Woodlands Heritage Trail

Many hikers, bikers, and walkers will know the Woodlands Heritage Trail well, thanks to its connection to the major trail of West Penn Trail in Pennsylvania. The smaller trail connects to West Penn Trail on the southern portion of Saltsburg and begins at a small, unnamed park and trailhead that can be found on the corner of Canal Steet and Water Street. The compacted trail is also known as Westmoreland Heritage Trail and is a much easier and smaller path to start on adjacent from the West Penn Trail.

Starting at the park, people can find parking near and an unnamed playground, where there are also benches, water fountains, and trash bins to use before starting their walk. The trail begins on a nice smooth surface, made of concrete as it connects to the nearby bridge that passes over the Conemaugh River. It won't be long until you pass through a small urban neighborhood and onto another bridge that crosses the Loyalhanna Creek. After this, you'll start your journey through thick Pennsylvania forests.

The forests offer a shaded canvas over much of the trail, with tall oak and maple trees standing guard along both sides of the path. With an additional sight of grass meadows and small natural beaches along the creek, you'll find an abundance of wildlife like deer, raccoons, porcupines, opossums, white-footed moose, and groundhogs.

The trail passes through a number of urban areas, neighborhoods, cities, and parks. Along the way, there are two stops for restrooms, water fountains, and clean-up stations for your pup. The multiple urban areas allow for easy access and exit in case you and Fido cannot finish the trail and have to leave early. The trail continues on a flat route, mixed with concrete and soil terrain until it ends at the Westmoreland Heritage Trailhead on Athena Drive Road in Delmont.

The serene area and easy inclines make the walk an easy for you and your pup, with plenty of sights to see and a peaceful atmosphere to enjoy while in nature.