Imperial/Bald Knob
Old Stubenville Pike and "Truck Stop"

 

Directions:  Continue on what is now Ridge Road for 0.7 miles to an intersection with Old Stubenville Pike. A bridge over US 22 will be ahead of you. Turn left and drive 0.8 miles to an open area on the left where there is usually a large pile of gravel for road construction and perhaps some construction vehicles. Local birders call this the "Truck Stop". Park here and look over the large grassland. With binoculars you can see the location you just left (Toy Airport) across the rolling hills. You are standing in Allegheny County. The small pond to the left is in Washington County. Check the pond for shorebirds and waterfowl. The hilltops are good places to see Bobolink which seem to favor this site above all others in the area. In spring (March and April) there are usually flocks of Wilson's Snipe among the small pools in the shallow valley below. Sometimes the flocks can total over 30 birds. Continue a short distance to a T intersection. US 22 is to the right. You can turn right and access US 22 East to return to Pittsburgh (this is the PA 980 South/McDonald/Midway Exit). To continue the loop, turn left onto Potato Garden Run Road (which is not signed). NOTE: If time is limited you can skip Bald Knob Road, "Toy Airport", and Ridge Road and go directly to "Truck Stop". This site can be reached by continuing on US 22 West past the Imperial Exit for 3.3 miles to the PA 980 South/McDonald/Midway Exit. At the end of the exit ramp, turn left and make another immediate left onto Old Stubenville Pike and the "Truck Stop" is on the right.

 

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