The Mahoning Shadow Trail gets its name from two iconic local features: Punxsutawney Phil and Mahoning Creek, which winds alongside much of the route. This 15-mile scenic trail runs through our town, following former railroad lines through historic coal-mining country, now reclaimed by lush forests and farmland.
Originally built in the 1890s, the Pennsylvania & North Western Railroad—later absorbed by the Pennsylvania Railroad—once hauled coal from the region’s deep mines. After rail service declined in the 1980s, the Punxsutawney Area Rails to Trails Association transformed the corridor into a recreational trail, opening in 2002 and 2004. Today, the western portion of the trail is mostly flat, while the eastern section has an uphill grade.
The journey begins near Valier, a former mining town, and winds through woods and farmland before following the scenic Mahoning Creek toward Punxsutawney. The route takes a shortcut across a few bends in the creek but otherwise remains closely connected to the waterway.
If skipping the side trips, you can rejoin the trail 0.4 miles ahead at Thomas L. Barletta Skate Park via East Mahoning and Elk Street.
Whether you're biking, hiking, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, the Mahoning Shadow Trail offers a blend of history, scenery, and small-town charm—perfect for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.
The Mahoning Shadow Trail is part of the Rails to Trails Conservancy. Click their logo below to read more on their website.
