Rachel Carson Trail Challenge

Race - Jun 20, 2020

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Wildlife

This is a tough trail passing over rooted, rugged terrain. Once on the trail, keep your head up to follow the trail's blazing.

At all times while running the Rachel Carson Trail, please:

-Be courteous to people living along the trail.
-Remember, you are generally on private property.
-Respect the land and its owners. If asked to leave, do so.
-Stay on the trail.
-Do not camp or build fires along the trail.
-Refrain from bringing dogs and bicycles on the trail.
-Keep off the trail with motorized vehicles.
-Carry out your own trash; help by picking up others litter.
-Recognize your limitations and your assumed risk. The Rachel Carson Trail Conservancy and the landowners want you to enjoy your run; neither will take the responsibility for personal injury or losses while using the trail.

Roots and rough terrain.

The Rachel Carson Trail is a pedestrian trail north and east of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, spanning 35.7 miles (57.4 kilometers) between Harrison Hills County Park in the extreme northeast corner of Allegheny County, and North Park in the north-central area of the county. The trail is extremely varied, traversing several county parks, following power and gas lines, skirting suburban homes and farms, crossing creeks, meandering through woods and fields, and passing along the edge of steep bluffs. The terrain along the route ranges from paved roads to some areas that are quite primitive and rugged.

Spurs lead into the mansion area at Hartwood Acres County Park in Indiana Township and the Rachel Carson Homestead in Springdale. Continuing urban development along the route of the trail brings disruption and requires rerouting from time to time. There are no camps or shelters along the way, meaning the trail is intended for day-use only. The trail is relatively primitive and steep in places. Few bridges have been built, so many streams have to be crossed as-is.

In 1950, the Baker Trail - a foot trail extending from the Highland Park Bridge in Pittsburgh to Cook Forest State Park (100 miles north) - was dedicated by the Pittsburgh Council of the American Youth Hostels. After several years, the 25 miles within Allegheny County were abandoned largely due to development. During the years 1972 to 1975, dedicated hikers scouted and rebuilt much of the former trail following the bluffs of the Allegheny River from Harrison Hills County Park to Springdale and then turned west past Hartwood Acres and on to North Park.

Because the trail passes close by the birthplace in Springdale of Rachel Carson, one of the early ecologists, the trail was dedicated in her name. The Rachel Carson Trail was completed in February 1975.