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Thanks for stopping by!
Picture by Victor Pilipovich

It is with heavy hearts that we report that Jim Lockschmidt passed away on April 9th. Jim was a member of The Over The Hill Gang (OTHG) for 18 years, diligently maintaining and improving the Trail. Jim was always willing to help with our events, doing whatever necessary to ensure that the public was enjoying themselves at the Poker Run and at Trail Appreciation Day. Using his mechanical knowledge and tools, Jim always had a determination to get the job done well.
After retirement, Jim was looking for something to do and Trail work was just what he needed. Jim stated, “I’m working with a great group of people, I love the outdoor work, and getting to meet people from all over the country is really interesting.” Jim enjoyed the camaraderie among the crew and socializing with them after a hard day’s work. Some of the maintenance included cutting trees to clear the Trail, repairing washouts, cutting the grass, and maintaining benches, and repairing gates. His goal was to keep the bikers and walkers happy.
Bob Hand, the organizer, and leader of the OTHG states, “Jim was one of our most dedicated volunteers. He never shied away from the most challenging jobs like repelling over the riverbank to clear trees from in front of memorial benches or taking down trees dangerously overhanging the trail. He was a proud Marine who showed his strength and dedication through all his good work.”
Jim’s wife Bonnie supported Jim in his Trail activities, and we enjoyed seeing her ride along with him on the Maintenance golf cart during our events.
The WYTC will miss Jim, his smile, friendship, humility, and thank him for his many contributions to the Trail which will be enjoyed by many for years to come.
Trail Alert: Restricted Access to Point State Park During NFL Draft
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is sharing information about temporary closures and access changes at Point State Park related to the 2026 NFL Draft Experience South.
To support event setup and ensure public safety and efficient operations, site preparation at Point State Park will begin on Monday, April 10, 2026.
https://gaptrail.org/.../restricted-access-to-point.../


The WYTC Over the Hill Gang members Jim Logan, Ralph Calcagni, and Frank Lopez grade the parking lot using Frank's grading equipment. Thanks to the Westmoreland County Parks Department and Cedar Creek Park manager, Gordon Shaler for the donation of stone for the project.
The Visitor Center in West Newton is now open M-F, 11-4. Stop in to check out our merchandise, talk to staff to get directions and learn about future events.
Checkout what is new with the Westmoreland Yough Trail Chapter. New Memorial Benches and Kiosks have been installed in the Memorial Pavilions.
Place an order at any time to remember a loved one, a favorite person or friend, or just to place a fun saying or image in the pavilion. All brick orders benefit the maintenance efforts of the Over The Hill Gang to keep our section of the trail beautiful and in great shape.
The key aspect is the project’s floor, a brick memorial funded by those who want to remember a loved one or special event. It will be a place for everyone to pause and reflect on that special person or time in their life. For as little as $100.00, each brick can include the names, statement, and graphic of your choosing. A gift that will honor something meaningful to you and keep on giving through your support of one of best trails in Western Pennsylvania.
A special thanks to those who purchased benches and bricks.
New Pavilion across from the West Newton Visitor Center with benches and bricks.
In order to maintain the safety of trail users the Regional Trail Corporation, the non-profit organization that owns the property of the Great Allegheny Passage in Allegheny, Westmoreland, and Fayette County, PA, has revised its Mobility Device Policy. The primary purpose of the revision is to set rules for eBike operation. It is an effort to stop the use of throttle only riding of eBikes while allowing pedal assist eBike riding that is important to many trail riders.
Your membership is important to maintaining our section of the GAP for future generations.
Join Us - Or Renew Your Membership. Use our new membership on-line application.
Of course, the WYTC will still accept a check which you will need to mail to complete your membership; however, paying online is the preferred method. We no longer accept paper applications.
The WYTC appreciates your membership as it helps to cover the costs of maintaining the Great Allegheny Passage that passes through Westmoreland County, 10.5 miles.
Meetings are held at 7 pm on the third Monday of each month at the Visitor's Center, West Newton Station, located at 111 Collinsburg Road, West Newton, PA 15089.
Consider buying that special birthday, Christmas or special event gift by visiting the Visitor's Center in West Newton!
Attend monthly meetings, held every third Monday of the month, 7 pm, West Newton Station.
To Volunteer contact wytcnews@hotmail.com
P.O. Box 242, West Newton, Pennsylvania 15089, United States
Open today | 11:00 am – 04:00 pm |
The VisitorCenter is open M-F 11-4
Email us your pictures and story along the GAP-Westmoreland County section.
We love hearing from Trail users! We are happy to post pictures and a brief description of your excursion. Please feel free to give us your first name (optional) and beginning and ending destinations. We will post the information on our web site
Contact: Donna Morrison, Web Administrator
Westmoreland Yough Trail Chapter
P.O.Box 242, West Newton, Pennsylvania 15089 United States
Questions: wytcinfo@bikewytc.org
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