Multiple Closures Stall Lower Trail Access in Blair and Huntingdon Counties

Just as warmer weather begins to lure hikers and cyclists back outdoors, the popular Lower Trail has been shut down in two key areas across Blair and Huntingdon counties.

The southern stretch of the trail, from Alfarata to Water Street, is temporarily closed while Penelec crews upgrade electrical lines that run alongside the route. The company says the closure is necessary for worker and public safety, and they expect to reopen the segment once the work is complete—likely sometime in April.

Compounding the inconvenience, trail users who typically parked at the former Water Street Flea Market can no longer do so. The property has a new owner who has ended public parking access, making it difficult for visitors to bypass the 0.7-mile closed section.

Several birdwatching events planned for mid-March along this part of the trail have already been canceled because of the temporary shutdown.

Meanwhile, another closure remains in effect near the Dilling Bridge at the midpoint of the 16.5-mile trail. The bridge has been out of commission since August after an inspection by Keller Engineers revealed structural issues with one of its supporting piers.

Rails to Trails of Central Pennsylvania, Inc., which maintains the trail, and its contractor attempted repairs last fall, but high water levels along the Frankstown Branch of the Juniata River stalled progress. Officials hope to resume work and reopen the bridge once river conditions improve and weather allows.