By Rich Ballash in July, 2011
Indeed, a SUPERB trail. I will dispute the "flat" part, though, as I found the long climb from MIlepost 4 to at least Milepost 6 most challenging, especially when trying to outpace an impending thunderstorm! As a ferroquinologist first and foremost, I am sad to report that only one railroad artifact remains in place on this trail. The "skeleton" of a classic Erie Railroad whistlepost guards the southbound grade crossing near Milepost 2, north of Lisbon. The concrete top of the post is intact, but the bottom half of the concrete has fallen away, leaving only its steel core. Yes, I too will certainly want to return to see this trail in its autumn glory. A local resident called the golden autumn trail canopy "the cathedral." Oh, and if you like black raspberries, enjoy the wealth around that swamp just south of Leetonia! I have not seen such a bonanza anywhere else in my 725 miles of rail-trail adventures over the last four years! Look for this treat around the beginning of July. And don't worry about the spray, folks... Seriously!..I ate a TON of the things today, and have suffered no ill effects at all... Nor have I anywhere else, for that matter. And DO by all means check out the bonanza of burgers at that Steel Trolley Diner down in Lisbon, north of the trail head on US-30, the main street in Lisbon. Nice people in there, great burgers, big and juicy, with names like the Ben Roethlisburger, the Paulomolo Burger, the Beaver Creek Canal Burger, the Lincoln Highway Burger, and the one I enjoyed, the hot and fiery, what was it called, the Death Burger, or something like that? This trail occupies the old Erie Railroad's Lisbon Branch, which came down from the east-west Erie main line at Niles, Ohio, crossed the old PRR Pittsburgh-Chicago main line at Leetonia, Ohio (Trail Milepost 10), then headed south to Lisbon, Ohio (Milepost 0). The old interlocking tower at Leetonia was saved by the adjacent lumber company when it closed around 1994 The Greenway Trail is certainly one of the best I have ridden over the past four years in my general 100-mile radius (so far) around Latrobe, PA. Well-maintained, lots of port-o-potties, all asphalt, and continuous fabulous scenery along its entire length! The people of Columbiana County shoud indeed be VERY proud of this true gem of preservation and Erie Railroad heritage!
By jbford in August, 2010
My wife and I completely concur with bikin-mikes accessment of the trail. ( See his review from May, 2010).
The views are beautiful as the trail meanders along the Little Beaver Creek. We can't wait to ride this trail in the fall when the leaves turn color.
The summer ride is beautiful as the trees are green and the smells of summer abound.
This trail is perfect for those who may not be physically capable of steep climbs.
THIS TRAIL IS A VERY LEVEL TRAIL. I took elevations at each mile post between Lisbon and Leetonia.
They are as follows:
Mile 0 - 974 ft.
Mile 1 - 939 ft.
Mile 2- 899 ft.
Mile 3 - 1152 ft.
Mile 4 - 1140 ft. COLUMBIANA COUNTY IS TO BE CONGRATULATED FOR SUCH A NICE TRAIL!!!
Mile 5 - 1079 ft.
Mile 6 - 1101 ft.
Mile 7 - 960 ft.
Mile 8 - 1045 ft.
Mile 9 - 989 ft.
Mile 10 - 999 ft.
By jbford in August, 2010
My wife and I agree that this is the best trail we've biked so far. Although relatively new to biking we hve
been on many trails this summer and this one is our favorite.
The views are beautiful as the trail follows the meandering Little Beaver Creek.
It is an excellent trail for those who prefer a relatively level trail. I took elevations at each mile post and they are listed below.
Mile 0 - 974 ft.
Mile 1