Update

Closure between Bear Creek and Monroe is still in effect. No safe bike/ped detour. Please do not enter the closed area, safer for you and the contractor. Trail should be open early next week.

Monroe to Bear Creek closed

It is unfortunate but necessary Monroe Rd to Bear Creek is closed. The work is in a very narrow corridor, with equipment trucks backing up it is safer for all to close it completely. Sorry for an inconvenience but all this rain has not been kind to many trails including this one. Hoping to be opened back up next week.

Be neighborly

As a reminder, the Trail corridor is average 60’ wide. If you are more than 30’ from center you are trespassing on private property.
This includes creek access, (for fishing or playing in the water, people and dogs) unless you are close to a bridge, again you are trespassing.
There are a couple of landowners that own on both sides of the trail, they are able to cross the trail (either with a vehicle or ATV) to enjoy all of their land.
A camping Policy is being developed and will be limited to designated areas.
Please be respectful and DO NOT TRESPASS, let’s be good neighbors. Thank you!

UPDATE ON SERIES HIKE 1, April 7th

Hi!
Our good friend Val has offered to lead a series of group hikes along the trail. Let’s celebrate Opening Day for Trails on April 7th with a hike from Laneville to Monroe Rd. (just under four miles one way). This is a series of hikes from Freeport to Butler.
Don’t miss an opportunity to learn some of the history along the trail. With the leaves down, we will probably see things you have never noticed before.

We will be meeting at the Laneville Trailhead by the gate at 9 am.

Leashed fur Trail users are welcome. Please bring water and if there is enough interest we can have lunch at Lucy’s Riverside Cafe in Freeport.

UPDATED 3-28-18
Option 1-Hike both ways, about 8-Miles. No RSVP needed.

Option 2-Shuttle service back to your car courtesy of Workhorse Transport & Outfitter. Donation to the trail would be appreciated. RSVP needed. Please email butlerfreeporttrail@yahoo.com.

Washout workday March 24th 9-12

Continued from our last workday clearing ditches and trees. I am hoping to enough folks attend to split the crew. We will meet at the Marwood Rd Trailhead and make a decision from there. With luck we could be clearing from the power line to Cabot. Tools needed chainsaws, pruners, rakes, shovel, pole saw, gloves, eye protection and water.

EBike Policy

Use of e-bikes (or electric assist bicycles) on the Butler Freeport Community Trail
The Butler Freeport Community Trail Council suggests that Buffalo Township authorize the use of electric assist bicycles, commonly known as e-bikes, on the Butler Freeport Community Trail subject to the same rules, regulations, ordinances and laws as apply to bicycles.
The Trail Council suggests the following policy be enacted:
A person, aged 16 years and over, may operate an electric assist bicycle (commonly called an “e-bike”) on the Butler Freeport Community Trail if such electric assist bicycle meets the definition of a “pedalcycle with electric assist” as set forth in Title 75, Chapter 35 of the Pennsylvania Code (75 Pa Code § 102). Operation of a pedalcycle with electric assist shall be governed by the same rules, regulations, ordinances and laws as apply to the operation of a bicycle (pedalcycle) on the Butler Freeport Community Trail.
The Pennsylvania Code defines a “pedalcycle with electric assist” as follows: A vehicle weighing not more than 100 pounds with two or three wheels more than 11 inches in diameter, manufactured or assembled with an electric motor system rated at not more than 750 watts and equipped with operable pedals and capable of a speed not more than 20 miles per hour on a level surface when powered by the motor source only. This term does not include a device specifically designed for use by persons with disabilities.

Note: 75 Pa Code §3514 imposes the age restriction.
Passed by the Buffalo Township Board of Supervisors on March 14, 2018

Series Hike 1

Hi!
Our good friend Val has offered to lead a series of group hikes along the trail. Let’s celebrate Opening Day for Trails on April 7th with a hike from Laneville to Monroe Rd. (just under four miles one way). This is a series of hikes from Freeport to Butler.
Don’t miss an opportunity to learn some of the history along the trail. With the leaves down, we will probably see things you have never noticed before.

We will be meeting at the Laneville Trailhead by the gate at 9 am.

Leashed fur Trail users are welcome. Please bring water and if there is enough interest we can have lunch at Lucy’s Riverside Cafe in Freeport.

Washout workday

The Trail has not wintered well with all the rain and flooding we have gotten. We are holding a workday March 3rd, 8-12 and are meeting at Sheetz Drive, off Bonniebrook Rd, adjacent to Rennick Rd in Jefferson Township.

