The best running trails around Johnstown

There are nearly 40 running routes around Johnstown, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. You'll find everything from easy city paths to more challenging trails in the surrounding hills.

Yes, Johnstown offers several easy routes. For a convenient, level run in the heart of the city, the Jim Mayer Riverswalk Trail is a great option. Another easy route is the Lake Park Trail, which is about 1.9 miles (3.1 km) and takes around 21 minutes to complete.

Many moderate trails offer beautiful scenery. The Houts Reservoir loop from Rexel is a popular 5.0-mile (8.0 km) path providing views of the reservoir. Another favorite is the Equalizer Lake loop from Mountain View High School, a 4.9-mile (7.9 km) trail with lake views.

For those seeking a more challenging run, the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail offers varied and rugged terrain. This extensive trail, stretching 70 miles, features glistening waterfalls and provides breathtaking views from high-elevation spots, perfect for serious runners.

Absolutely. Many of Johnstown's parks and trails are suitable for families. The Jim Mayer Riverswalk Trail, being level and accessible, is a great choice. Additionally, parks like Roxbury Park and Greenhouse Park offer walking paths that are ideal for a family outing.

While specific dog park regulations vary, many of Johnstown's outdoor trails and parks generally welcome leashed dogs. Stackhouse Park, with its 7 miles of trails, and the Jim Mayer Riverswalk Trail are popular choices for runners with their canine companions. Always ensure your dog is on a leash and you clean up after them.

Johnstown's running routes offer a mix of natural beauty and historical significance. You can explore trails along the Stonycreek River, a Pennsylvania Scenic River, or run through the wooded areas of Stackhouse Park. The Johnstown Flood National Memorial also offers trails through a historically significant landscape. For lake views, consider routes around the Quemahoning Reservoir, where you might even spot bald eagles.

Yes, many routes in Johnstown are designed as loops, offering a continuous running experience. Examples include the Houts Reservoir loop from Rexel and the Equalizer Lake loop from Mountain View High School. These circular paths are great for consistent training and enjoying varied scenery.

The running routes around Johnstown are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Runners often praise the diverse terrain, from peaceful riverfront paths to challenging wooded trails, and the scenic beauty of the Laurel Highlands.

Yes, the Path of the Flood Trail is a nearly 14-mile National Recreation Trail that follows the historic path of the 1889 floodwaters. It offers a unique blend of exercise and history, connecting with the Staple Bend Tunnel Trail, which is the first railroad tunnel in the U.S.

Johnstown has several urban green spaces perfect for running. Stackhouse Park, a 277-acre wooded park, provides 7 miles of trails uniquely surrounded by the city. Greenhouse Park, located along the Stonycreek River, also offers a track and green spaces. Central Park in downtown provides an urban oasis with mature trees and flowerbeds.

The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, which extends into the Johnstown area, is known for its varied and rugged terrain, including glistening waterfalls. This trail offers a beautiful backdrop for a run, especially during the blooming seasons of rhododendron and mountain laurel.