Outdoor Things to Do in Armstrong County

Armstrong Trails currently offer 52.5 miles along the eastern bank of the Allegheny River and the northern bank of the Kiskiminetas River. For a first visit, choose a short out-and-back from a river town instead of trying to cover the whole system. The trail is useful for biking, walking, running, geocaching, birding, and seeing pieces of the county's river-and-rail past.

Kittanning Riverfront Park is the easiest outdoor stop in the county seat. The park has scenic river views, winding walkways, picnic pavilions, and the John P. Murtha Amphitheatre, making it good for a short stroll even if you only have half an hour. It also works as a simple meeting point before lunch, dinner, or a longer drive south toward Ford City.

Crooked Creek Lake sits near Ford City and is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It is a good all-purpose outdoor stop because you can camp, picnic, boat, fish, or follow trails, including routes connected with the Baker Trail and interpretive paths. Families should look for the Children's Trail, while history-minded visitors can use the auto tour to learn about one-room schools, early mills, and Revolutionary War-era land grants.

Mahoning Creek Lake lies in the northern part of the county near Dayton and New Bethlehem, surrounded by steep-sided valleys and forested hills. Boating is limited to 10 horsepower and swimming is not permitted, which helps keep the lake calmer for canoeists, anglers, and small-boat users. It is especially appealing when you want a quieter, more tucked-away water day than the busier riverfront stops.

Roaring Run Trail near Apollo follows the Kiskiminetas River and also offers the Rock Furnace spur along Roaring Run. The main trail is about five miles, while the spur adds about 1.5 miles of creekside scenery and a more wooded feel. Watch for canal-era history along the route, including stone remains tied to old Lock No. 15.

Freeport is a strong southern gateway because it sits where the Allegheny River, Kiskiminetas River, and Buffalo Creek come together. The Butler-Freeport Community Trail follows a wooded rail-trail corridor from Freeport toward Butler, with an easy grade that suits casual riders and walkers. It is also a practical place to combine a short trail outing with river views, creek scenery, and a relaxed small-town stop.