Explore the Redbank Valley

Come for a visit. Explore like a local.

Plan a visit to New Bethlehem and the Redbank Valley with ideas for local attractions, outdoor recreation, dining, shopping and community events.

YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT LITTLE GETAWAY

A trail town.
A whole valley to discover.

A creekside trail town. Local art and small-town discoveries. Time to slow down and stay a little longer. Start in New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 16242, then explore the neighboring communities of southern Clarion and northern Armstrong counties.

A concise, four-page guide—generated fresh whenever opened or downloaded. Print Guide opens the PDF in a new tab; use its printer icon to print.

An aerial view of downtown New Bethlehem and the wooded hills of the Redbank Valley
New Bethlehem from above · TechReady Professionals photo archive

MAKE YOUR FIRST STOP COUNT

Welcome starts at Town Center.

Make this your first stop for local brochures, visitor guides, Redbank Valley Trail maps and local pointers. The Gallery brings local art into the same trail-side building, alongside businesses and lodging. Town Center is beside the New Bethlehem Volunteer Fire Hall and near downtown trail access.

VISITOR INFORMATION & THE GALLERY
419 Arch Street, New Bethlehem, PA 16242

724-664-4754 · [email protected]

Call ahead for visitor-information/Gallery opening times, accessibility and lodging arrangements. Lodging units may have a separate 413 Arch Street entrance; confirm with your host.

New Bethlehem Town Center's yellow-brick building and green roof, with bear sculptures beside the trail
New Bethlehem Town Center · photograph from PA Great Outdoors

Marker: Town Center's published map location. Confirm your entrance with the venue. OPEN THE FULL MAP & DIRECTIONS GUIDE

MAKE IT YOUR KIND OF VISIT

A little outdoors. A little culture. A lot to enjoy.

Pick a starting point, then let the valley set the pace.

Leafy Redbank Valley Trail at the Bostonia Spur near South Bethlehem

Take the trail, then explore the town

Walk, run or cycle beside Redbank Creek on the Redbank Valley Trail. New Bethlehem is a convenient starting point for an out-and-back outing through woodland, railroad heritage, bridges and trail-side art.

Choose a distance that suits your group. Check the operator's current alerts and surface/access guidance before setting out.

EXPLORE THE TRAIL
Local artists showing their paintings inside The Gallery at New Bethlehem Town Center

Find something made right here

Browse The Gallery at New Bethlehem Town Center for local art and creative discoveries. Pair a Gallery stop with downtown shopping and the sculptures along the trail.

Ask about current exhibitions, classes and opening times. A locally made keepsake is a lovely way to take a little of the valley home.

ARTS & CULTURE
J. C. Barnes historic stereograph showing New Bethlehem's Main Street and horse-drawn wagons

Follow the stories behind the streets

Meet the Redbank Valley Historical Society and its local history and genealogy resources at 301 Broad Street. Discover the buildings, creek and railroad connections that shaped our communities.

Arrange a Society visit in advance. Use the historical walking guide as heritage interpretation, not as a current business-hours directory.

DISCOVER LOCAL HISTORY
A summer view of Redbank Creek near the mouth of Long Run in Clarion County

Leave room for a creekside pause

Enjoy a picnic or a quiet view near Gumtown Memorial Park. For more room to play and gather, explore Redbank Valley Municipal Park's recreation, event facilities and seasonal camping.

Confirm current park activities, reservations and camping dates with the operator. Use public access areas and follow posted rules.

VISIT THE MUNICIPAL PARK
A dessert vendor displaying freshly made whoopie pies at New Bethlehem's Peanut Butter Festival

Eat local. Browse a little longer.

Make time for a meal, a sweet treat or a browse around town. Use the local directory to find dining and shopping options that fit your route and your day.

Check individual business hours, reservations, dietary options and seasonal openings directly before travel.

FIND PLACES TO EAT
An archival Peanut Butter Festival parade bringing visitors together on Broad Street in New Bethlehem

Let a local gathering shape your visit

Browse the community calendar for programs, celebrations, fundraisers and activities around the valley. The Peanut Butter Festival, arts programs and local gatherings offer reasons to return in different seasons.

