Jun 01 More than Miles: The Rachel Carson Trail Conservancy
Trails are natural connectors. They span physical distance, of course, but they also bind communities and individuals by creating a shared desire to connect with the natural world. Since its inception in 1992, the Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy (RCTC) has worked to construct and maintain public trail system across Western Pennsylvania aimed at doing just that: connecting communities and trail users to each other and the natural beauty of this area. While the land and its protection is integral to this process, the Conservancy’s work is much more than just the miles of trail. It’s the fabric of volunteers, trail users, stewards, and other individuals, all coming together to form a community around these spaces.
The Rachel Carson Trail, which traces its roots to 1975, has always existed to build connections between and among the Allegheny County Parks. An early map of the trail, seen here, shows that Harrison Hills, Hartwood Acres, and North Park have all been—and remain—integral waypoints along the trail’s route. In those parks, trail users can enjoy the improvements undertaken by entities like the Allegheny County Parks Foundation, thus making the RCTC and the Allegheny County Parks Foundation natural partners in ensuring the continued preservation of these wild spaces in Western Pennsylvania’s most populous county.
Building community, too, has been and continues to be central to the RCTC mission. Signature events like the annual Rachel Carson Trail Challenge, in which participants hike the entire 37 miles of the trail in one day, or the grueling Baker Trail UltraChallenge, a 50-mile ultramarathon, serve as unique events that bring outdoor enthusiasts from the region and the country together to test themselves and take in the natural beauty that western Pennsylvania has to offer. Beyond those flagship events, the RCTC also hosts frequent hikes and other educational programs on its trails throughout the year, all aimed at getting more people out in nature.
The fabric supporting the Conservancy’s work is equally robust. Volunteers not only help to maintain the trails that make up the RCTC, but they help put on events, attend community meetings, and spread the word to get out and use the trails. Landowners, too, graciously allow trail users access to their property and very much form the backbone of the RCTC trail system and the connections it builds.
All this past and present work ensures that the future is bright. Through the Many Trails, One Community initiative, the Conservancy aims to expand its existing trail network to reach a broader and more diverse group of Western Pennsylvania residents who can experience the wonders of nature that lie hidden in plain sight on the ever-growing network of trails in the region. Highlights of those efforts include creating seamless trail connections between the Rachel Carson Trail, Hartwood Acres Park, Beechwood Farms, the Allegheny River and ultimately into the City of Pittsburgh’s Highland Park; connecting the Rachel Carson and Baker Trails through Harrison, South Buffalo, and Allegheny Townships; and further improvements on Conservancy-owned land in the Agan Park area along Riddle Run in Springdale.
Such connections are only possible through partnerships with organizations like the Allegheny County Parks Foundation. The two entities share a history and mission of connecting communities to our beloved parks. They also share the ongoing work of maintaining and growing the communities who use and enjoy our parks and trails. And they both envision a future in which more people can enjoy the trails and open spaces here in Western Pennsylvania and beyond.
The Parks Foundation Takes on the Rachel Carson Trail
The Rachel Carson Trail Challenge is more than a physical journey, it is a powerful connection between people, perseverance and nature. The trail itself links Harrison Hills Park and North Park, but the experience connects something even deeper: the personal stories of those who take it on.
To highlight that connection, we’re sharing three members of our Parks Foundation family whose lives have been touched by the Trail Challenge, each at a different point in their journey.
Joey-Linn Ulrich: A Challenge Completed
Our Executive Director, Joey-Linn Ulrich, completed the Rachel Carson Trail Challenge alongside friends, drawn in by both the personal challenge and a way to deepen her connection to the region’s park system.
What inspired you to take on the Rachel Carson Trail Challenge?
I had hiked sections of the Rachel Carson before and was always intrigued by the Challenge. I recruited a friend to join me, and thankfully she agreed! 2015 turned out to be one of the wettest years on record for the Challenge and one of the longest, as the organizers had to reroute parts of the course the morning of the event due to the weather conditions. The mission of the organization has always been very close to my heart, so participating in the Challenge felt like a meaningful way to support such a wonderful cause and organization.
What did completing it mean to you?
Completing the Challenge meant a great deal to me, especially after learning just how difficult that particular year had been. Training every weekend through the winter and spring taught me a lot about perseverance which was something I could apply to lots of different parts of my life. The atmosphere throughout the event was incredibly supportive, from the staff and volunteers and fellow participants. It was certainly tough, but overall it was an incredibly rewarding experience.
Mike Tomera: Taking on the Challenge
This June, our Board Chair will take on the Rachel Carson Trail Challenge for the first time. He joins a long tradition of participants who test themselves along this iconic route. Join us in wishing him the best of luck!
Why did you decide to take on the Challenge this year?
I’ve heard of the Challenge, but never seriously considered doing it because of the challenge of hiking 37 miles in one day. Honestly, I wouldn’t have signed up, but two of my more adventurous friends, Rachel and Paul Kress, convinced me to sign up for the lottery, and obviously we all won! Rachel and Paul convinced me to hike Half Dome with them last year, and it was an amazing experience, and I can’t wait for the RCT in a few weeks.
What are you most looking forward to — and most nervous about?
I think the RCT is a great way to highlight the green space we have in Allegheny County, and it spotlights two of the nine County parks, North Park and Harrison Hills. It is amazing that the trail is able to weave in and out of some very populated areas and skirt around Rt 910, the turnpike and Rt 28. Given my role as the board chair of ACPF, it seemed like it’s something I should really try to do (and hopefully complete it).
In memory of Tom Armstrong: A Trail Legacy
In memory of our friend and board member Tom Armstrong, whose presence and passion for the outdoors continue to be felt across our organizations and trails. Tom was an avid hiker who completed the Rachel Carson Trail Challenge fifteen times, including in 2018 when he proudly finished first in the “geezer division” and most recently at age 75 when he was the fastest at his age.
His legacy remains on the trail and within our community!
From Harrison Hills Park to North Park: Come Out to Cheer!
On June 20, 2026, the twenty-ninth annual Rachel Carson Trail Challenge will once again follow nearly the entire 37-mile Rachel Carson Trail from sunrise in North Park to sunset in Harrison Hills Park on the longest day of the year.
We encourage community members to head out along the route or gather at the finish in Harrison Hills Park to cheer on participants, offer encouragement and help carry them through the final miles. Whether it’s a wave from a roadside crossing or a cheer at the finish, that community support is a meaningful part of what makes the Challenge so special!