Browns Run Trail is a Rails-to-Trails Project in German Township, Fayette County, PA that follows abandoned Monongahela and B & O Lines.
Some info:
Directions and Parking
There are two areas to park. The Route 21 access point is at one end of the trail. The Short Cut Road Access point is approximately 0.9 miles from the Route 21 access point end of the trail. Note, there was a porta-potty close to the parking area near Short Cut Road when we visited, but I’m not sure if it stays in that location or not.
Route 21 Access Point: Head west on Route 21 between Mclellandtown and Masontown. Just past Route 166 is a shopping plaza consisting of a grocery store, beer store, dollar store, etc. After you pass this plaza, make the first right at the sign for Browns Run Trail.
Please note, you cannot make a left turn heading east on Route 21 because there is a median on the road. Follow the road down and park at the bottom before the bridge. The trail begins on the other side of the bridge.
Short Cut Road Access Point: There are two ways to get to the parking area on Short Cut Road from Route 21. First, take 166 north (opposite Shell gas station) for 0.4 miles, make a left on Gates Road and continue 0.7 miles. Then make a left onto Short Cut Road. Proceed about 0.4 miles to the parking area near the trail.
The second option is to take the Masontown exit from Route 21 (the exit just past the shopping plaza and Route 21 trail access point heading west). Make a left onto Ronco Road and continue for 0.8 miles. Make a right on Short Cut road. Proceed about 0.3 miles to the parking area near the trail.
The Trail
I’ve seen the length of the trail described as 0.9 miles and 12 miles. At the time of our visit, we walked approximately 1.9 miles before we had to turn around at a Closed sign at Ferry Road Access Point.
It’s my impression that the project is in the works and when completed it will extend 12 miles, eventually connecting to the Sheepskin Trail in Smithfield (which is currently not completed). I very much look forward to the completion of these Rails-to-Trails projects.
This trail is flat and well maintained with a crushed stone surface which is obviously not as smooth as pavement, but considered stroller friendly in my opinion. The trail follows along a stream and offers bridge crossings, benches, a picnic area, and dog waste stations. There are also a few spur trails to access the stream with opportunities for fishing.
Clark Park
A playground was added in 2021 right along the trail in between the Route 21 Access Point and the Shortcut Road Access Point (about 0.4 miles from Shortcut Road).
This park is small but very cute and features playground equipment, swings including a baby swing and special needs swing, a pavilion with a handicap-accessible picnic table, a charcoal grill, and a little free library. Here is a closer look at the playground equipment (video made before the pavilion and other features were added).
Another addition we enjoy is storywalk where you can read a story walking from display to display thanks to German Township Supervisors and German-Masontown Public Library. We noticed the end of the story is located near the entrance near 21, so the story must start on the opposite side of the trail.
Browns Run Trail is a really nice little area to explore year-round. It’s a great area to take a walk, go for a run, or ride bikes. There are also geocaches here and there along the trail. The trail offers desirable shade in the summer heat. And after a nice snowfall, the area is a true winter wonderland.
You can find more information on the Browns Run Trail’s website and on the German Township website, including an informational brochure.
Here is a breakdown of our walk at Browns Run Trail for reference. I hope you go and enjoy this area. Leave a comment or tag me in your adventures on Instagram (@adventureswkelly). I want to see your adventures at Browns Run Trail.
