Black Township is a secluded, forested area in Somerset County, just south of Rockwood Borough. The township was founded in 1886, but the earliest resident was James Wilson in 1775. Shirley Carolus is the secretary of Black Township, and she’s lived in the area for 45 years. “A lot of people who live here have been here forever,” Carolus says. “My house has kept me here. It’s in the country, and it’s quiet without a lot of people around.”
The area blends natural scenery with quiet country living, and a little over 800 people call the township home. Tourists riding along the Great Allegheny Passageway Trail may stop at one of the few bed and breakfasts in the north part of town before continuing their journey. Rockwood has schools, restaurants and stores, while Black Township has more rural landscapes and solitude.
Beautiful winter art work decorate the windows downtown in Black Township.
Great Allegheny Passage Markleton Trailhead
1/2
Riding the GAP Trail or hanging out in Rockwood
Black Township’s biggest commodity is the GAP Trail, with an access point near the Casselman River. Cyclists can ride the 150-mile-long trail north to Pittsburgh or all the way south to Washington, D.C. Visitors from across the nation and beyond ride the trail, making stops along the way, like at The Gingerbread House Bed and Breakfast.
Members of Shamrock Sporting Clays visit to practice their aim or to relax at the Whiskey & Cigar Bar. The nearest park is the Rockwood Community Grove, which has a playground, wide open green spaces and covered picnic tables. Veterans from Rockwood and Black Township hang out at the Rockwood American Legion Post 279 for group activities.
Kooser State Park
Laurel Hill State Park
1/2
Bungalows and cabins with large lots and trees
Only five homes have sold in the past 12 months, so stock is often limited. Bungalows, cabins and manufactured homes range from less than $100,000 to around $375,000. Since the township is rural, homes here have septic tanks and well water systems. Most properties have at least an acre of land surrounded by towering trees. The temperature can drop below freezing during the winter, often with snow. Severe rain may cause flooding, primarily near the Casselman River. The CAP Index gives Black Township a 1 out of 10 crime score, the lowest possible score.
Stairs are common in Black Township due to the houses sitting on rolling hills.
Large houses with small lots sit off the streets in Black Township.
1/2
Local B&Bs and craft beers at Trailhead Brewing
Hoovers Outfitting and the Rockwood Trail House are some of the few businesses within Black Township. Rockwood, on the other hand, has a Dollar General and multiple restaurants. Carolus says most people go to Somerset to shop for groceries at the Walmart Supercenter or to find more restaurants.
In 2022, Bob and Hope Metzgar opened Trailhead Brewing Company in Rockwood. The brewery serves craft beers, hosts food trucks and organizes live music for visiting cyclists and regular customers. Trailhead Brewing is also popular for its Keg Race every April. The day begins with kids' activities and Music on Main, where visitors gather for music and food. “The Keg Race is a benefit event, and we donate money to the Casselman Watershed Conservation and Somerset County Recreation & Trails Association,” says Bob Metzgar. “We do an awards ceremony in the evening after the race with music and food. We really rely on our sponsors to make the event great, so we bring them in the day before the race to paint their kegs.” The painted kegs are released into the river, and the one that floats across the finish line to the waiting paddleboarders first wins.
The Summit Diner is where residents of Lincoln can find a hot breakfast.
Jar the Zero Waste is a locally owned retail shop in Somerset Township.
1/2
Learning in Rockwood Area Schools
The township is served by the Rockwood Area School District, which receives a B-minus from Niche. Rockwood Area Elementary School also gets a B-minus and feeds into Rockwood Area High School, which gets a B. Both schools share one campus and have a total of 634 students.
Heading to Main Street for parades and annual events
Rockwood is the place to go for annual events. Carolyn Romesberg, Secretary of Rockwood Borough, says there are parades and seasonal events throughout the year. Christmas on Main is an early December event with food stalls, Santa meet-and-greets and local vendors. The community shows up for the Memorial Day parade and Trunk or Treat at Rockwood Alliance Church.
Potential Fair Queen's and their fans take photos together at the Somerset County Fair.
Great family memories are made at the Somerset County Fair.
1/2
Driving to Somerset or Meyersdale
Owning a car is essential for getting around Black Township. Rockdale Road leads to Rockwood, and BicyclePA Route S runs 10 miles up to Somerset. Meyersdale is a 10-mile drive south on the Mason-Dixon Highway. Most of the churches in the township are historic structures that haven’t held services in decades, but Milford United Methodist Church has an active congregation. Rockwood Volunteer Fire Department serves the area and responds to calls in the township, but the nearest hospital is UMPC Somerset, 10 miles from the township.
Black Township is full of forest and winding roads.
Residents love eating lunch at The Chubby Chipmunk in Somerset Township.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Set in a quiet rural area, this 4-bedroom home blends classic charm with recent updates and flexible living space to fit a variety of lifestyles. A newer addition expands the layout, making it perfect for families, remote workers, or anyone seeking a bit more room. Inside, the home is warm, inviting, and full of character, with room to make it your own. Stay comfortable year-round with new
Shannon MerrbachBERKSHIRE HATHAWAY THE PREFERRED REALTY
Built in 1906 and packed with original details, this 3-bedroom, 1-bath home is waiting for someone with vision and grit. At 1,320 sq ft, the bones are here. High ceilings, original woodwork, and a classic layout-just ready to be brought back to life.Located in Black Township within the Rockwood Area School District, this home sits close to the Rockwood GAP Trailhead, offering nearby outdoor
Karyn BelardiBERKSHIRE HATHAWAY THE PREFERRED REALTY
Built in 1920, this home sits on 32 private acres, ideal for those looking to embark on a project. Featuring a durable metal roof and low-maintenance vinyl siding, the property includes three ponds and extensive green space for outdoor activities or further development. Inside, the house boasts a full walk-up attic and a walk-down basement, ready for transformation. An old smokehouse adds a
Karyn BelardiBERKSHIRE HATHAWAY THE PREFERRED REALTY
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
