Ghost Town Trail Challenge

Spend the day with us on the 2020 Trail of the Year, and partake in the 11th annual Ghost Town Trail Challenge!
*New 50-miler option available to runners only

 

Friends of the Trails Members Receive $5 OFF!
To receive a $5 discount on your registration fee for The Ghost Town Trail Challenge, become a Friend of the Trails today. Visit our website to become a member, then send an email to cambriaconservationrecreation@gmail.com to get your coupon code! All memberships go toward enhancing, expanding, and maintaining the Ghost Town Trail, Jim Mayer Riverswalk, and the Path of the Flood Trail.

 

The Challenge
The 11th Annual Ghost Town Trail Challenge, hosted by the Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority, will take place on Saturday, June 20, 2026. This is during the weekend of the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. The Challenge is known for its 32-mile long (50k), endurance hike/run along the entire length of the Ghost Town Trail, DCNR's 2020 Trail of the Year, from Black Lick, PA to Ebensburg, PA. Participants begin at sunrise and are challenged to complete the entire 32 miles by foot before sundown. This is not a race, but rather a challenge, which tests your mental and physical ability to journey this distance. The Challenge starts at Saylor Park in Black Lick, PA and ends 32 miles later at the Young People's Community Center in Ebensburg, PA.

There are four Challenge events to choose from on June 21st, all taking place on The Ghost Town Trail:

- 50-Miler Run (50 Miles - Runners Only) - It begins at 6:15 a.m. near the Dilltown Trailhead and ends at the YPCC in Ebensburg.
- Full Challenge (32 Miles - 50k) - It begins at 7:00 a.m. at Saylor Park in Black Lick and ends at the YPCC in Ebensburg.
- Half Challenge (16 Miles - 25k) - It begins at 8:00 a.m. near the Wehrum Trailhead and ends at the YPCC in Ebensburg.
- Friends/Family Challenge (7.5 Miles - 12k) - It begins at 8:45 a.m. at the Nanty Glo Trailhead and ends at the YPCC.

Transportation will be provided for participants from the finish line in Ebensburg, PA to their respective starting areas, more information below. If you are planning to transport yourself to your start line that morning, please email cambriaconservationrecreation@gmail.com by June 6, 2026, so that the proper amount of buses can be reserved.

If you are considering attempting the 50k but have never participated in an endurance hike/run, we suggest starting with the 25k.

There are cut off times at each aid station for the 50k and 50-miler, please see further down the page for more information.

 

Schedule

50-Miler Run:
5:10 a.m. - 5:20 a.m. Shuttle loading time for 50-Miler Run participants in Ebensburg, PA, promptly leaving at 5:20 a.m.
6:00 a.m. Pre-race announcements at Dilltown Trailhead (7452 Route 403 Highway, Dilltown, PA)
6:15 a.m. Begin 50-Miler Run

50k:
5:40 a.m. - 5:50 a.m. Shuttle loading time for 50k participants in Ebensburg, PA, promptly leaving at 5:50 a.m.
6:50 a.m.Pre-race announcements at Saylor Park (1284 Old Indiana Rd. Blairsville, PA 15717)
7:00 a.m. Begin Full 32-mile GTT Challenge

25k:
6:50 a.m. - 7:10 a.m. Shuttle loading time for 25k participants in Ebenbsurg, PA, promptly leaving at 7:10 a.m.
7:55 a.m. Pre-race announcements at Wehrum Trail Head (2415 Wehrum Road, Vintondale, PA 15961)
8:00 a.m. Begin Half 16-mile GTT Challenge

12k:
8:00 a.m. - 8:10 a.m. Shuttle loading time for 12k participants in Ebensburg, PA, promptly leaving at 8:10 a.m.
8:40 a.m. Pre-race announcements at Nanty Glo Trail Head (1097 1st Street, Nanty Glo, PA 15943)
8:45 a.m. Begin Friends/Family 7.5-mile GTT Challenge

The GTT Challenge for all distances finishes at the Young People's Community Center in Ebensburg, PA.

