cedar creek loop

I have been walking and biking Cedar Creek trail for a couple of years now not knowing that it’s actually a 1.5-mile loop thanks to the Alltrails app! I always thought it stopped as a dead end at it's 2nd bridge which is awesome because my only complaint about hiking here was that the trail was always too short.

This trail is amazing! You can get there a couple of ways; either by vehicle in which you park in a lot adjacent to the Youghiogeny River or taking a detour from the Allegheny Passage. On bike, I have found it most satisfying to start on the Allegheny Passage in West Newton.

The ride is a beautifully maintained flat 6 miles to Cedar Creek Park. From there you can ride the Cedar Creek trail easily for about ½ mile through the woods. There are 2 bridges with 5-6 steps you need to lift your bike up/down but other than that it’s a great, easy ride. I typically turn around before having to cross the 2nd bridge making it an overall 13-mile bike ride.

Cedar Creek trail has many available side paths which causes the biggest downfall to the trail because there aren’t directions or signs anywhere. So, if this is your first time hiking here, I strongly suggest using Alltrails to guide your way. As I was exploring, I was constantly searching the app to find directions to the loop. I took many detours before finding the main trail. I wasn’t complaining though. This trail has so much to offer throughout all of Pennsylvania’s 4 seasons; it is mostly flat, runs alongside a shallow stream, is very well maintained, and is great for walking, biking, children and dogs.

The first ½ mile is a flat dirt trail lined with benches and 2 beautifully well-kept draw bridges that run over a stream that empties into the Yough river. The stream is typically shallow with a few swimming holes after crossing the 2nd bridge. You’ll find these if you venture right after the 2nd bridge crossing. There are side paths all along the way, but none will lead you anywhere. I even crossed the stream to explore a hidden path I found only to have to turn around because it led me right into private property. The best thing to do is hike up the hill after the 2nd bridge and then turn left away from the water. This will lead you up a pretty steep hill. I know all the Cedar Creek reviews rate this loop as “easy” but that wasn’t my experience. I hiked this in the late morning of early summer. By the end of the hike, I was sweating and felt I had completed a good work out. I am not by any means close to being in my best shape but I’m not a couch potato either which is why this is one of my favorites, personally rated “medium” hikes. The climb to the top of the hill is narrow and there are very decently drastic drop-offs along the way. I personally would not have been comfortable with bringing my kids when they were much younger to this trail, (keep in mind I am afraid of heights). I also would not want to trek this during rain or snow especially because I had to continually rely on my Alltrails app to stay on the right course. I think this upper part of the loop would be slippery if wet and muddy and it would be very hard to see the trail if it were covered with snow. There were a few times when I didn’t know which way to go and some of the pathways led to very steep trail descents. I hiked this with my 1-year-old dog and at one point she almost pushed me down the hill just by trying to get down herself.

I loved this loop in it’s entirety. It was challenging both physically and mentally (for someone afraid of heights). I will definitely do this again. Next time though, I’ll be wearing hiking boots rather than tennis shoes.