Emlenton PA – Bicycling the beauty around us

We departed our home in Warren PA at 7:30 am en route Emlenton PA and the Allegheny River Trail. We arrived on Main Street in Emlenton at 9:05 am. We followed signs to the Allegheny River Trail. Road signs pointed us onto the bike trail. Bob was hesitant to drive on the bike trail. I encouraged him to do so, and we came upon a parking area quickly. The Allegheny River Trail is 28.2 miles of flat, smooth, asphalt surface from Emlenton to Franklin. We chose to bicycle only a portion of the trail, from Emlenton to Rockland Tunnel and back.

The beginning of the trail is bordered by a white fence for a short time.

Soon the trail is between the Allegheny River and a wooded hillside.

Dotter Access Area. There are beautiful views of the river along the trail. This is one such view.

The 2,868-foot Rockland Tunnel is pitch black. Reflectors mark the trail edges and center. We had strong flashlights mounted on our bicycles. Bob rode through the tunnel; I didn’t. Almost as soon as I entered the tunnel, I began to feel claustrophobic. My arms and legs tensed up, and my balance felt off. I stopped and turned my bicycle around. As soon as I could see the light at the tunnel entrance, I began to feel better.

I walked inside Rockland Tunnel a little ways to get this picture.

Bob has returned from riding through Rockland Tunnel.

We stopped at this bench for a short rest, while on our way back to the Emlenton trail head.

We enjoyed this view, while sitting on the bench.

I took this picture facing away from the bench.

I rode 11.12 miles round trip. Bob rode a little more than me because he rode through the tunnel and back. It was 11:37 am, when we completed our ride.

It was an excellent day for a bicycle ride. It was overcast, and the temperature stayed in the upper 50s to lower 60s.

We plan to ride more of the Allegheny River Trail later this year.

Tag: Emlenton PA

Allegheny River Trail: Emlenton to Rockland