This trail was established using the abandoned right of way of what was originally the Dunkirk, Allegheny Valley & Pittsburgh railroad built in the late 1860's and early 1870's and leased to the NYC RR soon thereafter. The NYC eventually acquired the company, later merging with the Pennsylvania RR to form the PennCentral RR. The artifact remaining at this location, giving witness to those past times, was used to warn the engineer of an approaching road crossing at grade level ( in this case Jackson Run Road ) and required that he blow the train's whistle to warn travelers on that road of the train's approach. These "Whistle Posts" were typically placed 1/4 mile from the crossing as is the case here. At the time the rail line was built, there was no highway running alongside as exists now, nor were there any streets or homes to the west other than farm buildings. The only way through North Warren in a N-S direction was what is now State Street. In the center of the hamlet you could turn west on Jackson Street and head for Sugar Grove, crossing the RR in the process.
Please do not park on the berm of route 62 to get to this cache. If you are in a car, the best and safest places to park are at the west end of Beckett Park or Lansing Sts.They can be accessed by turning off Rt 62 at Vine street and then right on Berry Street. There is also designated parking at the south end of the trail at the north end of East Street in Warren, and at the north end of the trail off North State Street for those who want more exercise.
There are muggles present along the trail at just about all times, especially in good weather, so use stealth if they present a problem. Be sure to BYOP and enjoy the trail.
Congrats to team kweb cakes for FTF!