The Higher Ground is a cycling and gravel event held on Sunday, October 25, 2026. It is located at 90 Johns St in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
Sat, Jun 20, 2026 at 6:15 AM
Spend the day with us on the 2020 Trail of the Year, and partake in the 11th annual Ghost Town Trail Challenge!
*New 50-miler option available to runners only
Friends of the Trails Members Receive $5
OFF!
To receive a $5 discount on your registration fee for The Ghost Town Trail Challenge, become a Friend of the Trails today. Visit our website to become a member, then send an email to [email protected] to get your coupon code! All memberships go toward enhancing, expanding, and maintaining the Ghost Town Trail, Jim Mayer Riverswalk, and the Path of the Flood Trail.
The Challenge
The 11th Annual Ghost Town Trail Challenge, hosted by the Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority, will take place on Saturday, June 20, 2026. This is during the weekend of the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. The Challenge is known for its 32-mile long (50k), endurance hike/run along the entire length of the Ghost Town Trail, DCNR's 2020 Trail of the Year, from Black Lick, PA to Ebensburg, PA. Participants begin at sunrise and are challenged to complete the entire 32 miles by foot before sundown. This is not a race, but rather a challenge, which tests your mental and physical ability to journey this distance. The Challenge starts at Saylor Park in Black Lick, PA and ends 32 miles later at the Young People's Community Center in Ebensburg, PA.
There are four Challenge events to choose from on June 21st, all taking place on The Ghost Town Trail:
50-Miler Run (50 Miles - Runners Only) - It begins at 6:15 a.m. near the Dilltown Trailhead and ends at the YPCC in Ebensburg.
Full Challenge (32 Miles - 50k) - It begins at 7:00 a.m. at Saylor Park in Black Lick and ends at the YPCC in Ebensburg.
Half Challenge (16 Miles - 25k) - It begins at 8:00 a.m. near the Wehrum Trailhead and ends at the YPCC in Ebensburg.
Friends/Family Challenge (7.5 Miles - 12k) - It begins at 8:45 a.m. at the Nanty Glo Trailhead and ends at the YPCC.
Transportation will be provided for participants from the finish line in Ebensburg, PA to their respective starting areas, more information below. If you are planning to transport yourself to your start line that morning, please email [email protected] by June 6, 2026, so that the proper amount of buses can be reserved.
If you are considering attempting the 50k but have never participated in an endurance hike/run, we suggest starting with the 25k.
There are cut off times at each aid station for the 50k and 50-miler, please see further down the page for more information.
Schedule
50-Miler Run:
5:10 a.m. - 5:20 a.m. Shuttle loading time for 50-Miler Run participants in Ebensburg, PA, promptly leaving at 5:20 a.m.
6:00 a.m. Pre-race announcements at Dilltown Trailhead (7452 Route 403 Highway, Dilltown, PA)
6:15 a.m. Begin 50-Miler Run
50k:
5:40 a.m. - 5:50 a.m. Shuttle loading time for 50k participants in Ebensburg, PA, promptly leaving at 5:50 a.m.
6:50 a.m.Pre-race announcements at Saylor Park (1284 Old Indiana Rd. Blairsville, PA 15717)
7:00 a.m. Begin Full 32-mile GTT Challenge
25k:
6:50 a.m. - 7:10 a.m. Shuttle loading time for 25k participants in Ebenbsurg, PA, promptly leaving at 7:10 a.m.
7:55 a.m. Pre-race announcements at Wehrum Trail Head (2415 Wehrum Road, Vintondale, PA 15961)
8:00 a.m. Begin Half 16-mile GTT Challenge
12k:
8:00 a.m. - 8:10 a.m. Shuttle loading time for 12k participants in Ebensburg, PA, promptly leaving at 8:10 a.m.
8:40 a.m. Pre-race announcements at Nanty Glo Trail Head (1097 1st Street, Nanty Glo, PA 15943)
8:45 a.m. Begin Friends/Family 7.5-mile GTT Challenge
The GTT Challenge for all distances finishes at the Young People's Community Center in Ebensburg, PA.
Challenge Proceeds
ALL proceeds from the Ghost Town Trail Challenge will benefit the enhancement and expansion of the Cambria County Trails. The 2026 Cambria County Trails Series and our Friends of the Trails Membership program provide sustainable funding for improved trail accessibility, beautification, and extension projects on the Ghost Town Trail, the Jim Mayer Riverswalk Trail, and the Path of the Flood Trail.
