Haunted America: The Ghosts of Blacklick Creek Valley in Pennsylvania

The state of Pennsylvania is known for many types of spirits and distinguished creepy characters simply due to its deep and rich history that spans for centuries. These past departed residents loved living here so much that they have refused to admit that they are now a part of the deep rich soil that they once stood on as part of the living. Each county has a list of sorted tales of their own, and some cross barriers that include two whole counties. The haunted tale that I am about to share with you is one such legend that includes both Indiana and Cambria counties.

The Blacklick creek valley is not only located in one of the most beautiful parts of Pennsylvania it is also home to one of the most haunted. Spanning a total area of 36 miles, the Blacklick valley natural area rail trail runs along disused railroad tracks, and rests along abandoned blast furnaces, and several ghost towns. The trail is now a popular location for bicyclists, hikers and fitness buffs. In fact residents have reported hearing what sounds like a ghost train running where the tracks were once located. Disappearing entities most likely linked to the railroad and blast furnaces have been spotted along the old trail and simply vanish into thin air.

Just before dark is normally when the ghost sightings start surfacing themselves to unsuspecting people walking along the trail. Hikers have also reported being pushed or the feeling of being brushed passed at various locations along the trail. Strong odors are often present in the area, but locals tend to blame it on the old holes in the ground that keep the water levels low. The locals and visitors to the area have reported seeing ghost children and apparitions of men in dirty clothes donning miner gear. The locals have grown used to theses reports and find nothing unusual about the undying legends of active spirits living in their woods.

It is also the primary hot spot where David Ritter can be found roaming around in his blackened work clothes, as Mr. Ritter was the Eliza blast furnace owner in Vintondale borough, Cambria County, PA from 1846 through 1849. And although he is actively deceased as it is rumored that he hung himself due to financial ruins, he remains under the impression that he is still very much alive. It has also been rumored that his wife ran off with his business partner.

The historical Blacklick Furnace was just two of three furnaces to be built in the growing Blacklick Creek Valley. The other furnaces were Buena Vista Furnace and Eliza Furnace. Unfortunately, the only evidence of this furnace is a historical marker and the active spirits that are found along the Access Trail, located just outside of Vintondale, PA. The hot blasting method used at the furnace injured and killed many of the miners, some were just boys. At times you can hear what sounds like miners at work with loud clanking noises off in the distance. Children can also be heard talking in low voices in the trees.

All of these historical ghost towns include coal mines filled with a rich history that just waits for visitors to rekindle what has been dead and gone for far too long. The largest of the ghost towns found along the trail is Wehrum which was established 1901, but only lasted for a mere 33 years in existence. Other ghost towns found along the scenic trail include Armerford, Bracken, Beulah, Claghorn, Dilltown, Eliza Furnace, Lackawanna No. 3, Nanty Glo, Scott Glenn, Twin Rocks and Webster. Mile signs are posted along the trail to inform visitors of how far they will have to go to the next hidden treasure.

The 1941 historical Heshbon Bridge, located just off of highway 22 on state route 259 is another popular entrance to the haunted trail. In fact the state game lands are one of the many better features to this neck of the woods. Of course everything from water gushing over the massive rocks of Blacklick creek to the spectacular wildlife stand to add to a panoramic day that can include active ghost hunting, and if one fails to find an apparition or two, at least paradise can be noted as things experienced.

Further south just a few miles from Heshbon just off of highway 22 is the area of Clyde and Buttermilk Falls. The haunted woods was once home to Fred McFeely, the grandfather of Fred Rogers of Mr. Roger's Neighborhood. The unique ecosystem boasts a rather large waterfall that is unlike any other in western Pennsylvania. The 45-ft drop is found in the heart of lush woodlands that have a host of lively spirits waiting for you to visit them. From route 22 follow Clay Pike Road to Valley Brook Road

State route 271 just off of 422 or highway 22 will lead you straight to Nanty Glo, Pennsylvania. The road that leads you into the heart of this small community has reported legends of hauntings at just about every part of the woodlands visible to man, but the most talked about spirit has to be the lady in white that is seen in various areas along the Blacklick creek trail and the road that leads to Vintondale just 5 ½ miles west of Nanty Glo on 271.

The lady in white illuminates the trees in a thick mist that mimics fog and she appears to be looking for something or someone. She stares past you with haunting and deeply soulful dark eyes, and causes severe cold spots when she appears. She has been known to tousle the hair of strangers visiting the small community and tug at their shirts, almost as if she wants them to follow her somewhere.

The Blacklick Ghost Town Trail can be accessed from various locations throughout the two counties. Routes 119, 22, 403, 271 and 422. Ebensburg is located along routes 422 and 22 serves as one of the eastern trailheads. The Nanty Glo trailhead is located along South Branch at Blacklick Creek behind the fire station, near the intersection of First and Walnut Streets. Dilltown is a popular east side access point with restrooms, picnic areas, and water located just off of 403 just to the north of Blacklick Creek.

Sources: http://www.oldindustry.org/PA_HTML/Pa_Blacklick.html

http://www.indianacountyparks.org/parks/bv/bv.html

http://marciabonta.wordpress.com/category/pennsylvania-history/

http://pittsburgh.about.com/od/halloween/a/ghosts.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Town_Trail