Volunteers dedicated to maintaining and improving the Yough River Trail

Trail maintenance is our thing! The dedicated volunteers of the Westmoreland Yough Trail Chapter work throughout the year making sure the Yough River Trail, a roughly 10 mile section of the Great American Passage, is among the finest trail sections anywhere. The “Over the Hill Gang” is the group that actually does the work on the trail, while the other members are busy raising funds through various events. WYTC memberships are a major source of funds. All funds raised go directly to maintaining and improving the trail.

Spring cleanup Volunteers trim low branches and clean up downed twigs and limbs in the spring.

Clearing vegetation WYTC president Bob Hand trims vegetation encroaching the trail.

Chipping Gang members chip branches and twigs to keep the trail as debris free as possible.

New equipment Over the Hill Gang members inspect a piece of equipment purchased to help keep the trail surface smooth.

Curious rider A rider stops to see what’s going on as gang members test the new equipment.

Culvert project A contractor hired by the WYTC installs a culvert to facilitate drainage on a trail section that had been prone to flooding.

Spraying Several Over the Hill Gang members are state-certified to spray in an effort to keep insects under control.

Life on the Trail The trail is enjoyed by bicycle riders, walkers and runners throughout the year. An increasing number of these trail visitors come from around the world.

Fund raising Funds needed maintain and improve the trail come from four sources: WYTC sponsored events Memberships Grants Partnerships

Poker Run Each Labor Day the WYTC sponsors a Poker Run which draws riders, walkers and runners from throughout the region. This is the chapter’s major fundraiser.

Poker Run

Life on the Trail Many riders making the trip from either Pittsburgh to Washington D.C., or visa versa, pass through the Youghiogheny River Trail.

New event A new event is the West Newton Fox’s Pizza Yough River Trail 5K/10K Run and 2 mile Fun Walk. This year’s event will be held 9:30- 10:30 a.m. May 18, originating at the West Newton Trailhead

5K/10K Run and 2 mile Fun Walk

Life on the Trail A group of Boy Scouts visit the trail to work on their cycling merit badge.

Trail Appreciation Each year the WYTC holds a Trail Appreciation Day in an effort to say thanks to all those who visit the trail during the year. Many memberships are obtained at this time.

Trail Appreciation

Life on the Trail A winter rider enjoys the trail.

Partnerships The WYTC has partnered with the Belle Vernon Area Rotary Club and West Newton Rotary Club to make several projects happen along the trail. The Rotary clubs have provided funds and labor for these projects. Rotarians and Over the Hill Gang members work together to install a sign at the pavilion at Smithton Beach, which was the Rotary club’s first project along the trail.

Rotary sign project

Rail car The Rotary club also worked with the WYTC to refurbish decking of the old rail car at West Newton Station.

Rail car project

Life on the Trail Trail users are of all ages.

Scout projects Several Boy Scouts have partnered with the WYTC to complete projects toward their Eagle Scout rank.

Other activities WYTC members also participate in a variety of other activities during the year, including: Trail Monitor training Organized rides Obtaining spraying certification March for the Parks Camaraderie

Organized rides Bill Hurrianko, WYTC's leader of organized rides, reports that the popular rides are usually held Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Riders meet at West Newton Station (unless the group decides on a different start location)for a 9 am. start. In case of bad weather, riders usually meet for lunch at the Trailside restaurant. Most trips began in West Newton, but some begin at other places along the trail such as Connellsville or Ohiopyle. Start times are 9 am during warm weather and 10 am during cooler temperatures. Most rides are about 20 miles round trip and often end with lunch at a restaurant along or near the trail. Contact Bill at or call the trail office at to find out when and where the rides will "This is a great opportunity to make new friends and feel comfortable riding along the trail," Hurrianko says.

Organized rides

Training Tom Yoder, a teacher and member of the Ski Patrol at Seven Springs Mountain Resort, teaches a trail monitoring course that is available to all trail chapters.

March for Parks Many WYTC members participate each spring in the Westmoreland County Department of Parks and Recreation March for the Parks.

Camaraderie WYTC members gather each year for a potluck holiday dinner at West Newton Station.

Bike Expo The WYTC each year has a table at the Bike Expo.

Helping The Westmoreland County Art Club held an art show and sale in the rail car at West New Station.

International flavor Foreign visitors are increasingly being spotted along the trail, as evidenced by this couple from Vancouver, British Columbia.

Foreign visitors This rider from Paris, France, stops for breakfast in downtown West Newton.

Camping This rider biking from Washington D.C. camps out at shelters built by Boy Scouts at Cedar Creek Park.

Life on the Trail Bicycles aren’t the only mode of transportation on the trail.

To learn more about the Westmoreland Yough Trail Chapter and what we do, please visit us at or follow us on Facebook.