Registration Fees
REGISTRATION ENDS JUNE 6TH AT MIDNIGHT - NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION - NO BIB TRANSFERS
*All pre-registered participants receve transportation, aid station amenities, post race meal, and race swag with their registration. You must ADD-ON purchase either a unisex t-shirt or ladies tank top during check out to have one made for you. Ruckers are given the opportunity to purchase a unique custom made ruck patch.
All finishers will receive a finishers medal. Shirts and race swag must be picked up at packet pick-up, they will not be mailed.
WE DO NOT ISSUE REFUNDS. If you are no longer able to attend and have already registered, your registration fee will be used as a donation to the trails.
January 1 - February 28 (Early Bird)
$80.00 - 50-Miler (RUN ONLY)
$60.00 - 50k (Full 32 Mile Challenge)
$50.00 - 25k (Half/16 Mile Challenge)
$45.00 - 12k (Friends/Family 7.5 Mile Challenge)
March 1 - April 30
$85.00 - 50-Miler (RUN ONLY)
$65.00 - 50k (Full 32 Mile Challenge)
$55.00 - 25k (Half/16 Mile Challenge)
$50.00 - 12k (Friends/Family 7.5 Mile Challenge)
May 1 - June 6
$90.00 - 50-Miler (RUN ONLY)
$70.00 - 50k (Full 32 Mile Challenge)
$60.00 - 25k (Half/16 Mile Challenge)
$55.00 - 12k (Friends/Family 7.5 Mile Challenge)
ALL YOUTH 17 AND UNDER PARTICIPATE FREE but must still add-on the purchase of a shirt at check out if one is desired.
Swag/Goodies
All pre-registered participants will receive transportation, aid station amenities, post race meal, and race swag with their registration. You MUST add-on purchase either a unisex t-shirt or ladies tank top during check out to have one made for you. Ruckers are given the opportunity to purchase a unique custom made ruck patch. All finishers will receive a finishers medal.
Shirts and race swag must be picked up at packet pick-up, they will not be mailed.
Ruck Information
Patches will be available for those that are rucking the Challenge, and must be purchased for $20 as an add-on item during checkout. These are custom made Ghost Town Trail Challenge patches that will be distributed at packet pick up.
RUCK INFORMATION: Learn more at https://www.goruck.com/rucking-101.
Requirements: Wear a Ruck/backpack with the standard weight of 10# for participants 150 lbs. and under, and 20# for those over 150 lbs. No participants will be weighed, weight requirements are on the honor system.
Packet Pick-Up
Packet pick-up will be Friday, June 19th from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. at the Up-N-Running store in Ebensburg, PA. *Due to race morning logistics, it is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to arrive early if you plan to pick up your packet race morning. The buses leave on time, so please don't miss your ride! Pick-up will be available at the Ebensburg trailhead where buses are loading.
Up-N-Running
208 W. High St.
Ebensburg, PA 15931
*We do NOT hold packets that are not picked up prior to the event start. Any shirts or swag left behind from packets that are not picked up are fair game for purchase by other participants.
Aid/Fuel Stations
First aid via bicycling patrollers and EMS will be available at multiple points along the trail. Your safety is our number one priority. We have many drop out of the event mid-way due to heat exhaustion, dehydration and blistering. Please be vocal with our first responders if you are feeling any different than usual, they are there to help you finish safely. A van will be available for those unable to complete the challenge.
FOR THE 50K/25K/12K
There will be 5 Aid/Fuel stations spaced out every 5-6 miles, complete with refuel food, gatorade, water, soda, and First Aid, for participants of every event along the entire 32 Miles of The Ghost Town Trail. *Mileages below are based off of the 32 mile Full Challenge from Blairsville (Mile 0) to Ebensburg (Mile 32). We will add water at Twin Rocks (mile 23) if necessary due to temperatures anticipated that day.
Mile 6.5 – Heshbon Rd. Trailhead
Mile 13 – Dilltown Trailhead
Mile 19 – Vintondale Trailhead
Mile 25 – Nanty Glo Trailhead
Mile 29 – Beulah Rd.
