Expansion in Somerset County

The new 1.5-mile portion of the trail splits off from the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP Trail) (opens in new window) at the Garrett trailhead, traverses the town of Garrett, and utilizes a former CSX railroad corridor. This addition begins the Alliance's first purpose-built section of the 9/11 National Memorial Trail, an envisioned 20-mile connection from the GAP Trail to the Flight 93 National Memorial. The cost of this segment was $864,000, which includes design, engineering, permits, and construction.

The addition happened rather quickly with the help of the 2015 CSX Corporation donation of the former railroad corridor to Somerset County for future trail development. In addition, generous support for trail development came from the Federal Lands Access Program Grant, the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, and the Colcom Foundation.

The partnership of Somerset County and the 9/11 National Memorial Trail Alliance has also begun development of a second segment that continues along the CSX railroad right-of-way under the State Route 219 overpass to the town of Berlin, PA.

During this time, a trail reflection and rest area was unveiled in honor of the many contributions of Lori Brickley, the late wife of 9/11 National Memorial Trail founder, David Brickley. David founded the organization in 2002 and served as the first chairman, and Lori was the first secretary. This location overlooks Buffalo Creek, PA, and is meant to provide solace for travelers to reflect on the historical and emotional significance of the trail and to remember the fallen heroes of September 11, 2001.