National Tunnel – McDonald Trestle Bridge loop from McDonald

United States

Pennsylvania

Washington County

National Tunnel – McDonald Trestle Bridge loop from McDonald

Moderate

3.1

(11)

riders

National Tunnel – McDonald Trestle Bridge loop from McDonald

02:09

39.2km

340m

Gravel riding

Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 18, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1.76 km

McDonald Trestle

Highlight • Bridge

The McDonald Trestle, that is also known as McDonald Viaduct, is a bridge and part of the popular Montour Trail. The bridge spans over the Robinson Run and Panhandle Trail.

Tip by

8.39 km

Westland Junction serves as the pivotal point linking the main Montour Trail with the Westland Branch Montour Trail. Named after the Westland Mine 1, which held significance as a Montour RR servicing point until the early 1980s. Following abandonment, the branch was revitalized by the W&LE in 2012 to cater to the gas plant.

Tip by

14.0 km

National Tunnel

Highlight • Structure

At 623 feet, this is the longest tunnel on the Montour Trail and has lights on throughout the year to help see your way. During the winter, the two entrances are sealed to prevent the buildup of ice, which could reach 2-3 feet thick due to the high moisture dripping from the walls and ceiling. Trail users can still enter the sealed tunnel via doorways throughout the winter and find a balmy interior. The tunnel was bored in 1913 and lined with concrete in 1928. Operations ended in 1980 and it became part of the Montour Trail in 1992.

Tip by

17.4 km

Koi Pond

Lake

19.5 km

Tunnel

Highlight • Structure

19.6 km

Greer Tunnel and Chartiers Creek Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

The 235 foot, former railroad tunnel was bored in 1913 and lined with concrete in 1922. It ended operations in 1980, and in 2010 construction was completed to make it part of the Montour Trail. The bridge at the western entrance offers great views of the nearby woodland and Chartiers Creek. The tunnel is open year round, be wary of icicles on the ceiling and piles of ice on the ground in the winter.

Tip by

33.2 km

Montour Trail (McDonald - Venice)

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Montour Trail section from McDonald to Venice boasts the picturesque McDonald Trestle as one of its main attractions. While this segment is only a small part of the extensive Montour Trail, which stretches approximately 47 miles from Coraopolis by the Ohio River to Clairton along the Monongahela River, it offers stunning views and recreational opportunities for visitors to enjoy.

Tip by

37.5 km

McDonald Trestle Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

This scenic bridge, which is part of the Montour Trail, is 962 feet long, and crosses over the Panhandle Trail. To access either trail, users can find the "connector trail" north of the bridge on the Montour Trail, or west of the bridge on the Panhandle Trail.

Tip by

39.2 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types