 

Challenge Proceeds
ALL proceeds from the Ghost Town Trail Challenge will benefit the enhancement and expansion of the Cambria County Trails. The 2026 Cambria County Trails Series and our Friends of the Trails Membership program provide sustainable funding for improved trail accessibility, beautification, and extension projects on the Ghost Town Trail, the Jim Mayer Riverswalk Trail, and the Path of the Flood Trail. 

 

Registration Fees
REGISTRATION ENDS JUNE 6TH AT MIDNIGHT - NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION - NO BIB TRANSFERS
*All pre-registered participants receve transportation, aid station amenities, post race meal, and race swag with their registration. You must ADD-ON purchase either a unisex t-shirt or ladies tank top during check out to have one made for you. Ruckers are given the opportunity to purchase a unique custom made ruck patch.

All finishers will receive a finishers medal. Shirts and race swag must be picked up at packet pick-up, they will not be mailed.

WE DO NOT ISSUE REFUNDS. If you are no longer able to attend and have already registered, your registration fee will be used as a donation to the trails.

January 1 - February 28 (Early Bird)
$80.00 - 50-Miler (RUN ONLY)

$60.00 - 50k (Full 32 Mile Challenge)

$50.00 - 25k (Half/16 Mile Challenge)

$45.00 - 12k (Friends/Family 7.5 Mile Challenge)
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March 1 - April 30
$85.00 - 50-Miler (RUN ONLY)

$65.00 - 50k (Full 32 Mile Challenge)

$55.00 - 25k (Half/16 Mile Challenge)

$50.00 - 12k (Friends/Family 7.5 Mile Challenge)
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May 1 - June 6
$90.00 - 50-Miler (RUN ONLY)

$70.00 - 50k (Full 32 Mile Challenge)

$60.00 - 25k (Half/16 Mile Challenge)

$55.00 - 12k (Friends/Family 7.5 Mile Challenge)

ALL YOUTH 17 AND UNDER PARTICIPATE FREE but must still add-on the purchase of a shirt at check out if one is desired.

 

Swag/Goodies
All pre-registered participants will receive transportation, aid station amenities, post race meal, and race swag with their registration. You MUST add-on purchase either a unisex t-shirt or ladies tank top during check out to have one made for you. Ruckers are given the opportunity to purchase a unique custom made ruck patch. All finishers will receive a finishers medal.

Shirts and race swag must be picked up at packet pick-up, they will not be mailed.

 

Ruck Information
Patches will be available for those that are rucking the Challenge, and must be purchased for $20 as an add-on item during checkout. These are custom made Ghost Town Trail Challenge patches that will be distributed at packet pick up.

RUCK INFORMATION: Learn more at https://www.goruck.com/rucking-101.

Requirements: Wear a Ruck/backpack with the standard weight of 10# for participants 150 lbs. and under, and 20# for those over 150 lbs. No participants will be weighed, weight requirements are on the honor system.

 

Packet Pick-Up
Packet pick-up will be Friday, June 19th from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. at the Up-N-Running store in Ebensburg, PA. *Due to race morning logistics, it is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to arrive early if you plan to pick up your packet race morning. The buses leave on time, so please don't miss your ride! Pick-up will be available at the Ebensburg trailhead where buses are loading.

Up-N-Running
208 W. High St.
Ebensburg, PA 15931

*We do NOT hold packets that are not picked up prior to the event start. Any shirts or swag left behind from packets that are not picked up are fair game for purchase by other participants.

 

Aid/Fuel Stations
First aid via bicycling patrollers and EMS will be available at multiple points along the trail. Your safety is our number one priority. We have many drop out of the event mid-way due to heat exhaustion, dehydration and blistering. Please be vocal with our first responders if you are feeling any different than usual, they are there to help you finish safely. A van will be available for those unable to complete the challenge.

