About this Location

Facility Overview

Virginia Farms Access Point 2 is a dedicated public outdoor parking area situated in rural Black Lick Township, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15717). Nestled within the expansive Conemaugh River Lake federal lands, co-managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Pittsburgh District and leased in part to the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PAGC), this facility provides essential off-road vehicle staging for recreationists exploring the historic Virginia Farms wildlife tract. The facility is configured as an open-air, compacted gravel and stone surface lot surrounded by mature native woodland and open conservation fields.

Because it is an open-air surface area without multi-level ramps or overhead architectural structures, the lot has no vertical clearance restrictions. Drivers operating full-size pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles, high-roof recreation vans, dual-axle vehicles, or vehicles towing small utility trailers loaded with bicycles, canoes, or kayaks will find ample turning room and straightforward parking maneuvers. Drivers should note that the surface is rustic gravel without painted boundary stalls, requiring motorists to park considerately alongside previous vehicles to preserve fairway room.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Positioned along Newport Road north of Blairsville and the Conemaugh River corridor, Virginia Farms Access Point 2 serves as a gateway to rich natural habitats, historical waterways, and multi-use recreational infrastructure across Indiana and Westmoreland counties:

Conemaugh River Lake & Dam: Located a short drive west, the USACE Conemaugh Dam and Bow Ridge Recreation Area offer scenic overlooks, historic flood markers, guided engineering tours, and public picnic shelters.
West Penn Trail: Accessible nearby via local trailheads like Livermore and Westinghouse, this scenic 17-mile rail-trail follows the historic corridor of the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal and Portage Railroad, crossing majestic stone arch bridges.
Virginia Farms Wildlife & Hunting Grounds: Directly adjacent to the parking area, hundreds of acres of managed fields and wooded bottomlands provide hunting for pheasant, white-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, and small game during state-regulated seasons.
Tunnelview Historic Site: Located roughly 10 to 12 minutes downstream near Saltsburg, featuring preserved stone canal locks, an interpretive hiking path, and direct river access points for paddlecraft.
Downtown Blairsville: Situated approximately 5 miles south via PA-217 and US-22, offering local diners, fueling stations, grocery supplies, and community parks along the riverfront.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Vehicular ingress and egress are direct via Newport Road (State Route 3009), a rural two-lane paved roadway winding through Black Lick Township. Drivers approaching from US Route 22 can exit at Blairsville onto PA Route 217 North, proceed approximately 0.6 miles, turn left onto Newport Road, and follow it approximately 2.9 miles past the initial game land lots to reach the designated Virginia Farms access areas on the left. The turn-in is marked by state and federal boundary signs, leading to a level gravel approach.

Being situated in a peaceful, rural flood-control basin, public transit options such as urban light rail, rapid transit subways, or municipal fixed-route bus services do not serve this immediate countryside location. Personal motor vehicles, bicycles, and carpooling remain the primary means of reaching the trailhead. However, the lot connects smoothly to major regional highways: US Route 22 is less than 10 minutes to the south, providing direct east-west transit between Pittsburgh, Murrysville, Blairsville, and Ebensburg, while US Route 119 connects nearby toward Indiana, PA, to the north.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

Open-Air Surface Parking: Level stone-and-gravel lot accommodating cars, light trucks, and SUV rigs.
Unrestricted Overhead Clearance: No height barriers or overhead beams, ensuring compatibility with roof racks, gear baskets, and utility trailers.
Complimentary Public Access: 100% free parking with no hourly meters, permit ticketing gates, or seasonal pay stations required.
Trailhead & Hunting Direct Staging: Immediate access to public game trails, field borders, and seasonal game-stocking areas.
Tranquil Natural Environment: Low light pollution and minimal vehicle traffic, ideal for dawn or dusk outdoor recreation.

Ideal For

Hunters & Sportsmen: Convenient parking for upland bird hunters, deer hunters, and small-game enthusiasts heading into the Pennsylvania Game Commission managed tracts.
Hikers & Dog Walkers: Those seeking peaceful, less-crowded countryside paths and wildlife observation points.
Birdwatchers & Naturalists: Members of regional birding societies and wildlife photographers tracking seasonal songbird, raptor, and waterfowl migrations along the Conemaugh basin.
Bicyclists & Trail Explorers: Cyclists seeking a staging location close to connecting trail systems and quiet back-country gravel riding routes.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Before traveling to Virginia Farms Access Point 2, keep the following practical guidance in mind:

GPS & Connectivity: Cellular data signals can become spotty along low-lying portions of Newport Road and near the river basin. It is recommended to download offline navigation maps and save the GPS coordinates (40.471420, -79.311296) prior to leaving main corridors.
Seasonal Conditions: As a rural, unpaved surface lot, muddy conditions, frost heaves, or snow accumulation may occur during late autumn, winter, and early spring. Low-clearance sports cars should enter cautiously, while vehicles with standard ground clearance or all-wheel drive will navigate smoothly.
Safety & Orange Wear: Because this access point borders active public hunting areas, all visitors hiking or walking dogs during hunting seasons are strongly urged to wear fluorescent orange clothing and hats in accordance with Pennsylvania Game Commission safety guidelines.
Pack It In, Pack It Out: There are no municipal trash receptacles, restrooms, or running water at this wilderness access point. Please carry out all litter to protect local wildlife and preserve natural beauty for future visitors.