Trail Activities

Bird watching – The trail provides the most wide ranging access to the Buffalo Creek Valley Important Bird Area as designated by the National Audubon Society. The rare Cerulean Warbler is known to make its home along the trail south of the Monroe Road trailhead. One of our trail volunteers met a man who had traveled from New Mexico to see the Cerulean Warbler. He was not disappointed. A variety of birds can be seen along the trail including herons, kingfishers, scarlet tanagers, indigo bunting to name a few.

Biking – The trail features 15 miles of crushed limestone surface with a number of trailheads under an hour drive from Pittsburgh, the North Hills, and Cranberry. An additional five miles of unfinished trail can be used for mountain biking. The Butler-Freeport Community Trail Council, Inc. currently is engaged in its Next Generation Campaign to raise funds for the completion of the improved trail into Father Marinaro Park in Butler.

Fishing – As one rides along the trail north from Laneville, a common sight is fisherman in waders in Buffalo Creek and boys with their fishing poles headed to their favorite spot. The trail provides access to the waters of Buffalo Creek teaming with natural fish and also stocked trout.

Geocaching – Our trail has 40+ geocaches hidden along its length. Our trail council along with BACON, the local geocaching group sponsors beginner geocaching events several times a year.

Wading – An abandoned (parked) bike along the trail indicates that someone has gone for an adventure in the woods and perhaps to cool his/her feet in the creek and explore what can be found under the creek rocks. Trail users are reminded to respect the rights of property owners along the trail as the trail transverses many parcels of private property.

Wildflowers – The entire trail offers wildflowers from early spring through the fall. The trail is a wonderland of spring wildflowers from April through May. Spring offers White Trillium, Red Trillium, Wild Columbine, Wild Azaleas, Wild Strawberry, and more. By mid-June everything just seems to be green. Suddenly, in mid-July wildflowers are back. Summer offers Jewel Weed (touch-me-not), Deadly Nightshade, Sweet Joe Pye Weed, Queen Ann’s Lace, Ox-eye Daisy, Tall Bellflower, Turk’s Cap Lily, Bee Balm, Butterfly Weed, Purple-flowering Raspberry, “miniature sunflower”, and more.