The Snow Shoe Rails to Trails is a scenic and adventurous multi-use trail system in Centre County, Pennsylvania, primarily catering to ATV and off-road enthusiasts, but also open to hikers, bikers, horseback riders, and snowmobilers.
Trail Overview
- Length: Approximately 18.4 miles
- Surface: Ballast and gravel, with smoother crushed stone sections near Clarence
- Route: Runs from Clarence Road (Clarence) to Cassanova Road (Munson)
- Difficulty: Rated green (easy) for off-road vehicles
Activities & Access
- Popular for ATVs, UTVs, and off-road motorcycles
- Also accommodates mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, and snowmobiling
- Motorized users must obtain a permit from the Snow Shoe Rails to Trails Association (SSRTA)
- Max vehicle width: 61 inches due to bollards along the trail
Highlights
- Peale Tunnel: A 1,277-foot historic railroad tunnel from 1883—bring a flashlight to explore its brick and stone interior3
- Mountain Top views: Wildlife sightings include deer, eagles, and even rattlesnakes
- Philipsburg Trailhead: Offers amenities like restaurants and gas stations for trail users
History
- Originally part of the Beech Creek Railroad, built to serve coal mines in the 1880s
- Railbanked in 1993 by Headwaters Charitable Trust to preserve the corridor for recreational use
- This trail is a beloved destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both adrenaline and Appalachian beauty.
