FreeWheeling Easy Supplement

Just as the Five Star Trail provides a traffic-free alternative to US119 south of Greensburg, the Hoodlebug trail serves the same purpose for 7 miles from Indiana to Graceton. This trail begins at the end of the Rose St Extension in Indiana, connecting with the bike lanes serving Indiana University of Pennsylvania. The trail is just 8’ wide with distinct grades. The surface is mostly tar-and-chip, with some stretches of asphalt.

Threaded artfully between roads and highways, the trail heads south through the woods to Indian Springs Rd (old US422). Named after the trolley that once plied this route, the Hooodlebug continues to the Omni, then under new US422 and on to the sewer plant. Continuing along Two Lick Creek, the trail reaches a trailhead at Floodway Park in Homer City, where Two Lick Creek joins Yellow Creek. The trail feels surprisingly isolated, despite some traffic noise.

In Homer City, the trail is interrupted by the FMC plant. To bypass this plant on borough roads, turn left on Church where the trail ends, then right on Filbert, right on Synchrotron, and left on Railroad to the resumption of the trail. This southern section of the trail goes south for a mile to and alongside the FMC ballfield. From the ballfield, the trail will eventually run another mile and a quarter to Graceton.

Vicinity: Directions begin headed northbound on US119 from its intersection with US22 east of Blairsville. Note that US22 and US119 are the same road for over 10 miles to the west of this point. To reach this point from Pittsburgh, go east on US22.

Red Barn (south) trailhead: Follow US119 6.3 miles north from US22. Bear left on old US119 (Main St) and go 0.3 miles to Red Barn Rd Turn left on Red Barn Rd, then left on Pellegrene Dr and again on Mehna Ln. Continue to parking near the ballfields.

Homer City trailhead: Follow US119 8.5 miles north from US22. Turn left on PA56 in Homer City. PA56 makes a couple of turns and becomes Main St. After 0.3 miles on PA56, continue straight on Main St when PA56 turns left. Trail parking is in Floodway Park, 3 blocks ahead on your right.

Indiana (north) trailhead: Follow US119 just over 13 miles north from US22. Turn left on Rose St. The trail turns off the road almost immediately, just the other side of Stony Run. You may park in the IUP South Campus parking lot, accessible via Rose St.

The north end of the trail connects with campus bike routes that access services in Indiana. Motels and restaurants are at Indian Springs Rd. The on-road section in Homer City provides access to services there.

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