*FOR THE 50K/25K/12K*
There will be 5 Aid/Fuel stations spaced out every 5-6 miles, complete with refuel food, gatorade, water, soda, and First Aid, for participants of every event along the entire 32 Miles of The Ghost Town Trail. *Mileages below are based off of the 32 mile Full Challenge from Blairsville (Mile 0) to Ebensburg (Mile 32). We will add water at Twin Rocks (mile 23) if necessary due to temperatures anticipated that day.

Mile 6.5 – Heshbon Rd. Trailhead
Mile 13 – Dilltown Trailhead
Mile 19 – Vintondale Trailhead
Mile 25 – Nanty Glo Trailhead
Mile 29 – Beulah Rd.
Mile 32 – YPCC Trailhead (Ebensburg) – Finish Line

 

*FOR THE 50-MILE RUN*
All aid stations will have foods to nourish your body and provide the sugars/salts you may need. Items include pb&j sandwiches, chips, pretzels, chocolate candies, gummy candies, oranges, bananas, and energy shots. Gatorade, soda and water (water will be both bottled for you to carry and in cups for a quick drink) will also be available. First Aid items are available at aid stations, including moleskin, salt tablets, band-aids, sunscreen, duct tape, etc. First Aid patrollers will be available at aid stations and by bicycle along the course.

Mile 6 – Vintondale Trailhead (GTT)
Mile 12 – Nanty Glo Trailhead (GTT)
Mile 16 – Beulah Trailhead (GTT)
Mile 25 – North Street Trailhead (C&I)
Mile 33 – Vic Miller Trailhead (C&I)
Mile 38 – Vintondale Trailhead (GTT, second time through)
Mile 43 – Nanty Glo Trailhead (GTT, second time through)
Mile 48 – Beulah Trailhead (GTT, second time through)
Mile 50 – YPCC Trailhead (Ebensburg) – Finish Line

Start/Finish Lines
Morning bus pick up per schedule above:
424 Prave Street, Ebesnburg, PA

Individual starting areas:
50-Miler Run Start: Dilltown Trailhead: 7452 Route 403 Highway, Dilltown, PA 15929
Full 32 Mile (50k) Challenge Start: Saylor Park, 1284 Old Indiana Rd., Blairsville, PA 15717
Half/16 Mile (25k) Challenge Start: Wehrum Trailhead, 2415 Wehrum Road, Vintondale, PA 15961
Friends/Family 7.5 Mile (12k) Challenge Start, Nanty Glo GTT Trailhead, 1097 1st Street, Nanty Glo, PA 15943

Finish for ALL Events
Young People's Community Center (YPCC), 300 Prave Street, Ebensburg, PA 15931

 

Restroom Locations
*FOR THE 50K/25K/12K*
Nine restroom facilities will be available along the entire trail at the following locations.

Mile 0 – Saylor Park in Blairsville (50k Start)
Mile 4 – on the Ghost Town Trail
Mile 6.5 – Heshbon Rd. Trailhead
Mile 13 – Dilltown Trailhead
Mile 16 – Wehrum Rd. Trailhead (25k Start)
Mile 19 – Vintondale Trailhead
Mile 25 – Nanty Glo Fire Hall and Nanty Glo Boro Baseball Field (12k start)
Mile 29 - Beulah Aid Station
Mile 32 – Young People’s Community Center Trailhead (Ebensburg, PA)

*FOR THE 50-MILE RUN*
Ten restroom facilities will be available along the entire trail at the following locations.

Mile 0 – Dilltown Trailhead (Dilltown) – 50-Mile Start Line
Mile 6 – Vintondale Trailhead (GTT)
Mile 12 – Nanty Glo Trailhead (GTT)
Mile 16 – Beulah Trailhead (GTT)
Mile 25 – North Street Trailhead (C&I)
Mile 33 – Vic Miller Trailhead (C&I)
Mile 38 – Vintondale Trailhead (GTT, second time through)
Mile 43 – Nanty Glo Trailhead (GTT, second time through)
Mile 48 – Beulah Trailhead (GTT, second time through)
Mile 50 – Young People’s Community Center Trailhead (Ebensburg, PA)

Course Elevation
*FOR THE 50K/25K/12K*
There is an approximate 1,000 ft. elevation gain over the course of 32 miles from Blairsville, PA to Ebensburg, PA. The elevation gain is very gradual in the first 19 miles, with the steepest and most noticeable elevation change between mile 19 and 22. Please note that the entire course is a constant elevation gain. We end on an uphill because we want to end the Challenge in Cambria County so that Ebensburg Area businesses may benefit from participant patronage. The elevation is all part of the challenge!

