Stony Valley Rail -Trail

In addition to the historic Stony Valley Railroad, this ride also passes by the ruins of the old ghost town of Rausch Gap. Between 1828 and 1910, more than 1,000 people lived here. The town slowly disbanded over the next 50 years as the natural resources that sustained the town dwindled. By the mid 1940s the strip mines had proved unproductive and the last bit of lumber was felled from the ridge. The Pennsylvania Game Commission then purchased the lands and soon after converted the abandoned rail grade into one of the nation’s first rail-trails. The trail leaves from the game commission lot and heads up the Stony Creek Valley. Many side trails on the right offer places to drop a line and catch a trout or two. As the grade continues on, the woods envelop you and provide opportunities to see some wildlife. The turn-around point at Rausch Gap is a great place for exploration. A large wooden sign marks the site of the ghost town. Check out all the ruins, including the spooky cemetery of four gravestones dating back to 1854 and the old steps of the Cold Springs Hotel. Highlights: historic stops along the way, including the ghost town of Rausch Gap (complete with foundation remains), old bridge trestle foundations, and the actual railroad grade; serene beauty; great trout fishing along the Stony Creek. Tread: the entire ride follows the smooth, cinder-covered pathway of the old rail grade. One short section is on a hidden rail grade that has almost grown back into a singletrack trail.