Mile 32 – YPCC Trailhead (Ebensburg) – Finish Line
FOR THE 50-MILE RUN
All aid stations will have foods to nourish your body and provide the sugars/salts you may need. Items include pb&j sandwiches, chips, pretzels, chocolate candies, gummy candies, oranges, bananas, and energy shots. Gatorade, soda and water (water will be both bottled for you to carry and in cups for a quick drink) will also be available. First Aid items are available at aid stations, including moleskin, salt tablets, band-aids, sunscreen, duct tape, etc. First Aid patrollers will be available at aid stations and by bicycle along the course.
Mile 6 – Vintondale Trailhead (GTT)
Mile 12 – Nanty Glo Trailhead (GTT)
Mile 16 – Beulah Trailhead (GTT)
Mile 25 – North Street Trailhead (C&I)
Mile 33 – Vic Miller Trailhead (C&I)
Mile 38 – Vintondale Trailhead (GTT, second time through)
Mile 43 – Nanty Glo Trailhead (GTT, second time through)
Mile 48 – Beulah Trailhead (GTT, second time through)
Mile 50 – YPCC Trailhead (Ebensburg) – Finish Line
Start/Finish Lines
Morning bus pick up per schedule above:
424 Prave Street, Ebesnburg, PA
Individual starting areas:
50-Miler Run Start: Dilltown Trailhead: 7452 Route 403 Highway, Dilltown, PA 15929
Full 32 Mile (50k) Challenge Start: Saylor Park, 1284 Old Indiana Rd., Blairsville, PA 15717
Half/16 Mile (25k) Challenge Start: Wehrum Trailhead, 2415 Wehrum Road, Vintondale, PA 15961
Friends/Family 7.5 Mile (12k) Challenge Start, Nanty Glo GTT Trailhead, 1097 1st Street, Nanty Glo, PA 15943
Finish for ALL Events
Young People's Community Center (YPCC), 300 Prave Street, Ebensburg, PA 15931
Restroom Locations
FOR THE 50K/25K/12K
Nine restroom facilities will be available along the entire trail at the following locations.
Mile 0 – Saylor Park in Blairsville (50k Start)
Mile 4 – on the Ghost Town Trail
Mile 6.5 – Heshbon Rd. Trailhead
Mile 13 – Dilltown Trailhead
Mile 16 – Wehrum Rd. Trailhead (25k Start)
Mile 19 – Vintondale Trailhead
Mile 25 – Nanty Glo Fire Hall and Nanty Glo Boro Baseball Field (12k start)
Mile 29 - Beulah Aid Station
Mile 32 – Young People’s Community Center Trailhead (Ebensburg, PA)
FOR THE 50-MILE RUN
Ten restroom facilities will be available along the entire trail at the following locations.
Mile 0 – Dilltown Trailhead (Dilltown) – 50-Mile Start Line
Mile 6 – Vintondale Trailhead (GTT)
Mile 12 – Nanty Glo Trailhead (GTT)
Mile 16 – Beulah Trailhead (GTT)
Mile 25 – North Street Trailhead (C&I)
Mile 33 – Vic Miller Trailhead (C&I)
Mile 38 – Vintondale Trailhead (GTT, second time through)
Mile 43 – Nanty Glo Trailhead (GTT, second time through)
Mile 48 – Beulah Trailhead (GTT, second time through)
Mile 50 – Young People’s Community Center Trailhead (Ebensburg, PA)
Course Elevation
FOR THE 50K/25K/12K
There is an approximate 1,000 ft. elevation gain over the course of 32 miles from Blairsville, PA to Ebensburg, PA. The elevation gain is very gradual in the first 19 miles, with the steepest and most noticeable elevation change between mile 19 and 22. Please note that the entire course is a constant elevation gain. We end on an uphill because we want to end the Challenge in Cambria County so that Ebensburg Area businesses may benefit from participant patronage. The elevation is all part of the challenge!
Exact elevation numbers for the Ghost Town Trail main stem can be found here: http://www.indianacountyparks.org/downloads/ghosttown-trail/ghosttowntrailmileagechart.pdf
FOR THE 50-MILE RUN
There is appoximately 1,500 ft. of elevation gain over the entire 50-mile course from the start in Dilltown to the finish in Ebensburg, PA. The elevation gain is primarily on the Ghost Town Trail, most noticeably between miles 6-10, and 38-42. Your first 17.5 miles are on the Ghost Town Trail main stem where you are going "uphill" the entire time, before turning onto the C & I Extension for a 20 mile break "downhill". The downgrade is gradual, but you will appreciate it! Your final 12.5 mile trek will be back on the Ghost Town Trail, with the gradual, several hundred ft. elevation gain to the finish. The trail system may appear flat, but your legs will tell the difference!
