Explore the best rated trails in Meadville, PA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Western Reserve Greenway and Shenango Trail . With more than 30 trails covering 365 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Great weather for November hiking! Early AM 30° but warmed to 42° with plenty of sun and blue skies. Several horses, 13 hikers, and 2 dogs today. Trail is dry and clear despite recent rain.
On a cold, blustery, cloudy, gloomy early October weekday, I ventured out on the loop with low expectations for this bike ride. In an effort to beat the rain and just get in my Pennsylvania ride to check off state #36 in my quest to bicycle all fifty states, my negativity soon changed to joy as I thoroughly enjoyed my surprisingly fun trip around the peninsula.
Trail Link states it's a 13.4 mile loop, but I managed to do 18 which shows how often I was tempted to veer off the main path to enhance my experience, views, and photo ops.
There's so much to savor as the trail meanders through woods with the beginnings of fall color, goes by a multitude of ponds and bays, sandy beaches, and delivers you to several lighthouses. What was especially fun for this Southern Californian was the contrast between the relatively calm Presque Isle Bay side of the peninsula, and the sandy beaches with its wind driven waves crashing upon the shoreline. It truly sounded and looked like one of my beloved SoCal beaches.
If you're worried about the portions of trail where you have to ride on the road, don't be. The speed limit for autos is 25 MPH, and the bike lane is often just as wide as the auto lane.
For what it's worth, Trail Link's GPS helped me out quite a few times when I made a wrong turn, was unsure where to go, or was not quite sure where I was on the loop or peninsula. Thanks Trail Link!
I'll bet this park is a beehive of activity and swarming with people in the warmer months, but I thoroughly enjoyed the seclusion and beauty the time of year and threatening weather provided for me. It was almost as though I had the whole place to myself. I'm so glad I chose this location for my Pennsylvania bike ride. All in all, this retired teacher gives Presque Isle and Karl Boyes Trail an A+.
Almost 52 miles total on an out back of all the paved trail. Great ride through some cute little towns, some corn fields and quite a lot of woods.
Is an additional probably 3 mile loop in the woods that takes you right up to the waterline.
3rd week of October, foliage was peaked. Enjoyed a lovely bike ride.
The Shenango Trail is completely clear and in great shape. Hiked over 5 miles yesterday and had a great hike spotting several deer and Bald Eagles. Late afternoon is the best time for animal watching. Glimpsed several beaver on the river. Due to the dry summer all areas are passable. Bikers taking advantage of conditions. Hunters can be present; WEAR SAFETY ORANGE!
The idea of a rail trail through rail tunnels fascinated me so we made the plan to travel to ride this trail.
Started in Emlenton and headed north. Trail head parking is a bit hard to find, you drive a short distance north on what feels like you are driving on the path, a parking area is past the industrial building on the north end of town.
Beautiful ride along the river through fall colors. There are a few spots where the tree roots are pushing up but most of the trail was in good condition.
The tunnels were amazing.
First tunnel was 2500 feet and the second was 3300. Both have a slight turn near the south end so going north you are in darkness for a short time before the circle of light at the other end appears. South bound you are most of the way through before you see light glowing on the wall.
Emlenton trail head to the north end of the second tunnel was 13.9 miles, mainly up grade going north.
Many improvements have been made to this trail in the last couple of years. There are no longer any wet or muddy areas. It is now part of the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail as well.
Mid October, some pretty fall foliage but not full color. Parked at the Spillway and fed the fish, don't forget to bring (old) bread. Biked the trail back and forth a few times. Enjoyable ride!
From Bailey Road towards Conneaut Lake, Ernst Nature Trail, 4.5 miles. Surface is dirt, cinder and some gravel. They are still working on this section. From Kerrtown in Meadville to Conneaut Lake the trail total length is/will be 12 miles.
Early October 2023. This is a 2.5 mile paved, detached section of the mainline trail. Runs from Foxburg to Parker. A little bumpy. Some signs of Fall color. Trail follows the Allegheny River and crosses the Clarion River which flows into the Allegheny. Foxburg offers lodging, food, a winery and ice cream. At the Foxburg bridge is the future site of a park and trail parking. There is a canoe-kayak launch there as well.
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