When I am at a history-based park such as Johnstown Flood National Memorial, I am not interested in trails that offer nothing but scenery and exercise. I want my hikes to add to the experience of being in a place where something important once happened. Because the trails at the park do offer historical perspectives on the disaster from the Lake Conemaugh area point of view, I recommend taking the time to walk them.
The South Fork Dam Trail (aka South Abutment Trail) leads down to the former lake bed of Lake Conemaugh and through the gap in the South Fork Dam caused by the flood waters. The Carriage Road Nature Trail gives you an opportunity to walk on a portion of the carriage road that members and guests of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club took on their journey from the South Fork train station to Lake Conemaugh. The trail forms a loop with the Arbor Trail, a nature trail that identifies the various trees in the area. All trails are one mile or less and take around a half hour to complete.
Carriage Road Nature Trail / Arbor Trail Loop
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Last updated on October 6, 2021