Congressman Glenn Thompson made the announcement that will complete two additional miles of the Grouse Trail.

According to a statement from Thompson’s office, the funding will enhance access to the trail system from the Dewdrop Campground and create new loop options. The total project toals $200,000 with $100,000 coming from state and local sources.

“The continued support of Congressman Thompson in securing this funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission will allow for the construction of an additional 2-mile trail segment within the Trails at Jakes Rocks system,” Jim Decker, president/CEO of the Warren County Development Association, said.

“This new trail segment will be an extension of the existing Laurel trail segment and will run between Longhouse Scenic Drive and the Allegheny Reservoir.”

Times Observer file photo The Warren County Development Association has received a $100,000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission to continue to expand the Trails at Jakes Rocks.

“As an avid outdoorsman, I am proud to continue to support the balance of conservation and recreation within the Allegheny National Forest,” Congressman Thompson said. “Jakes Rocks is much more than a local destination, and working with Warren County and the Appalachian Regional Commission, this grant will continue to help cultivate recreational tourism and its local economic benefits throughout the Pennsylvania Wilds region.”

Decker said the trail expansion will add “challenging loop-ride opportunities for trail users.”

He added: “This additional trail segment will be completed in summer 2022 and will bring the total trail mileage within the Trails at Jakes Rocks system to over 30.”

Decker explained that the trail system “continues to exceed initial projections of usership and positive impact to the region and is an excellent example of what can be accomplished through cooperation and collaboration between private, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and federal entities such as the Appalachian Regional Commission.”