DCNR Celebrates Path of the Flood Trail in Cambria County as Pennsylvania’s 2025 Trail of the Year
SOUTH FORK– Friday, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
(DCNR) celebrated the Path of the Flood Trail in Cambria County as Pennsylvania’s
2025 Trail of the Year.
Spanning 14 miles, the Path of the Flood Trail follows the historic route of the
catastrophic 1889 Johnstown Flood. This scenic corridor blends natural beauty, outdoor
recreation, and deep historical significance—featuring landmarks such as the Staple
Bend Tunnel, the first railroad tunnel constructed in the United States.
“Path of the Flood is a special trail that reflects the region’s history and provides a
vibrant space for recreation and community engagement,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy
Adams Dunn. “I hope this designation brings even more visitors to explore the trail,
supporting local businesses and fostering economic, environmental, and social benefits
to the region.”
The trail draws approximately 80,000 visitors annually, including international tourists.
It has become an important economic and cultural asset for Cambria County —
contributing to the growth of small businesses, drawing tourists, and providing a space
for events like the Path of the Flood Historic Races, which welcomes nearly 1,000
participants each year.
“We are honored to celebrate this incredible honor for the Path of the Flood Trail and
are excited to share the Pennsylvania’s top trail for 2025 with the public,” said Cliff
Kitner, Executive Director, Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority
(CCCRA). “This trail is a testament to the partnership between partners at the local and
county level, as well as with DCNR and the National Park Service. We would not be
here celebrating today without the synergy that maintains this amazing trail and the
history of this region.”
The Path of the Flood Trail is composed of crushed stone and pavement, making it
accessible for a variety of activities, including biking, hiking, running, birdwatching,
cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Its historical significance is further elevated by
its inclusion in the 9/11 National Memorial Trail, a corridor connecting national sites of
remembrance. Development and maintenance of the trail are a collaborative effort led
by the Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority (CCCRA) and the National
Park Service, supported by local businesses and volunteers.
Since taking office, Governor Josh Shapiro has made strategic investments to elevate
outdoor recreation, transforming it into a cornerstone of Pennsylvania’s economy and
improve quality of life in communities statewide. These efforts are driving economic
growth, fostering entrepreneurial opportunities, and creating jobs across the
Commonwealth.
In 2023, Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation industry contributed $19 billion to the
state’s economy — a 10 percent increase over the previous year — and now represents
2 percent of the Commonwealth’s GDP. The industry supports more than 168,000 jobs
and generates $9 billion in wages, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
With more than 14,000 miles of trails, Pennsylvania continues to lead the nation in trail
development. DCNR’s goal is to have a trail within 10 minutes of every Pennsylvanian,
with significant investments being made to close priority trail gaps across the
Commonwealth. In the past two years, the Shapiro Administration has closed four of
the Commonwealth’s Top 10 priority trail gaps.
The Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee is charged with implementing the
recommendations of the Pennsylvania Trails Strategic Plan to develop a statewide land
and water trail network to facilitate recreation, transportation, and healthy lifestyles for
all. The 20-member DCNR-appointed committee represents both motorized and nonmotorized trail users and advises the Commonwealth on use of state and federal trail
funding.
Visit the CCCRA webpage for more information about the trail. Check out DCNR’s
Calendar of Events for events on public lands.
