The east-west oriented Sandy Creek Trail is located South of Franklin and Cranberry, PA, and crosses the Allegheny River (and the Allegheny River Trail, part of the developing Erie to Pittsburgh route). This is not a long trail, but connections to the ART and trails further east can be used to create a multi-day route. You will pass over seven scenic bridges, and through a tunnel. The trail is managed by the Allegheny Valley Trails Association (AVTA) .
The western-most trailhead is at Fishermans Cove Rd, which itself follows the old railbed. There is a Northeast Ohio connection here (literally) as this railroad connected Ashtabula, OH to the oil and coal fields in Pennsylvania. This trailhead is accessed via a steep, rutted exit off of “Old Rt 8,” followed by about 2.5 miles of flat dirt/“champagne” gravel and potholes on Fishermans Cove Rd. If you’re driving a small/low car, either be very careful, or use the Belmar Trailhead instead. The latter is located just to west of the Allegheny River off a paved road. You’ll just need to ride west to access the 4 miles of trail you missed.
The Sandy Creek Trail is entirely paved trail from Fishermans Cove Rd to the Van Trailhead 12.5 miles to the east. The asphalt condition varies, with lots of root heaves in the first couple of miles. On this western side of the Allegheny River (4.5 mile segment), the trail mostly parallels some access roads to camps and homes along the river. Once you cross the river on the quarter-mile Belmar RR Bridge, you are in a much more remote wilderness area. The trail surface continues to vary with wash-boarded sections, moss-covered areas, and some perfectly flat trail. While any bike should be able to negotiate this trail, wider tires and/or lower pressures will make the ride more comfortable. The trail trends slightly upwards heading east from the Belmar Bridge across the Allegheny, but this is barely noticeable. The only short steeper hill is a location where a trestle has not been replaced where the RR formerly crossed over a road. There is a single, straight tunnel and a light is recommended. There are reflectors down the centerline that protrude from the floor creating a minor hazard in the dark, but a cell phone might light them up if you don’t have a headlight (not tested).
The fourth trailhead (between the Allegheny and the eastern terminus) is off Cranberry-Rockland Rd, about 0.7 miles east of the tunnel. The gravel access road is short.
Connections to Other Trails The Sandy Creek Trail passes over the Allegheny River Trail on the east side of the river. While maps suggest a bike path exists, this is not the case. The connection is via a staircase along the south side of the trail immediately after exiting the bridge. It involves 60+ steps. It is easy to miss.
At the far east end (Van trailhead), the trail appears to continue east as undeveloped singletrack (not explored by me). It appears to pass though private property as it approaches Rt 322. You can access 322 from the Van trailhead via Tarklin Hill Rd, then ride 0.3 miles up 322 to intersect with the Clarion Highlands Trail (aka State Game Land #45 Rail Trail), which is a continuation of the railbed used by the Sandy Creek Trail. At one point along this trail there is a road detour where private land access is not permitted. The longer, northern detour is less hilly. Eventually this trail will kick you out onto 322 near Shippenville via Station Rd. The trail is undeveloped south of 322, with no river crossing at Deer Creek. A 3.5-mile ride on 322 will take you to Marianne, which is the south end of the Rail 66/Knox and Kane Trail. If you connect the above trails, the Fishermans Cove Rd to the Rail66/K&K Trail in Marianne is about 30 miles. It’s another 80+ miles to the Kinzua Bridge State Park using trails and a few road segments. See this page for more information.
Nearby Amenities The closest town to the western Sandy Creek trailheads is Franklin, about a 15–20-minute drive away. The Quality Inn is dated but very well-maintained and welcoming. B and Bs exist. The Trails to Ales Brewery and a number of other dining options are available. There is a bike shop (4 Seasons Cycle) with rental options.
If you’re starting or staying near the east end, there is also a Holiday Inn Express and food options in Cranberry, no more than 3.5 miles north of the Cranberry-Rockland Rd trailhead.
The only apparent designated camping spot is an Adirondack shelter located about 0.5 miles from the Van trailhead. A permit may be required. The trail does pass through a couple segments of State Game Land #45 east of the above trailhead. Consult a map and regulations. The trail website notes: “Camping is permitted on land owned by AVTA or affiliated organizations.” East of Van, there are extensive game lands along that unpaved trail.