Use current organizer listings for dates, admission and accessibility. A calendar entry is not a reservation or a guarantee that an event is unchanged.

SEE COMMUNITY EVENTS

LESS PLANNING. MORE EXPLORING.

Three ways to make a day of it.

Flexible suggestions, not scheduled tours. Build your day around current opening times, conditions and your group's interests.

A first visit: town, trail & a taste of the valley
  1. Start at Town Center visitor information for a map and local pointers; confirm it is open before travel.
  2. Choose a short out-and-back trail walk from designated access, at a distance comfortable for your group.
  3. Browse the Gallery or downtown shops when open, then enjoy a meal from the current local dining directory.
  4. Finish with a creekside pause or a community event that fits your visit.
Ride, refuel & linger
  1. Check the trail operator's latest alerts and select a route that suits your equipment, experience and conditions.
  2. Use designated parking and bring water, a light, repair essentials and a downloaded map.
  3. Return to New Bethlehem for food and an art or heritage stop, subject to opening times.
  4. Extend the trip with a confirmed local stay or seasonal campsite. Arrange authorized overnight parking with your host; not in the municipal lot.
A relaxed art & heritage weekend
  1. Arrange a Historical Society visit or program before you arrive.
  2. Pair the Gallery with a look at downtown architecture and the historical walking-tour resource.
  3. Choose local dining and a current community event, leaving time to browse independently owned businesses.
  4. Make day two a trail or park outing, or use the official regional guides for a wider Clarion/Armstrong or Pennsylvania Wilds excursion.
New spring foliage along the Bostonia Spur of the Redbank Valley Trail in May

Spring

Fresh-air walks and local art. Check wet trail surfaces and seasonal openings.

Sunlit summer trees reflected in Redbank Creek near Long Run

Summer

Picnics, outdoor time and community gatherings. Reserve seasonal stays ahead.

An October aerial view of New Bethlehem and the surrounding wooded hills

Autumn

Woodland color and local celebrations. Bring a layer and check weather alerts.

Snow covering New Bethlehem homes and streets in January 2026

Winter

A quieter visit, local shopping and art or history by confirmed opening. Trail outings depend on conditions.

ARRIVE READY

The practical things, in one place.

Free daytime parking in the center of town

A large municipal parking lot sits directly behind Broad Street and The Jewelry Shop, home to the Borough and Chamber office, beside New Bethlehem Town Center. Daytime parking is free for visitors, tourists and residents, with convenient walking access to downtown. There is no overnight parking in the municipal lot. Follow signs, use designated spaces and keep trail access, gates and neighboring properties clear.

MAPS & DIRECTIONS

Arrive with the right address

New Bethlehem, PA 16242 is at the junction of PA 28 and PA 66. Our Map & Directions page includes driving approaches, interactive maps and neighboring-community destinations. Enter your destination's complete street address, not just a ZIP code.

PLAN YOUR ROUTE

Check road and bridge conditions

Use current Borough notices and 511PA for closures, detours and travel conditions. Do not rely on an old route screenshot; follow signs and current routing guidance.

CHECK 511PA

Be trail-ready

Check the official trail map, current alerts and rules. Carry a light for tunnels, walk bicycles through tunnels and use caution on slippery bridges. Some ramps are steep; surfaces, access and winter conditions vary. Choose a route appropriate for your group.

LATEST TRAIL INFORMATION

Plan a comfortable visit

Ask venues about step-free entrances, restrooms, parking, pets and facilities before you travel. Pack for the forecast, carry water and download useful maps and this guide in advance. Call 911 for an emergency; this guide is not a dispatch service.

LOCAL SERVICES

Stay a little longer

Explore local lodging and rental resources, including Town Center lodging and seasonal park camping. Book directly with the provider and confirm availability, entry instructions, cancellation terms and any overnight parking arrangements.

EXPLORE PLACES TO STAY

GOOD PEOPLE. LOCAL KNOWLEDGE.

Know who to ask.

The Visitor Center helps you explore; the Chamber connects you with businesses; the Borough handles municipal questions.

