Ernst Bike Trail :
Pennsylvania
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Description:
This trail crosses through a rich array of natural habitats.It is named for Calvin Ernst, who owned the Meadville-Linesville Railroad corridor and donated it to French Creek Recreational Trails in 1996 for trail development.
Constructed from 1880 to 1892, the rail line changed ownership in 1891 and closed in 1934 due to increased automobile use. Traversing terrain with imprints of Ice Age glaciations, the trail follows the lush bottomlands of French Creek Valley, the state's most biologically diverse body of water. From the creek the trail passes through meadow and marsh, hardwood stands and hemlock thickets.
There are plans to extend the trail to to Conneaut Lake and Bicentennial Park. The new segment will run along Conneaut Marsh, a stopping point for migrating waterfowl and home to bald eagles.
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Parking & Trail Access:
Route 322 trailhead: From Interstate 79, take exit 147 (Route 322 and 6) and head East for approx .75 miles and the trailhead will be marked on your right. Pay close attention to the signs as this is a busy commercial area and the trailhead sign can easily seem hidden amongst the big box store signs.
Route 19 trailhead: From Interstate 79, take exit 147 (Route 322 and 6) and head West for approx. 1 mile and then take a left onto Route 19. Follow south for close to 1.75 miles and the trailhead will be marked on the left.
This trail is wheelchair accessible.

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Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
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Great Trail for a Grandma
By donnakcupp on July 24, 2010
I really don't have a lot of experience on too many trails yet, but I've found at age 54 and being 100 pounds overweight that I can cycle and I love it. My husband and I rode on the trail yesterday even though the temperature was 90 degrees and humid. The trail goes through many shady areas some of which are densely forested resulting in a cooler temperature. The scenery was great. I loved seeing French Creek and there are places to rest. This Granny can do 10 miles you bet!
Just some info
By Debra Frawley on September 03, 2009
The trail is an "out-and-back" one, with access near the midpoint of the trail on the Mercer Pike south of Meadville. With its crushed cinder surface it is well suited for most bicycles.
Good Views
By Rick Fischer on January 05, 2004
"We bike the trail weekly and while it's a short trail, it does offer a great view of French creek and lots of wildlife."
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