Ghost Town Trail Challenge

Lace up for the annual Ghost Town Trail Challenge on June 20, 2026, a truly unique endurance event starting from various points and culminating in Ebensburg, PA. Offering distances of 50M, 32M (50k), 16M (25k), and 7.5M (12k), this challenge beckons runners and hikers to traverse the historic Ghost Town Trail, recognized as the 2020 Trail of the Year. Unlike a traditional race, the focus here is on personal endurance and completing the journey through a landscape rich in natural beauty and industrial history.

The course itself unfolds along a crushed limestone rail-trail, winding through the picturesque Blacklick Creek valley, showcasing mountain streams, rhododendron thickets, and diverse wildflowers. Participants will pass remnants of bygone coal-mining communities, including massive iron furnaces and old coal-loading tipples, with interpretive markers detailing the area's past. While the trail appears gentle, prepare for a constant, gradual elevation gain, totaling approximately 1,000 feet over the 32-mile course and 1,500 feet for the 50-miler, with the most significant climbs occurring in later miles. Aid/fuel stations, equipped with food, hydration, and first aid, are strategically placed every 5-6 miles, complemented by numerous restroom facilities along the trail.

Typical race day conditions in late June bring highs around 76°F and lows near 54°F, with a moderate chance of precipitation, making for ideal trail conditions. All events conclude at the Young People's Community Center in Ebensburg, PA. Every stride taken supports the enhancement and expansion of the Cambria County Trails, ensuring this remarkable route remains a cherished resource.