FULTON COUNTY, PA — The Pennsylvania Turnpike marked a milestone on Saturday with the opening of the Sideling Hill Trailhead, a first-of-its-kind project designed to link travelers, local communities, and outdoor enthusiasts to the region’s vast trail network and scenic landscapes.
Turnpike officials, joined by state and local leaders, celebrated the launch during a community day at the Sideling Hill Service Plaza. The event featured family activities, vendor booths, and a guided hike in Buchanan State Forest.
“This first-of-its-kind project shows that the Pennsylvania Turnpike is more than just a road – it’s a journey through some of the most beautiful parts of our Commonwealth,” Turnpike CEO Mark Compton said. “By creating access to a vast network of trails and offering thoughtful amenities, we’re positioning the Pennsylvania Turnpike as a key partner in driving economic growth through sustainable outdoor recreation.”
The trailhead, branded as “Your Gateway to the Alleghenies,” gives cyclists and hikers access to more than 600 miles of trails within a 25-mile radius, including the Old PA Pike Trail, which runs along 13 miles of the original Turnpike route through Bedford and Fulton counties. Amenities include a pavilion with picnic tables, bike racks, added green space, and a tree-shaped bike washing station designed by students at Forbes Road and Southern Fulton High Schools.
“Whether you’re biking, hiking or just taking a break, we envision the Sideling Hill Trailhead becoming a top destination for outdoor lovers,” said PennDOT Secretary and Turnpike Commission Chair Mike Carroll. He noted the project’s launch comes as the Turnpike prepares to celebrate its 85th anniversary.
Local students also contributed by building picnic tables through the Yellow Breeches Educational Center, a special education program focused on experiential learning.
State officials emphasized the trailhead’s role in Pennsylvania’s $19 billion outdoor recreation industry, which supports 168,000 jobs statewide. “This innovative trailhead is a wonderful gateway to connect travelers to natural resources in the area such as Buchanan State Forest,” Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. “Public lands drive tourism, support small businesses, and help make Pennsylvania a premier destination for outdoor recreation.”
The Sideling Hill project was developed alongside a $28.1 million expansion of parking facilities at the service plaza, which more than doubled truck spaces, tripled bus parking, and added passenger vehicle capacity. Future plans call for electric bike charging stations.
Jen Marsh, president of the Bedford County Development Association, called the trailhead “a fantastic asset” that will enhance quality of life and support local economic growth. “By working together, we can continue to create experiences that support our communities, attract new visitors, and strengthen our local economy,” Marsh said.
The Turnpike Commission described the new trailhead as a model for integrating transportation infrastructure with recreation and tourism to benefit both travelers and nearby communities.
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