Timing, Results, & Photos
All Ghost Town Trail Challenge events will be officially timed via RunSignUp. Results and photos from The Ghost Town Challenge will be linked on our website (www.cambriaconservationrecreation.com) and will also be available on our Facebook Page (Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority).
Preparation
Make sure that you are properly trained and physically prepared to participate in this event. For beginners, we suggest going on regular training hikes, and gradually improving your endurance by increasing the length of your hikes week by week. Start training early - 3 or 4 months in advance at least. Please research a training plan that best suits your personal needs.
If you hike 2.5 miles per hour, without injury, you should finish the challenge by 8:30 p.m. Keep in mind that this does not include time for breaks, food, and rest along your journey. Sunset is around 8:30PM on this day, so you have 13.5 hours to complete the challenge.
For runners of the 50-miler, we typically enforce a 15 minute/mile cutoff for running times due to logistics of aid stations.
Challenge Day Preparation
Every person is different, so we cannot tell you what does and does not work. You should consider wearing a hydration pack or bring a large water bottle or two with you on the trail. Aid/Fuel stations will only be available every 5-6.5 miles. Also, make sure that you are wearing comfortable walking or running shoes that you have already broken in. Different socks yield different results for many people, reach out to your local running store to get some information on what will help you best (bad socks result in bad blisters!). Wearing sunglasses or a hat, sunscreen, and moleskin are highly recommended.
Cut Off Times for 50k
*WE WILL BE ADDING CUTOFF TIMES FOR 50-MILER SOON
We will begin enforcing cut off times at Mile 13 (Dilltown). A vehicle will be available to take you back to the finish line if you encounter any issues. Please seek assistance from a volunteer along the trail if you are needing assistance before you reach the next aid station. Those not reaching the below times after Mile 13 will be marked as DNF (Did Not Finish). Those marked as DNF will not receive the finisher's woodallion.
Cut Off Times by Aid Station:
Mile 6.5 Heshbon - 9:44 a.m.
Mile 13 Dilltown - 12:44 p.m.
Mile 19 Vintondale - 3:01 p.m.
Mile 25 Nanty Glo - 5:32 p.m.
Mile 29 Beulah Road - 7:14 p.m.
By meeting these times, and without serious injury, you should be at the finish line by 8:30 p.m.!
2026 Cambria County Trails Series
All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Trails program, which exists to enhance and expand the Cambria County Trails. For details and to register, visit www.cambriaconservationrecreation.com/trail-events/.
May 23 - Path of the Flood Historic Races
June 20 - Ghost Town Trail Challenge
September 5 - Jim Mayer Trail 5K/10K
October 3 - Chernisky Ghost Town Trail-a-thon
7.5 Miles 16 Miles 32 Miles 50 Miles Cycling Run Trail Walk
Sat, Aug 15, 2026 at 7:30 AM
Blue Knob Mountain Bike Association Mountain Bike Challenge Blue Knob Mountain Bike Association (BKMTBA) is once again holding its 13.7-mile and 25.4-mile races that will incorporate both the trail
systems at Blue Knob All Season Resort and Blue Knob State Park on August 15, 2026. The primary purpose and goals of BKMTBA in hosting the festival and race are to draw attention, increase notoriety, and attract patronage to both Blue Knob All Season Resort and Blue Knob State Park. It is the belief of BKMTBA that the Blue Knob Mountain area, as a whole, and all of its amenities are relatively unknown within and outside the state. It is the stated goal of BKMTBA that by increasing the number of events that are open to the general public, as well as events that target specific groups, such as the mountain bike community, the Blue Knob Mountain area, and the surrounding communities of Blair, Bedford, Cambria, and Centre counties, the area will be identified as a weekend and vacation destination.