Washout workday-tools needed. Rake, shovel, pruners, chainsaw, gloves, and safety glasses. If you don’t have tools your hands will do. With the rain comes cleanup. Fixing ditches and tree cleanup.

Volunteer T-shirt’s on a first come, first serve basis.
Email butlerfreeporttrail@yahoo.com with any questions.

Last Day Hike/Bike

Last Day Hike Bike, a casual walk and ride leaving the Cabot lot at 2 pm. Our walk/ride will head south, if we are lucky we will be able to see icycles along the creek and on the hillsides. They can truly be magnificent. We will be able to see some remnants of thing that used to be. Building foundations and a dam from a sand plant. Four-legged Trail users welcome and must be leashed. Hot chocolate provided afterwards. We are so truly blessed to have the Trail right here in our backyard.

2017 Buffalo Creek Half Marathon details

Half Marathon on the Butler Freeport Community Trail — majority of the course is on a crushed limestone surface. Our gentle downhill course with a slight uphill grade near the end allows many finishers to run their personal best times. Spectacular fall foliage makes our course one of the most scenic you will experience. This popular race is limited to 1250 runners to ensure a quality event. Registration closes at 1250 runners or October 20, 2017 whichever is first.
ON-LINE REGISTRATION CLOSES AT 7:00 PM ON OCTOBER 20, 2107 if registration has not reached 1250. REGISTRATION WILL BE AVAILABLE AT UP-N-RUNNING DURING EARLY PACKET PICKUP if registration has not reached 1250.
Mail-in registrations must be postmarked no later than October 14, 2017.
$100 cash prize for entrants who set a new course record male (2013 – Nick Edinger 1:08:12.70) and female (2103 – Sara Raschiatore 1:16:58.10).
Giveaway: Technical shirts (MEN & LADIES sizes) long sleeve, Badger Brand.
Be careful choosing your size, unlike years past you will not be able to swap sizes at the finish. While registration is open you will be able to change your size choice on RunSignUp.com.
Medals are awarded to Top 3 Male and Female in the following categories: Master’s, Overall, 19 & under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69 & 70+.
Finisher medals
DISPOSABLE TIMING CHIPS
All entrants registered by October 1, 2017 are guaranteed a technical shirt.
PARKING LOCATION: Runner parking at Cabot Methodish Church, 707 Winfield Road, Cabot, PA 16023. Overflow parking Winfield Fire Dept. 194 Brose Rd., Cabot, PA 16023. No Shuttles to Start. Warm building at Start.
START LOCATION: Cabot Methodish Church, 707 Winfield Road, Cabot, PA 16023.
FINISH LINE is at 2nd Street Extension, Freeport, PA 16229, with continuous shuttle service back to Cabot Methodist Church and Winfield Firehall parking.
Map of race course can be found at http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/fullscreen/852495277/ .
COURSE CLOSES AT 12:30-THIS IS A RUNNING RACE, NO WALKERS.
The sweepers reserve the right to pull a participate for not hitting marks and realistically will not finish by 12:30.
Water stations are at miles 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, and finish line. Gatorade 5, 7 and 12. Port-o-Johns at Start, Finish and mile 3, 5 & 9.
First aid is at miles 5, 7, 9, 12 and finish line.
Ambulance service available.
Gear and belongings transported from the starting line to the finish (bags provided).
We offer a variety of food for the entrants at the finish line such as: bananas, whole wheat fig cookies, pizza, Smiley cookies as well as water and runners’ favorite hot apple cider.
PRE RACE DAY PACKET PICKUP AT UP & RUNNING, RT. 8, VALENCIA, OCTOBER 18, 19 & 20 from 10-7. Race day packet pick up at Cabot Methodist Church, 707 Winfield Road, Cabot also available.
NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION.
NO REFUNDS.
TRANSFERS RUNNER TO RUNNER (ON-LINE ONLY) – fee applies.
NO TRANSFERS AFTER OCTOBER 20, 7:00 P.M.
This event is the major fund raiser for the Butler Freeport Community Trail Council, an all-volunteer, non-profit organization.
All proceeds from this event support the maintenance, construction and promotion of the Butler Freeport Community Trail, a 21 mile rail trail.
Check out our Facebook page for the Buffalo Creek Half Marathon.
For trail and half marathon information www.butlerfreeporttrail.org