Larry A. Smail's Blog

Ron Steffy and Danna Vernon at the Monticello Furnace.

Yes, we were in a motorized vehicle and driving upon the Armstrong Trail located here in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. I was in luck as my friends, Dick and Danna Vernon asked if I would be interested in tagging along with the two of them under the control of Ron Steffy of the Allegheny Land Trust and thus the man to see in regards with this trail. Of course I quickly agreed! What an opportunity to see miles of trail and that beautiful Allegheny River!

Lock & Dam # 8

We piled into Ron’s truck shortly before 1:00 P.M. and we returned to Kittanning prior to six o’clock. We crossed the Cowanshannock creek heading north prior to stopping at the Monticello Furnace remains. This site built in the late 1800 era still yielded big, cut stones carefully placed those many years ago by seasoned stone masons. The craftsmanship still look remarkable. Trees had taken growth and have serpentine throughout the cracks.  Workmanship is rare today!     Another such site is known as the Ore Hill Furnace near Lock & dam # 8.

After we had passed this dam, Ron stopped to show us where an eagle nest is located. Unfortunately, the tree’s foliage failed to allow viewing the nest. he told us of eagle actions here in the past months. Later, near Lock & dam #9 we saw an immature bald eagle. We saw this bird a few other times as we moved north along the trail. At that dam a very low flying military transport plane flew over our heads!

The rock formations with the “hole”.

As we approached Templeton, Mosgrove and later past the small community of Mahoning, Pennsylvania we could easily view the smokestack of the recently closed Armstrong Generating Station at Reesedale. This high tower is across the river. A wetlands area with beaver dams borders the trail and river.

Lock & Dam # 9

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Coaling Tower

Immature bald eagle

Our   travels lead through the very small community of Hook’s Station. We continued to another site known as Rimer. I remembered seeing a number of aspen trees cut down by a beaver some years ago. The fallen trees had encompassed a camp. Rimer consists of many camps and some permanent homes as well.

We left the trail at Rimer since Ron and erected some barricades by the dam. We drove some roads and entered the Village of Redbank. This road dead ends at the mouth of Redbank Creek and the Allegheny River. Just north of the creek the newer Redbank  Valley Trail begins. this trail is 41 miles long ending in Brookville, Pennsylvania.                             

Brady Tunnel

Here we stopped at an old coaling tower  where coal would be dropped through shuts into railroad cars. it is quite an impressive building.

Ron stopped and we walked a bit to a rather hidden historical gem known as the Brady Tunnel. The tunnel is currently plagued with a water issue. An old wooden water chute is located above this tunnel. Ron hopes to restore both of these old treasures. This tunnel was built in 1916. later, Ron showed us where the tunnel exits. It ends up below the East Brady Overlook along Route 68. The length of this tunnel is quite an engineering feat.

Water Chute over the Brady tunnel

Turntable

I had never seen a railroad turntable. I was amazed as to see how they work.  Ron stopped and we discussed this amazing idea. The railroad engine car would drive onto this turntable. the car would then be turned completed around to go in the opposite direction,. Ron would like to see this restored as the years go by.

Overlook

At the community of Phillipston, we headed up the grade to Route 68. here is where we viewed the Brady overlook as earlier mentioned. the majesty of the river hills and hollows can be viewed from many sites along this road.

Redbank Creek

The time was winding down as we headed towards New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. We turned right towards Armstrong County to see the Climax Tunnel along the Redbank Creek again. This tunnel built in 1876  is closed. I enjoyed our walk through it to see the workmanship involved. Plans may be happening to see improvements here and a future re-opening of the tunnel.                      

Climax Tunnel

The afternoon proved quite interesting and informative. I would like to thank Dick and Danna for asking me along and, of course, Ron Steffy for his knowledge of the trail and kindness.

To read more on the trail visit: www.armstrongtrail.org and www.redbankvalleytrails.org