About this Location

Facility Overview

The Montour Trail Parking lot at Cecil-Henderson Road, historically known among regional outdoor enthusiasts and trail stewards as the Kurnick Trailhead (located around Mile Marker 25.6), is an open-air public trail access facility in Cecil Township near Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. This unpaved, compacted gravel-and-dirt surface lot provides direct, step-free access onto one of western Pennsylvania’s premier multi-use rail-trails. Because it is a completely open suburban-rural surface lot, there are no overhead clearance limitations, making it exceptionally friendly for high-profile vehicles, full-size pickup trucks, SUVs outfitted with roof-mounted bike carriers or rear hitch racks, and passenger vans.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Strategically situated in northeastern Washington County, this trailhead serves as a direct access point for both relaxed recreation and long-distance endurance training. Located immediately adjacent to the lot is the official Kurnick trailside campground, which offers primitive overnight camping shelters for long-distance through-hikers and bikepackers tackling the Montour Trail network. A short walk or pedal westward along the trail (less than one mile) leads visitors to the historic National Tunnel—a 623-foot curved former railroad passage that remains one of the trail system's most celebrated engineering landmarks. Venturing east brings trailgoers to Hendersonville, Henderson Park (1.3 miles), and The Tandem Connection (1.5 miles), a beloved local hub offering bicycle service, bike rentals, ice cream, and light refreshments. The major commercial and dining hub at Southpointe Business Park and Town Center is located less than a 10-minute drive to the south, featuring numerous sit-down restaurants, cafes, and business hotels.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Vehicular ingress and egress are directly off Cecil-Henderson Road (often signed locally as Cecil-Hendersonville Road), between Route 50 and Morganza Road. Drivers arriving from Interstate 79 can easily take Exit 48 (Southpointe / Hendersonville) and proceed north along Southpointe Boulevard and Morganza Road before connecting to Cecil-Henderson Road in roughly five to seven minutes. Traffic along this two-lane country road moves swiftly, so motorists should signal early and exercise caution when turning into the tree-lined driveway. While there is no direct fixed-route public bus service stopping at the rural trailhead, it serves as a crucial intermodal link for cyclists commuting between suburban residential neighborhoods and the regional commercial corridor.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

Direct, level connection to the crushed-limestone Montour Trail surface at Mile Marker 25.6.
Complimentary, open-air surface parking for approximately 20 vehicles.
No vertical height barriers, perfectly accommodating tall trucks and roof-rack bicycles.
On-site seasonal drinking fountain (active typically from mid-spring through mid-autumn).
Portable restroom facility on-site during trail season.
Adjacent Montour Trail Council maintenance pavilion and designated backcountry camping shelters.
Informational trailhead kiosk with regional trail maps and safety rules.

Ideal For

Bicyclists, distance runners, and walkers looking to explore the scenic National Tunnel and South Hills trail sections.
Bikepackers and through-hikers using the permitted Kurnick trailside camping grounds.
Families and pet owners seeking quiet, vehicle-free walking paths away from busy urban traffic.
Local outdoor sports enthusiasts transporting kayaks, road bikes, gravel bikes, or trail equipment on vehicle racks.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Parking is entirely free on a first-come, first-served basis, but spaces are limited to approximately 20 vehicles. Peak weekend mornings with pleasant spring, summer, or autumn weather can cause the lot to reach capacity quickly, so arriving before 9:00 AM or in the late afternoon is strongly recommended. The lot surface is gravel and compacted dirt, which can develop occasional ruts or puddles after prolonged rain; low-clearance vehicles should navigate entry smoothly. Overnight vehicle parking is prohibited by township regulations unless coordinated under trail council rules, and the facility closes promptly at dusk.