veteran who was injured at the Battle of Cedar Creek, erected the bridge over Crooked Creek in September 1877. The bridge was constructed at a cost of $893.
https://indianacountyparks.org/covered-bridges/kintersburg-bridge/
Trusal Covered Bridge: 1961 Trusal Road, Creekside, PA 15732
Trusal Bridge (also known as Dice’s Bridge) is the oldest of Indiana County’s covered bridges. At 41 feet the Trusal Bridge is the shortest of Indiana County’s covered bridges. It was named after Robert Trusal, a nearby property owner and Civil War veteran who owned the surrounding land at the time the bridge was built. Trusal Bridge is located about one-half mile downstream of the Harmon Bridge. The contractor and cost of the bridge construction are not known. The bridge was bypassed in 1990.
https://indianacountyparks.org/covered-bridges/trusal-bridge
Thomas Covered Bridge: 280 Thomas Covered Bridge Road, Indiana, PA 15701
In June 1877, a county bridge over Crooked Creek near the property of John and Amos Thomas was approved for construction with the County to be responsible for two-thirds of the cost and John Thomas responsible for the remaining one-third of the bridge cost.
https://indianacountyparks.org/covered-bridges/thomas-bridge/
AREA PARKS & OUTDOOR RECREATION
1. Blacklick Valley Natural Area: 800 McFeaters Rd, Seward, PA 15954
Looking for a quiet adventure? This natural park experience is also home to three tracts, including the Parker (with established trails), Caldwell and Clarke Run, as well as several trails.
https://indianacountyparks.org/our-parks/blacklick-valley-natural-area/
2. Blue Spruce County Park: 1128 Blue Spruce Rd, Indiana, PA 15701
Explore this 650-acre park with 5+ trails. Grab a pic in front of historical marker honoring Bernice Gera – the 1st female umpire to work in a professional baseball game. Other offerings include hunting, fishing, pavilions, playgrounds, volleyball & horseshoe courts, 6 miles of trails, 12-acre lake, bird watching, lodge, a Christmas Tree Arboretum (Indiana County, PA is touted as “The Christmas Tree Capital of the World”) and Master Gardener’s Trial Garden.
https://indianacountytest.kinsta.cloud/our-parks/blue-spruce-park/
3. Buttermilk Falls Natural Area: 570 Valley Brook Rd, New Florence, PA 15944
This unique experience provides an up-close view of the stunning 45-foot waterfall which is situated on a 48-acre natural area. The property was once owned by Fred McFeely, grandfather of Fred Rogers of children’s television fame. Use caution and visit at your own risk.
https://indianacountyparks.org/our-parks/buttermilk-falls/
4. Hemlock Lake County Park: 2145 Hemlock Lake Road, Glen Campbell, PA 15742
The 205-acre park features a 60-acre lake with two boat launches (for electric motors and hand-propelled boats) and areas for picnicking, hunting, hiking and fishing. The lake is stocked with bluegill, bass, catfish, muskellunge, walleye and northern pike.
https://indianacountytest.kinsta.cloud/our-parks/hemlock-lake-park/directions-hemlock-lake/
5. Memorial Park: 630 Washington St, Indiana, PA 15701
This 2-acre park is a beautiful place to enjoy shade and relaxation. During the summer month, the park is home to summer concerts. Be sure to view the Doughboy Statue and pay respects to the several historic graves within the park.
https://indianacountytest.kinsta.cloud/our-parks/memorial-park/history-of-memorial-park/
6. Old Smicksburg Park: Route 954, Smicksburg, PA 16256
Pack a picnic and head to the park for lunch in the gazebo or picnic tables before exploring the hiking trails, using the kayak and canoe launch, or just relaxing while bird watching or wildflower viewing! Travel through Amish countryside to the park which is nestled amongst specialty stores in the community of Smicksburg.
https://indianacountytest.kinsta.cloud/our-parks/old-smicksburg-park/
7. Pine Ridge Park: 998 Pine Ridge Rd, Blairsville, PA 15717
Try your hand at disc golf on the 9-hole course! Enjoy several miles of hiking trails within the 635-acre park. Also available within the park are pavilions and a lodge.
https://indianacountyparks.org/our-parks/pine-ridge-park/
8. Saltsburg River & Kayak: 111 Market Street, Saltsburg, PA 15681
Situated in a historic grist mill brimming with kayaks and canoes ready for your river adventure, Saltsburg River & Kayak can make your dreams of traveling down the river come to fruition. Saltsburg is situated at the confluence of Loyalhanna Creek and the Conemaugh and Kiskiminetas Rivers. They can drop you off for a trip down the Conemaugh River, which offers a scenic atmosphere for paddlers of all skill levels. They can provide boats, paddles, PFDs (life jacket), and transportation – or they can provide shuttle services for those with their own gear!
