Five Star Trail Suits Both Biker and Pedestrian
This Easy, Level Pennsylvania USA Trail Is A Rail With Trail
Jun 9, 2009
The 6.2 mile, handicapped accessible trail begins at Lynch Field in Greensburg and follows "active rail siding," according to LocalHikes.com, to Youngwood, PA. Active siding means that the rail is used for "parking" rail cars. There is no fence separating the trail from the rail, so trail users should be careful not to stray onto the tracks. The trail surface is crushed limestone and although the view is not very scenic, it is a nice trail for local residents. The trail also has several restaurants and rest stops sprouting up. The trail gets its name from the five municipalities through which the trail passes: Greensburg, Hempfield Township, South Greensburg, Southwest Greensburg, and Youngwood.
Plans to Continue the Trail
The trail branches when it reaches Youngwood. The main branch continues south for another half mile. There are plans, according to LocalHikes.com, to continue the trail 10 miles to Scottsdale. The other branch follows Sewickley Creek, past a marsh, and crosses the Westmoreland County Community College campus 1.5 miles to Armbrust. There are plans to continue this branch another five miles to Mammoth Park.
Trail Used for Special Olympics Cycle Training
In addition to the local residents that use this trail, the Special Olympics Westmoreloand County uses the trail for cycling training twice a week. In appreciation, TEAM Special Olympics has planted a tree along the trail and also helps each year with the annual "Poker Ride."
Poker Ride Fundraiser
Two trail chapters in the area hold a "Poker Ride" each year to raise funds to assist volunteers who create and maintain several trails in the area. Participants choose a four-mile walk or a twelve-mile bike ride and select a playing card from a deck of cards at each of the five checkpoints along the trail. At the end of the event, each participant will have selected a full poker hand. The top three poker hands for each event receive a trophy and a special prize package. All proceeds from the event benefit both the Westmoreland Heritage Trail Chapter and the Five Star Trail Chapter.
Trailhead and Parking Information
The trailhead is located at Lynch Field, Greensburg. Take Route 30 (not the bypass) through Greensburg proper and turn north on 119/819. After the underpass, turn right onto 119, and Lynch Field is a well-marked short distance on the right. There are also many other parking opportunities along the trail at Huff Avenue, at Willow Crossing Road, at the traffic light for Buncher Commerce Park near Youngwood, at Depot Street in Youngwood, and the campus of Westmoreland County Community College.
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