Hoodlebug Trail

Facilities | Directions | Trail Map

History

The Hoodlebug Trail is a ten-mile recreation and commuter trail located in the central portion of Indiana County. The trail passes through residential, commercial, and natural settings, providing direct trail access to many local residents and employees of several schools, industries, and small businesses.

The trail follows the abandoned Indiana Branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad between the Homer City area and Indiana. Built in the 1850's, the Indiana Branch was the first railroad to be constructed in Indiana County. 'Hoodlebug' was the local nickname for the self-propelled passenger coach that ran on the line until 1940 (see photo). The corridor also was part of the Catawba Path, a Native American trail that extended from the Carolinas to upstate New York.

In March of 2007 the FMC plant, which is adjacent to the Hoodlebug Trail in Homer City, will close. The FMC site was the former home to one of the Prairie State Incubator Company's plants. The site involves some very interesting local history.

Facilities

The Hoodlebug Trail is open year-round for non-motorized activities, including bicycling, hiking, and cross-country skiing.

Currently the trail extends for 10 miles from Indiana to south of Homer City. The trail now extends to the confluence of Blacklick Creek and Two Lick Creek (near Blacklick, PA). This extension was completed in 2005 as part of PennDOT's Route 119 widening project.

Directions

Access points are available at four locations. A directional map with written directions to these locations is available here.

Trail Map

A detailed map of the trail in PDF format is available. This is a large file that may take several moments to appear on your screen. A map of the entire regional trail system is also now available. Learn about all the exciting changes to the Hoodlebug Trail in our Regional Trail Update (PDF Format).