New GAP signs could identify Rostraver Twp., Smithton

By CHRISTINE HAINES

chaines@yourmvi.com

The Great Allegheny Passage winds through Rostraver Township along the Youghiogheny River from Van Meter to Collinsburg, but none of the trail signs tell people they’re in the township.

That fact came to the attention of Rostraver Township commissioners recently when Smithton, across the river from the trail, asked if the township would like to join in its application for funding for trail signage at the mile marker 107 trailhead, known as Smithton Beach.

“I think we need some signage there and recognize it’s in our township,” said Commissioner John Lorenzo. “We should be recognized as a trail town. A lot of the trail goes through Rostraver Township.”

The entire Westmoreland County stretch of the trail is in Rostraver Township except for the small stretch going through West Newton. 

Leslie Pierce, business manager for the Regional Trail Corporation that oversees the trail, said it takes more than geography to be considered a trail town.

“Normally a trail town has to meet certain criteria like water and toilets and amenities,” Pierce said. “The trail does go through Rostraver Township, but there really isn’t any town. There’s nothing around.”

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