Armstrong Trail is planned to run for about 52 miles along the east side of the Allegheny River from Schenley to Upper Hillville, primarily in Armstrong County and partly in Clarion County. Spur trails are planned westward to East Brady and eastward along Red Bank Creek. The trail was acquired and dedicated in 1992. Some improvements have been made, primarily removal of old rails and installation of gates to exclude traffic. It is still an unfinished trail in 1996, suitable only for primitive uses.
Many sections are now passable.
Where the ballast has been removed the trail surface is rough. Elsewhere it's very rough. Both the Great Shamokin Path and PA85 run alongside Cowanshannock Creek, the rail-trail on the south side and the road on the north. The creek is well wooded, so aside from some road noise, the trail feels isolated. The surface is packed fine gravel, often with grass growing.