PA 9/11 National Memorial Trail Prepares for 25th Anniversary

Gov. Josh Shapiro is encouraging communities along the September 11th National Memorial Trail corridor to designate on- and off-road segments, enabling visitors to travel through Pennsylvania toward the 9/11 terrorist attacks’ three main sites.

The state wants to be prepared for the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, next year.

The national trail follows the Great Allegheny Passage into Somerset County before heading north toward Flight 93 National Memorial near Shanksville and proceeding through Johnstown, among other communities, on the way to the Washington, D.C., area and New York City.

That includes communities such as Cresson, Richland Township, Hooversville and Windber.

With the 25th anniversary of 9/11 expected to draw increased interest in the event, Shapiro said he’s directed the state Department of Transportation and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to partner with local governments to ensure specific corridors and signs are in place.

The path was designed to follow pre-existing trails, add new trail miles and on-road routes that connect Flight 93 National Memorial, the World Trade Center site and the Pentagon.

“The 9/11 National Memorial Trail passes through 25 Pennsylvania counties and 129 municipalities,” Shapiro’s office wrote in a media release. “Communities can view the trail’s path, including its route through their area, on the (September 11th National Memorial Trail) Alliance’s website at 911trail.org.”

Shapiro said the alliance has made significant progress developing the trail route, working with PennDOT to identify locations for nearly 750 signs that will aid navigation along roughly 900 miles of trail in Pennsylvania.

September 11th National Memorial Trail signs already mark some federal sections of the corridor, including paths at Flight 93 National Memorial and at Johnstown Flood National Memorial near St. Michael.

“Pennsylvania is proud to honor the heroes who ran toward danger to keep Americans safe, and remember the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001,” said Shapiro. “The 9/11 National Memorial Trail provides a meaningful way for communities across our commonwealth to connect, reflect and pay tribute. By completing this trail, we ensure that residents and visitors alike can walk, bike and explore while remembering the courage, sacrifice and resilience that defines our nation.”

The signs range in size from 18 by 12 inches to 24 by 18 inches depending on location, and they feature the September 11th National Memorial Trail logo, a bicycle symbol, and “9-11 NMT.”

The Shapiro administration is supporting this work so that signage along the full length of the trail in Pennsylvania is complete ahead of the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Some United Airlines Flight 93 family members have put their support behind the initiative.

“The September 11 National Memorial Trail represents the life my daughter, Deora, and I had – we loved spending time together in nature,” said Debby Borza, a board member of the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance.

Deora Bodley was in college in 2001, the youngest passenger aboard the ill-fated flight.

“The trail gives families like mine the opportunity to walk the path and remember our loved ones that we lost on Sept. 11, 2001, and enjoy the beauty of Pennsylvania,” Borza said.

She said her hope is the trail serves as a place for reflection and education.

“With the signs we hope to place along the path, everyone who walks, hikes, cycles or visits will be reminded of its significance and honor those we lost,” Borza said.

PennDOT has approved signage plans for several counties, and is actively developing plans for the remaining on-road sections across state-owned roads.

“Gov. Shapiro knows that trails are a huge asset to Pennsylvania’s economy and quality of life,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “I’m proud that PennDOT is helping the commonwealth commemorate its significant role in this chapter of American history.

“We are installing lasting reminders of the heroes and those we lost nearly 25 years ago,” Carroll added.

Somerset County trail officials continue working to extend their off-road trail north of Garrett to Berlin.

Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority Director Cliff Kitner said the Johnstown region’s portion of the trail follows the Jim Mayer Riverswalk Trail from Greenhouse Park to the city of Johnstown, passing the city’s firefighters’ memorial and Central Park.

That path links to the Path of the Flood Trail, which connects to Johns-town Flood National Memorial.

Kitner said some Sept. 11 signage already exists along that path, but they are awaiting further guidance from state partners on how to proceed.

Separately, Cambria County conservation officials are talking with Ehrenfeld Borough officials about improving a Path of the Flood Trail link within that borough, he added.

“And we’re working with the September 11th National Trail Alliance,” Kitner said, adding that local trail advocates are well aware of the upcoming 25th anniversary of 9/11. “We’re still navigating how the state wants us to proceed next.”