Indiana County: History, Trails and Water

Covered bridges, historic iron furnaces, waterfalls and long trails give Indiana County several facets. The Kintersburg Covered Bridge in Rayne Township crosses Crooked Creek and dates from 1877. There are four covered bridges in the county in total, built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The region’s industrial history is also visible: Eliza Furnace is listed on the National Register and is considered one of Pennsylvania’s best-preserved iron furnaces.

Buena Vista Furnace shows a different condition of historic industrial facilities. The 30-foot-high furnace once produced up to 600 tons of iron per year and is now unused. The two furnaces thus represent different aspects of industrial heritage: Eliza Furnace is known for its state of preservation, while Buena Vista Furnace is out of operation.

Museums and Local History

The IUP University Museum is located in John Sutton Hall, a restored landmark dating from 1875 that is listed on the National Register. The museum hosts its own annual exhibitions as well as cultural events and educational programs on fine art, folk art and material culture. The former Second Baptist Church, built in 1917, houses the Blairsville Area Underground Railroad History Center. Visits are possible Mondays and Wednesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; presentations and special events are available by appointment. Check visiting hours before planning your visit.

Visitor offerings also vary in format: admission to the museum of the Historical & Genealogical Society of Indiana County is free. The Silas M. Clark House offers tours by prior appointment. The Jimmy Stewart Museum screens a film daily at 1 p.m. in its historic 50-seat theater. Confirm the schedule before your visit. Blairsville also has an ongoing self-guided tour of sites associated with the Underground Railroad; check the route details in advance.

Trails with Different Highlights

The Ghost Town Trail is 54 miles long and runs through Indiana and Cambria counties. The U.S. Department of the Interior has designated it a National Recreation Trail. Its historical interpretation explores the rise and decline of the coal and iron industries, the working communities and the return of nature. A shorter option is the 10-mile Hoodlebug Trail, a recreational and commuter trail between Black Lick and Indiana. The two-mile Clark Run Trail runs through Clark Run Gorge, past small waterfalls and geological features. The different trail lengths help you gauge how much time to allow for your route planning.

The West Penn Rail Trail passes through the Tunnelview Historic Site and runs between Saltsburg and the trailhead on Newport Road near Blairsville. At Tunnelview, a 900-foot section of the western canal is visible; an aqueduct and a tunnel were also located directly next to each other along the canal there. The historic site also has a canoe launch and interpretive exhibits. The Ghost Town Trail and the West Penn Rail Trail thus offer different ways to experience history and landscape, and their respective routes should not be treated as interchangeable.

Water, Woodlands and Nature Watching

Buttermilk Falls Natural Area combines a 45-foot waterfall and woodland scenery with a scenic overlook and a hiking trail. The area protects characteristic and distinctive plant and animal communities. Yellow Creek State Park encompasses 2,981 acres in Indiana County along the Kittanning Path. The 720-acre Yellow Creek Lake is a destination for boaters and anglers; the lake and state park serve as an important stopover for migrating birds. The park also has a sandy beach. Seasonal facility hours may vary, so checking before your visit is recommended.

For a paddling trip, the Waterworks Conservation Area has a canoe and kayak launch and fishing access to Two Lick Creek. The route from there to the takeout near Saylor Park is a little over 12 river miles long and includes a portage. Check water levels and safety conditions before setting out. Further differences can be found among the lakes and trails: Blue Spruce Park has a 12-acre trout-stocked lake open to public fishing; Hemlock Lake Park has a 60-acre lake with two boat launches. Pine Ridge Park has several miles of hiking and cross-country skiing trails through stands of mature hardwoods; the mountain stream Tom’s Run flows through the park.

Blacklick Valley Natural Area has six miles of hiking and cross-country skiing trails. Hunting, camping and motorized vehicles are not allowed there; check the current rules before your visit. The trails at Old Smicksburg Park are suitable for hiking, bird-watching and studying wildflowers. Indiana County therefore offers a choice of both extensive trail networks and individual nature-watching and water destinations.

Regional Events and Crafts

The annual Apple Fest includes demonstrations of apple cider pressing, local vendors and food. If you’re planning to attend the 2026 event, check the dates and details in advance. The Indiana County Fair provides a platform for sharing agricultural information between food producers and consumers. Another way to explore is the Potters Tour, a self-guided tour of pottery studios in Indiana County. These events complement the historic and scenic attractions with regional agriculture, food and crafts.

Discover more destinations: Creekside, Berks, Lawrence County, Clearfield, Carbon, Mckean County, Montgomery, Columbia.

For the broader travel overview: Pennsylvania.