Visitor information at New Bethlehem Town Center

Make this your first stop for local brochures, visitor guides, Redbank Valley Trail maps and local pointers. The Gallery brings local art into the same trail-side building, alongside businesses and lodging. Town Center is beside the New Bethlehem Volunteer Fire Hall and near downtown trail access.

Visit: 419 Arch Street, New Bethlehem, PA 16242

Sandy Mateer - Gallery / Town Center contact
724-664-4754
[email protected]

Call ahead for visitor-information/Gallery opening times, accessibility and lodging arrangements. Lodging units may have a separate 413 Arch Street entrance; confirm with your host.

Redbank Valley Chamber of Commerce

Ask about local businesses, visitor connections and community events. Its office shares space with the Borough inside The Jewelry Shop on Broad Street.

Visit: The Jewelry Shop, 309 Broad Street, Suite 2, New Bethlehem, PA 16242

Richard "Rich" McGarrity - Executive Secretary
814-275-3929
[email protected]

Call ahead to confirm office availability. Free daytime municipal parking is behind Broad Street and The Jewelry Shop; no overnight parking in the municipal lot.

New Bethlehem Borough office

Your contact for Borough information, local services and municipal questions. The walk-in office is inside The Jewelry Shop, in shared space with the Chamber.

Visit: The Jewelry Shop, 309 Broad Street, Suite 2, New Bethlehem, PA 16242
Mail: 210 Lafayette Street, New Bethlehem, PA 16242

Richard "Rich" McGarrity - Borough Secretary
814-275-2003
[email protected]

Call ahead for availability. The Broad Street address is for in-person visits; use the Lafayette Street address for Borough mail. For an emergency, call 911.

ONE VALLEY. MANY PLACES TO KNOW.

New Bethlehem is your starting point.

Our surrounding boroughs, villages and townships help make the Redbank Valley what it is. Explore the map guide for community locations and postal ZIP references.

New Bethlehem · South Bethlehem · Hawthorn · Distant · Cottage Hill · Fairmount City · Alcola · Mayport · Oak Ridge · Truittsburg · Seminole · Widnoon · Rockville · Saint Charles · Climax · Curllsville · Putneyville · Leatherwood · Shannondale · Lawsonham · Porter Township · Madison Township · Redbank Township · Mahoning Township

EXPLORE COMMUNITY MAPS

KEEP EXPLORING

Local knowledge. Wider adventures.

Start with the valley, then use trusted regional guides for a longer trip. Regional destinations are not all in downtown New Bethlehem.

Redbank Valley travel brochure

A local background guide from Redbank Renaissance. Older editions may contain former businesses or dated details; confirm current operations directly.

New Bethlehem Town Center

Visitor information, the Gallery and local connections beside downtown trail access. Call ahead for opening and accessibility details.

PA Great Outdoors

Broader regional travel inspiration. Check each destination's location, current opening and travel requirements.

Pennsylvania Wilds

Wider regional landscapes, outdoor experiences, locally made goods and responsible travel ideas.

Take the valley with you.

Keep useful addresses, trip ideas and planning links together in four concise pages. Every download uses the current published guide information.

Photographs & credits
  • Town Center exterior: PA Great Outdoors, The Gallery at New Bethlehem Town Center. Source
  • Gallery painting workshop: Discover Clarion County / The Gallery at New Bethlehem Town Center. Source
  • Bostonia Spur trail / Spring: Hamaxides, May 12, 2018. Displayed with layout cropping. Source · CC BY-SA 4.0
  • Redbank Creek near Long Run / Summer: Americaneditor23, June 28, 2020. Resized; displayed with layout cropping. This view is not Gumtown Park. Source · CC BY-SA 4.0
  • Historic Main Street stereograph: J. C. Barnes, public domain. From the RedbankValley.org history archive. Source
  • Downtown aerial, autumn, winter and festival photographs: TechReady Professionals / RedbankValley.org / Redbank Valley Chamber of Commerce photo archives. Festival photographs illustrate local experiences and do not advertise a current scheduled event. Source

Guide content reviewed 2026-10-29. Official-source links last checked November 11, 2026. Daily automated checks monitor source availability and flag changes for review; they do not guarantee current hours, bookings or every contact fact. Confirm details directly before travel. REPORT A CORRECTION