- Parker, Pennsylvania, North Country Trail miles 94.5 to 97.5
- This was an out-and-back hike.
- This part of the trail is a completely paved bike-hike trail.
I was spending Easter weekend at Jellystone Park in Harrisville where my husband works, and decided to spend Saturday hiking on the North Country Trail. I chose an area along the Allegheny River, and as it turns out, it was only a 30-minute drive from the campground!
I had never been to this area before. I felt giddy when I descended onto the road along the river and headed south to Parker, PA, seeing that the trail was a paved bike-hike trail between Parker, Foxburg, and Emlenton. What a beautiful place!
When I first arrived at the trailhead, my first objective was to find a convenience store or gas station to pick up some water and snacks. Parker's riverside accommodations did not disappoint! Not only was there a well-stocked convenience store, but there was also a very clean restroom. Let me tell you....when you're hiking, a nice restroom is an amazing find!
With water in hand and a nice treat of Combos, I began my planned 6-mile adventure. The first landmark I encountered was this amazing, blue truss bridge. The most striking thing to me about this bridge was its incline. According to HistoricBridges.org, the grade is at 6.32%. I was also surprised to read that it was built in 1934.
While on the bridge, I took pictures of the surrounding views.
Here is a view of the city of Parker. It doesn't look like much, but most of the city is beyond the cliff visible at the top of this photo. I didn't have the opportunity to explore up there this time!
These views are along the river as I began my walk. It was such a nice surprise to be hiking on pavement! That allows for quite a quick pace, and I ended up stashing away my hiking poles.
This is an old railroad bridge. This is not the first time I've encountered an old railroad bridge along a route that has been transitioned to a bike-hike trail. I think it is such a great way to utilize old railway grades!
Here is the point at which the Clarion River meets the Allegheny River! The railroad bridge crosses this point.
After 3 miles, I arrived in Foxburg. Like all other areas here, I had never visited Foxburg before. Unfortunately, there would not be much visiting today, either!
Obligatory selfie!
Heading back along the same route! I took this picture because way off in the distance, between a forked branch at center-right, you can barely see our little white adventure wagon waiting for me. I had left it parked in the parking lot of the convenience store.
Arriving back in Parker, this is what you'll find on the side opposite the convenience store. A spacious parking lot!
The view of the bridge from underneath it.
Views from the bridge.
If you look carefully, our van is on the right side of the bridge, a small white speck!
What a beautiful walk!
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