https://saltsburgkayak.com/
9. Tanoma AMD Wetlands: 3900 Rayne Church Road, Tanoma, PA 15701
This outdoor environmental education center includes a self-guided trail with signage about the water restoration process, an off-grid renewable energy system and offers a pavilion with picnic tables.
https://evergreenconservancy.org/projects-acquisitions/remediation/tanoma-amd-wetlands/
10. Waterworks Conservation Area: 768 Waterworks Road, Indiana, PA 15701
Looking to go paddling in the Two Lick Creek? This area has a canoe & kayak put-in and then you can take-out near Saylor Park (roughly 12 river miles). ** If you plan on paddling Two Lick Creek downstream of Homer City be aware that there is a low-head feeder dam on Two Lick Creek near the Homer City Power Plant. The dam is located approximately 0.7 mi downstream from Neal Rd. There is an old railroad bridge approximately 0.1 mi before the dam. The area downstream of this old railroad bridge is designated as an exclusion zone – no boating permitted.** Fishing access and a trail circuit are also available also with a pavilion.
https://indianacountytest.kinsta.cloud/our-parks/waterworks-park/directions-waterworks-park/
11. Whites Woods: 200 Forest Ridge Road, Indiana, PA 15701
The White’s Woods Nature Center is a natural, mature hardwood forest for walking, hiking, running, cycling and birdwatching.
https://www.friendsofwhiteswoods.org/
12. Yellow Creek State Park: 170 PA Route 259, Penn Run, PA 15765
Find outdoor activities all year in this 2,981-acre state park with a 720-acre lake. Don’t forget your mountain bike for the 21 miles of single-track mountain biking trails. Plan a picnic & beach outing on the 800-foot beach open late-May through mid-September. This state park has it all: camping (cabins and yurts), boating, fishing, hunting, cross-country skiing, ice skating, sledding, swimming, orienteering, snowmobiling, mountain bike races and wildlife watching!
https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/YellowCreekStatePark/Pages/default.aspx
HISTORICAL SITES & PLACES
13. Blairsville Area Underground Railroad & History Center: 214 South East Lane, Blairsville, PA 15717
Learn area history as it relates to the underground railroad. See exhibits, hear historic narratives, and take a self-guided walking tour.
https://undergroundrailroadblairsvillepa.com/
14. Cherry Tree Monument 801 S Main Street, Cherry Tree, PA 15724
Erected in 1894, the monument marks the site of a cherry tree that was believed to be an important landmark for travelers in the 1770’s. The tree also served as a boundary marker in the treaty of For Stanwix between the Iroquois and PA Colonial Government.
15. Buena Vista Furnace Historic Site: Armagh, PA 15920 (GTT Heshbon Access Area (travel 3 miles east)
This thirty-foot high furnace, once used to produce up to 600 tons of iron a year, now stands unused. It is adjacent to the Ghost Town Trail extension.
https://indianacountyparks.org/our-parks/buena-vista-furnace/
16. Eliza Furnace Historic Site: 1069 Main Street, Vintondale, PA 15961
This National Register Site is regarded as one of Pennsylvania’s best preserved iron furnaces. Dating from 1846, the Eliza Furnace is one of only a few iron furnaces remaining in the United States which still retains its original heat exchanger piping.
https://indianacountytest.kinsta.cloud/our-parks/eliza-furnace/directions-eliza-furnace-historic-site/
17. Historical Society of the Blairsville Area: 116 East Campbell Street, Blairsville, PA 15717
Learn about local history, tour rooms of the museum, including the Transportation Room and the Map Room and peruse the gift shop.
https://blairsvillehistoric.com/
18. Homer-Center Historical Society Caboose Museum: North Main Street/Floodway Park, Homer City, PA 15748
Snap a selfie by the refurbished caboose then look inside to discover heritage artifacts of the Homer City area.
https://homercenterhistori.wixsite.com/website
19. Saltsburg Stone House Museum/Saltsburg Area Historical Society: 105 Point Street, Saltsburg, PA 15681
Tour the museum where volunteers have worked to discover, collect, preserve, and display historical artifacts representing Saltsburg area’s rich past. Learn about the cultural, industrial, and social evolution of the area.
