PORTER TWP., Pa. (EYT) — Major flooding over the weekend in the southern Clarion County resulted in severe damage to a portion of the Redbank Valley Trail.

(Photos courtesy of Rhett Atwood of Valley Bike Shop)

According to Redbank Valley Trail Association President Sandy Mateer, a large tree, with an attached root ball, caused major damage to the trail at mile post 19.

The tree washed down Long Run, in Porter Township, and was carried into the stone arch that supported the trail over the stream, causing a part of the wall of the arch to collapse while taking a section of the trail with it.

Mateer said the stone archway was erected in 1871 and, until last weekend, had never sustained significant storm damage.

There is currently no way across the break in the trail at mile post 19; however, the trail association is currently looking into a possible detour.

“There isn’t an easy detour, but we’re looking at options,” Mateer said.

The 51-mile non-motorized trail runs along Redbank Creek in Armstrong, Clarion, and Jefferson counties.

Mateer noted they will need to have the damaged segment of the trail and the remains of the arch assessed by an engineer before deciding how to proceed.

After they have a better idea of the scope of the work, they’ll need to figure out how to pay for the repairs.

While it’s too early to know how much the repairs will cost, Mateer acknowledged that outside financial help will be needed.

“We will definitely be seeking donations,” Mateer noted.

With images of the damage spreading via social media, there are some donors already coming forward.

“There was one lady who saw the photos on Facebook who is from out of state and has never even been here before, but she felt compelled to donate,” Mateer said.

Between the damage assessment and work estimate, fundraising, and the actual work to be done, it may be some time before a permanent fix is in place.

While the damage to the trail at mile post 19 is severe, Mateer also mentioned, on a positive note, that the remainder of the trail fared very well through the storms.

“The rest of the trail held up very well during the storms thanks to the work of our volunteers who are always working to keep the drainage pipes and ditches clear,” she noted.

“You can still park at the Climax Tunnel and ride 17 miles to the Armstrong Trail or you can start in Brookville and travel 21 miles to New Bethlehem.”