Blue Knob Mountain Bike Challenge has been registered and advertised on BikeReg.com services and website. Racers can follow the link to register. The site allows racers to register and pay through the site. The race will have ten categories that participants can choose from. For the 13.7-mile race, there are Men’s Open 18-49 y/o, Men’s Youth <18 y/o, and Men’s 50+ y/o, Women’s Open 18-49 y/o, Women’s Youth <18 y/o, and Women’s 50+ y/o. For the 25.4-mile race, there are two categories: a Men’s Open 18+ y/o and a Women’s Open 18+ y/o. We also have a single-speed category that will follow the 25.4-mile race course and is open to Men 18+ y/o and Women 18+ y/o. The registration fee for categories for men and women 18+ will be $50, and the youth categories will be $30. All registered racers will receive a complimentary race shirt. The top three finishers for each category will also receive a cash award. Race-day registrations and check-in will begin at 8:00 AM on August 15, 2026. Race-day
registrations will be an additional $10.00. The race will start promptly at 10:00 AM on August 15, 2026, rain or shine, for all participants aged 18 and above, and at 10:05 AM for all youth participants. Long Course: The race will begin at the Blue Knob All Season Resort clubhouse and work its way through the resort side single-track trails for its first stage, followed by a grueling climb up the slopes to the Blue Know lodge and the beautiful single-track trails on the Blue Knob State Park side. This year, the long course loop will take the riders down to Pavia, where they will begin the climb back to the ski lodge. The finish will be a fast and grueling downhill back to the resort for drinks, food, and fun. Awards and prizes will be presented at 2:00 PM on August 15, 2026, at the finish line. Short Course: The race will begin at the Blue Knob All Season Resort clubhouse and work its way through the resort side single-track trails for its first stage, followed by a grueling climb up the
slopes to the Blue Know lodge and the beautiful single-track trails on the Blue Knob State Park side. This year, the short course will take the riders around the Pavia Lookout Loop on the Blue Knob State Park side, then back to the ski lodge. The finish will be a fast and grueling downhill back to the resort for drinks, food, and fun. Awards and prizes will be presented at 2:00 PM on August 15, 2026, at the finish line.
Cycling Mountain Biking Trail
Sat, Aug 29, 2026 at 8:00 AM
28.4 km from JohnstownCycling Mountain Biking
Sat, Sep 12, 2026 at 12:00 AM
The September 11th National Memorial Trail is honored to host its 8th annual Tour de Trail: Flight 93 National Memorial event in 2026, marking the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. This
commemorative bike ride travels through the scenic Laurel Highlands region of Pennsylvania, and includes a meaningful loop through the grounds of the Flight 93 National Memorial.
Please join us on Saturday, September 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 pm for a 24-mile ride beginning in Berlin, PA, traveling to the Flight 93 National Memorial, and back. Holding this ride on September 12 is quite significant. While September 11 is a day of remembrance and reflection, September 12 represents the day our nation came together and made the commitment to Never Forget. This ride is an opportunity to carry that spirit forward, honoring the courage and resilience that followed September 11 by moving together on the 9/11 National Memorial Trail.
In recognition of the 25th anniversary, cyclists will be welcomed at the Flight 93 National Memorial by an interpretive ranger from the National Park Service, who will present “The Story of Flight 93.” This 30-minute ranger-led program explores how Flight 93 fits into the broader events of September 11, highlighting the bravery of the passengers and crew, personal stories of courage, and the extraordinary actions taken to prevent the aircraft from reaching its intended target. The program takes place at a seated outdoor area where riders can reflect and listen.
All proceeds from the ride will support the Alliance’s efforts to create and maintain the September 11th National Memorial Trail, a 1,500-mile, multi-use trail connecting the three locations impacted by the events of 9/11. The Trail honors the victims, heroes, and first responders of September 11 while fostering remembrance, reflection, and economic development through heritage tourism in Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, DC.
— SIGN UP BEFORE JULY 4 TO RECEIVE A SEPTEMBER 11TH NATIONAL MEMORIAL TRAIL 25TH ANNIVERSARY CHALLENGE COIN —
Can't join the the ride this year? Register for the virtual ride or consider making a donation to help the Alliance continue building and preserving the 9/11 National Memorial Trail for future generations.
The September 11th National Memorial Trail is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
24 Miles Cycling Trail Virtual
Sat, Oct 10, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Experience an adventure race unlike anything else—paddle, pedal, and pace your way on the Conemaugh River to the West Penn Trail in the scenic, historic town of Saltsburg, PA.
Solo racers must be at
least 15 years old. Participants ages 12–14 may compete as part of a team, provided they do not complete the paddle segment on their own. E‑bikes are not permitted.
Early registration opens April 1, 2026, and closes at 1 p.m. on October 8, 2026.
Note: The paddle course will be finalized closer to race day based on river conditions.
24.1 Miles Trail Triathlon