Take a journey into history along the Greene River Trail in Southwestern Pennsylvania!
If you have been on the Greene River Trail recently, you might have noticed something new. Twenty informational signs were placed along the trail highlighting coal mining, the W.A. Young & Sons Foundry and Machine Shop, the Monongahela River, and wildlife.
Each week, we will release a new blog highlighting one of the signs you will find along the Greene River Trail. Follow along with us – or head out to the trail and see the signs for yourself!
About the Greene River Trail
About 60 miles south of Pittsburgh, the Greene River Trail parallels the Monongahela River as it winds through the coal mining region of Greene County. Originally used as a rail corridor, the Greene County Department of Recreation opened the trail in 2001 as a nature trail.
Driving through the river valley to the trail, you can glimpse several large coal mining operations just over the east ridge of the river. Remnants of older mine operations that processed and loaded coal onto railroad cars and river barges can still be seen along the trail. It’s easy to imagine the days of old when barges ran up and down the Monongahela River to transport coal to the Ohio and Allegheny rivers in Pittsburgh.
The trail starts in Carmichaels at the Jessop Boat Club trailhead. From there, the trail runs north along the river through a stretch of peaceful, scenic woodlands. The smooth trail surface is well maintained, and the trail in enclosed by rustic wood fencing along much of the route.
About two miles down the trail, you’ll encounter the Crucible trailhead along Crucible Road. After Crucible, the trail continues to wind along the Monongahela River for another two miles until you reach Rices Landing.
You’ll encounter many sweeping views of the mighty Monongahela River and glimpses of the beautiful nature and peaceful surroundings of Greene County. As you enter Rices Landing, you pass W.A. Young & Sons Foundry and Machine Shop, a restored working 19th century machine shop open to the public during the summer. You can also begin your ride or hike from the Rices Landing trailhead.
After Rices Landing, the trail continues to wind along the Monongahela River. Along this portion of the trail, you’ll see remnants of Greene County’s coal heritage.
About the Greene River Trail Signage Project
Greene County Tourist Promotion Agency completed this project in partnership with the Rivers of Steel Heritage Area. Funding was provided in part by a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, administered by Rivers of Steel.
Special thanks to: Brice & Linda Rush, Danielle Nyland, Flenniken Public Library, Greene County Historical Society, Greene Connections, Advanced Masonry, Greene County Commissioners, Greene County Conservation District, and Greene County Department of Recreation.
