Fast becoming one of the most popular recreational attractions in northwestern Pennsylvania, the Allegheny River Trail is now being heralded across America.

The much-loved local rail-trail is this month being featured by the national trails organization, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC). The Allegheny River Trail is RTC’s Trail of the Month for September, and is being promoted to RTC’s more than 700,000 news followers through a profile article at its website, www.railstotrails.org. “Unparalleled natural beauty? Check. Welcoming towns with friendly people? Check.

Unique historical sites and a smooth, easy riding surface? Check, check,” writes the article’s author, RTC writer Laura Stark. The Allegheny River Trail begins across the Allegheny River from Parker, and runs north along the river to the city of Franklin. (The section between Foxburg and Emlenton is still awaiting development.)

In addition to lauding the scenic and social attractions of this 32-mile rail-trail, Stark also explores the local advocacy and community efforts that helped push the rail-trail vision from a great idea to a real and productive asset for the region.

“Twenty-five years ago, such a trail system would have been a far-reaching and unlikely dream,” Stark writes, reflecting on the commitment and vision of the late Jim Holden.