The Bedford Heritage Trail is the first phase of plan to link the Bedford Springs Resort, Ft. Bedford Park, and Old Bedford Village with a pedestrian/bicycle oriented trail.  We expect this linkage to assist all three locales. While we work out the details of ownership, funding, design and construction of the larger project, the Bedford Heritage Trail invites visitors to explore historic buildings and places in the downtown Bedford area either by walking or biking a 1.3 mile loop. The trail will use the Ft. Bedford flag emblem on signs and sidewalk markings for visitors to follow.

We have added four large bicycle racks at key points in the downtown area. We will place six smaller racks near stores on Juliana, Richard and Pitt streets in the spring of 2009.  These racks, funded by an REI grant, will facilitate those who wish to use the trail and those who wish to bike downtown to shop, eat, or visit a bank, hair salon, or other service business.

Two grants and $1,000 anonymous donation have enabled this project to begin. One grant is from REI; the second from Community Connections 250. A third grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will help make the Ft. Bedford Park section of the trail handicapped accessible by the summer of 2009.

The DBI Heritage Committee is working toward their goal of reconstructing the fort at its original location near the Richard Street Bridge. We have applied for and received a $15,000. grant to help defray some of the cost and plan to apply for more money as the project moves along.

Phase one of DBI's streetscape project is complete. This included 21 lightposts to help light the way into downtown Bedford. The design for phase two has been started with construction projected to start in 2010. Phase two will include new sidewalks, more lighting, and signage.

For a downloadable Streetscape Flyer, click here.