I discovered this trail by accident, I think, several years ago and rode it again this year. It has a sudden ending and I did not find that much parking area at the beginning. Other than that, it is not far from the other Evans Trail and a good one.

I road the entire distance July 7th 2008. The asphalt was in great shape. A few cracks that span the width of the trail were all I saw, and they were only noticeable visually. The Eastern 1/2 is more scenic (stone cliffs like Blackhand gorge near by) than the Western, but it all travels next to an active rail system, separated by a 4 foot chain link fence. From all the rain we have been having, it had one muddy spot. I was glad to finally be able to find this trail which allows me to do about 50 miles when starting in Alexandria.

"I love this trail, especially in the late summer and fall when the goldenrod and purple joe-pye springs up toward the Longaberger golf course. (You can ride into the golf course and use the restroom, too! It's a bit of a hill.) However, there are a few places where the mud gathers after rain, sometimes as much as an inch or so in depth. Makes it a bit slick. Otherwise, in good weather, it's great!"

"The best parking for the Panhandle trail is across from the enormous Longaberger basket building. The lot is on Dayton Road and puts you in the middle of the trail. Not one of the more exciting trails, but it's smooth and well-kept."