The Erie National Wildlife Refuge Trolley Line Trail

The Erie National Wildlife Refuge Trolley Line Trail

About 2 hours north of Pittsburgh, PA, the Erie National Wildlife Refuge is a large area that is split between a couple of different tracts of land.  The trails in both areas are well-maintained and easy to find.  There is something for almost everyone at the refuge, but one of the trails that stands out to us is the Trolley Line Trail which is located farther north than the larger section of the refuge.

The development of this trail is an interesting story.  It follows along a rail line which was originally started in 1913 for a proposed trolley, but the project failed and the line was never completed.

The trail is approximately 3 miles long out and back.  Although the wildlife refuge noted this is a primitive trail, we found it to be well marked and maintained.

We also got the impression that it wasn't highly traveled and we didn't see anyone while we were there on a beautiful cool summer Sunday.  That's a shame, because it was a lovely walk.

The parking areas on both ends had not been mowed in a while although because of that, the entrance on the one end was covered in daisies and was a welcome entrance for this wildflower lover.

Much of the trolley line trail is on the remnants of the old rail line on a raised platform.

Much of the trail is wooded and on top of the old rail bed which made for easy walking.   At various points it descends from the rail bed to cross streams where there was rope railing to help make the small climbs easier.

At one point it passes through marsh area. Unfortunately it had rained quite a bit the night before so it was pretty wet and we had to improvise to get across the water.  The trail also passes by some farms and a cemetery.

Rope railing where the short inclines are help make going up and down easier.  It's also fun for kids.

While most of the remnants of the trolley line are gone, we did find a few artifacts left over from the trolley line. The most interesting thing we came across was a nicely preserved stone culvert.

We snuck down off of the main path to take a picture of this stone culvert, one of the few things remaining from the trolley line.

The Trolley Line Trail in the Erie National Wildlife Refuge was an enjoyable afternoon hike, good for most ages.  It's a bit of a drive if you're coming from Pittsburgh, but the entire refuge is worth a visit.


Directions:

Both end of the trail can be found along PA-408.

From Cambridge Springs, follow PA-408 East/Church Street for a bit over 2 miles. Turn left onto Swamp Road, you will find the parking lot on left side of the road or continue a bit further along PA-408 and you will find parked for the other end of the trail on the left.

More Information:

• Erie National Wildlife Refuge