http://www.saltsburgstonehousemuseum.org/
20. Rest on Arms Statue/Historical and Genealogical Society of Indiana County: 621 Wayne Avenue, Indiana, PA 15701
Preserving the dynamic history of the area, the historical society operates two buildings, the Clark House and the Armory. The Clark House allows visitors to “step back in time” as they tour the Victorian era house, complete with two restored parlors with period furniture and artifacts. Within the Armory, see artifacts and memorabilia in the Historical Museum. The Helman Library is a genealogical and county history research library. Located in front of the Clark House is a “Rest on Arms” Statue which pays tribute to Indiana County Veterans of the Civil War.
https://www.hgsic.org/
21. Saltsburg/Canal Walk: West Penn Trail, Saltsburg, PA 15681
Founded in 1816, it’s named for the early salt industry established along the Conemaugh and Kiskiminetas Rivers. From 1829 through 1864, Saltsburg was an important stop along the Western Division of the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal connecting Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Take a self-guided walking tour through town that traces the authentic route of the Main Line Canal. View interpretive panels along the way and a representation of Canal Lock 8 at its actual location.
https://mainlinecanalgreenway.org/impact/success-profiles/saltsburgs-canal-park/
22. Smicksburg Area Heritage Society/John G. Schmick Heritage Center: 59 East Kittanning Street, Smicksburg, PA 16256
Operated by the Smicksburg Area Hertiage Society, the Heritage Center is dedicated to the collection, identification, preservation, interpretation and promotion of Northern Indiana County, PA.
www.VisitSmicksburg.com
23. Tunnelview Historic Site: Clarksburg, PA 15725
This 16-acre site, adjacent to the Conemaugh Dam, has a 900′ portion of canal visible at the site and was part of the canal’s Western division. The route extended from Pittsburgh to Johnstown, where the Allegheny Portage Railroad began. At the site, visitors can see significant remnants of transportation history. The West Penn Trail runs through the Tunnelview Historic Site.
https://indianacountyparks.org/our-parks/tunnel-view-historic-site/
ADDITIONAL AREAS OF INTEREST
24. Hilltop Baptist Church: 4859 Route 286 West, Indiana, PA 15701
Take a ride and see the impressive 100-foot tall cross, erected in May 2023, which is the largest cross in Pennsylvania. It contains more than 175 tons of concrete, 25 tons of steel and approximately 16-miles of welding wire.
http://www.myhilltop.org/
25. The Allegheny Arboretum at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP): 650 South 13th Street, Indiana, PA 15705
The Arboretum is a living museum devoted to the study, conservation, and enjoyment of trees, shrubs, and vines. It consists of the entire 354-acre IUP campus. There are 1,200 trees on the north campus, representing 104 tree species. The Arboretum aims to document and care for these living treasures that give the IUP campus its lush appearance at all corners—especially the beloved Oak Grove along Oakland Avenue.
https://www.iup.edu/arboretum/index.html
26. Jimmy Stewart Airport: 398 Airport Road, Indiana, PA 15701
This modern, public-use airport serves the growing communities of Indiana County, PA and its surrounding areas. The Jimmy Stewart Airport, named after hometown hero and Hollywood Actor James Stewart, offers services for private and commercial pilots of small aircrafts. See Jimmy’s restored 310 Cessna airplane on display outside of the airport.
https://www.jimmystewartairport.com/
27. Jimmy Stewart Statue: 825 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
This photo op includes a statue of famed Hollywood actor Jimmy Stewart located on the front lawn of the Indiana County Courthouse. It was unveiled in 1983 by Jimmy in celebration of his 75th birthday.
28. Jimmy Stewart Museum: 835 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701
Take a pic of the stunning mural at the museum entrance, watch a classic film, see interesting artifacts, memorabilia, exhibits and more from Jimmy’s Hollywood and military careers. Shop the gift shop for unique souvenirs.
https://jimmy.org/
29. Smicksburg Amish Countryside: East Kittanning Street, Smicksburg, PA 16256
Travel through Amish countryside, sharing the roads with horses and buggies to a quaint community with several specialty shops offering country crafts, quilts, furniture, foods and more. There are both Amish-owned and English-owned stores in the region – many of which have limited hours/might be closed on Sundays.
www.VisitSmicksburg.com
Download a copy of “Expedition Indiana County”
Discover More Walking & Driving Tours
Please note: Certain locations have specific dates/times for hours of operation. Visitors are advised to verify hours before visiting.
