About Us

Objectives

Environmental/Recreational - To acquire former railroad rights of way along with necessary adjacent properties to improve both the environment and quality of life for all in our community and visitors to enjoy by providing environmentally friendly, convenient, attractive trails for the purpose of outdoor recreational activities.

Educational - To provide unique, safe, convenient venues for the study of wildlife indigenous to the area in a variety of natural environments as well as encouraging trail use by schools and other educational organizations, allowing them opportunities for instruction and observation for the purpose of increasing public awareness in wildlife and places of historic interest.

Tourism - To enhance the economy of the Northwestern Pennsylvania area by providing additional attractions and facilities for visitors to our area, and to connect with adjoining trails as part of a proposed national trail system.

Historical - To preserve rail corridors and their artifacts and improve access to places of historic interest.

Health/Fitness - To promote the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle by providing an outdoor location that is convenient and safe for the purpose of fitness activities (such as walking, jogging, running, bicycling, cross-country skiing) apart from public roads.

The Northwest Pennsylvania Trail Association is directed by an active Board of Directors who volunteer their time to the organization. Members, interested individuals, and groups play an important role in the completely volunteer organization. Meetings are generally held on the 3rd Thursday of the month (except July and December). Individuals interested in assisting the organization are invited to attend meetings and volunteer to help on the trails. Funding to support the organization is a combination of memberships, donations, and grants.

Officers and Board Members

In September of 2002, A Feasibility Study for Erie County Trails was completed. This study was made possible by a DCNR grant. It looked at 4 rail corridors in Erie County. With the information from this study and additional information that has become available, the Trail Association is moving forward the development of the first of the corridors in the study: the Corry to Clymer trail (Corry Junction Greenway Trail), (the Crooked Creek Trail is on hold). Additional corridors may be developed in the future if they become available.