Exact elevation numbers for the Ghost Town Trail main stem can be found here: http://www.indianacountyparks.org/downloads/ghosttown-trail/ghosttowntrailmileagechart.pdf

*FOR THE 50-MILE RUN*
There is appoximately 1,500 ft. of elevation gain over the entire 50-mile course from the start in Dilltown to the finish in Ebensburg, PA. The elevation gain is primarily on the Ghost Town Trail, most noticeably between miles 6-10, and 38-42. Your first 17.5 miles are on the Ghost Town Trail main stem where you are going "uphill" the entire time, before turning onto the C & I Extension for a 20 mile break "downhill". The downgrade is gradual, but you will appreciate it! Your final 12.5 mile trek will be back on the Ghost Town Trail, with the gradual, several hundred ft. elevation gain to the finish. The trail system may appear flat, but your legs will tell the difference!

 

Timing, Results, & Photos
All Ghost Town Trail Challenge events will be officially timed via RunSignUp. Results and photos from The Ghost Town Challenge will be linked on our website (www.cambriaconservationrecreation.com) and will also be available on our Facebook Page (Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority).

 

Preparation
Make sure that you are properly trained and physically prepared to participate in this event. For beginners, we suggest going on regular training hikes, and gradually improving your endurance by increasing the length of your hikes week by week. Start training early - 3 or 4 months in advance at least. Please research a training plan that best suits your personal needs.

If you hike 2.5 miles per hour, without injury, you should finish the challenge by 8:30 p.m. Keep in mind that this does not include time for breaks, food, and rest along your journey. Sunset is around 8:30PM on this day, so you have 13.5 hours to complete the challenge.

For runners of the 50-miler, we typically enforce a 15 minute/mile cutoff for running times due to logistics of aid stations.

 

Challenge Day Preparation
Every person is different, so we cannot tell you what does and does not work. You should consider wearing a hydration pack or bring a large water bottle or two with you on the trail. Aid/Fuel stations will only be available every 5-6.5 miles. Also, make sure that you are wearing comfortable walking or running shoes that you have already broken in. Different socks yield different results for many people, reach out to your local running store to get some information on what will help you best (bad socks result in bad blisters!). Wearing sunglasses or a hat, sunscreen, and moleskin are highly recommended.

 

Cut Off Times for 50k
*WE WILL BE ADDING CUTOFF TIMES FOR 50-MILER SOON
We will begin enforcing cut off times at Mile 13 (Dilltown). A vehicle will be available to take you back to the finish line if you encounter any issues. Please seek assistance from a volunteer along the trail if you are needing assistance before you reach the next aid station. Those not reaching the below times after Mile 13 will be marked as DNF (Did Not Finish). Those marked as DNF will not receive the finisher's woodallion.

Cut Off Times by Aid Station:
Mile 6.5 Heshbon - 9:44 a.m.
Mile 13 Dilltown - 12:44 p.m.
Mile 19 Vintondale - 3:01 p.m.
Mile 25 Nanty Glo - 5:32 p.m.
Mile 29 Beulah Road - 7:14 p.m.

By meeting these times, and without serious injury, you should be at the finish line by 8:30 p.m.!

 

2026 Cambria County Trails Series
All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Trails program, which exists to enhance and expand the Cambria County Trails. For details and to register, visit www.cambriaconservationrecreation.com/trail-events/.

May 23 - Path of the Flood Historic Races
June 20 - Ghost Town Trail Challenge
September 5 - Jim Mayer Trail 5K/10K
October 3 - Chernisky Ghost Town Trail-a-thon