We rode on these trails: Allegheny River and Samuel Justus Trail, Sandy Creek Trail, and Oil Creek State Park Trail. These are all smooth asphalt trails. The Allegheny River and Samuel Justus Trails are really one continuous trail extending along the Allegheny River for 25 miles with the northern end in Oil City. It is called Samuel Justus trail between Oil City and Franklin and Allegheny River for the 17 miles south of Franklin. The 7 mile Sandy Creek Trail intersects the Allegheny River Trail 8 miles south of Franklin. The 10 mile Oil Creek State Park Trail goes between Oil Creek State Park and the historic town of Titusville. The southern end is about 8 miles north of Oil City.
The Allegheny Valley Trails Association homepage has information on all the trails. Click on MAPS on the menu for a printable map of all three trails. Click on TRAILS to get information on each trail. There is also a PHOTO tab. We picked up a larger map and informative brochure in Franklin. Perhaps it could be obtained from:
Allegheny Valley Trails Association
Box 264
Franklin, PA 16323
email:[email protected]
The Oil Creek State Park Trail is separated from the Justus Trail in Oil City by about 8 miles.
Here is a described route using the trails with a road connection. About 4 miles is on Rt. 8 which is busy and doesn't have much of a shoulder. This site gives much information about bicycling in Venango County on unimproved trails.
When we travel some distance to bicycle, we like to combine it with sightseeing. These trails are located in Pennsylvania's Oil Region where the US oil industry began. In addition to the Oil Creek State Park and the Drake Oil Well Museum in Titusville there is great scenery and beautiful towns to explore.
Tourist information can be obtained from The Oil Region Tourist Council.
Here are some pictures and description of two one day trips on the trails.
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