Find the top rated trails in Weirton, whether you're looking an easy walking path or a long bike trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Situated in downtown Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, the asphalt trail runs through a park setting on the former Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad close to the Beaver River and ending near the rugby fields ...
The Berlin Lake Trail lies mid-way between Cleveland and Pittsburgh in Deerfield Township of Portage County. The 2-mile crushed limestone rail-trail crosses Berlin Lake, traveling through wooded areas ...
The Brooke Pioneer Trail follows the east bank of the Ohio River between Wellsburg and the Brooke–Ohio County line at Short Creek. Here the Brooke Pioneer Trail continues into Ohio County as the Wheeling ...
Built in 1871 to transport the region's high-quality limestone to support Pittsburgh's growing steel industry, the Butler-Freeport line was the first railroad in Butler County. After a two-day celebration ...
Built in 1871 to transport the region's high-quality limestone to support Pittsburgh's growing steel industry, the Butler-Freeport line was the first railroad in Butler County. After a two-day celebration ...
A short, but sweet, unassuming trail which runs on former trolley right-of-way while flanked by Clearview Avenue above and Crafton Boulevard below. Provides a traffic-free alternative to busy Crafton Boulevard/PA ...
The Conotton Creek Trail is 11.4 miles of scenic serenity in northeast Ohio. The trail models rustic beauty, and its careworn pavement covers a flat, straight route. Several particularly rough spots may ...
Now the longest rail-trail east of the Mississippi River, the 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) spans two states in its course along great rivers and across mountain passes. Running from Pittsburgh, ...
The Little Beaver Creek Greenway Trail runs parallel to the Middle Fork of the Little Beaver Creek and has many beautiful and interesting features, including glacial outwashes, upland fields, mature ravine ...
The well-designed MetroParks Bikeway between Canfield Township and Austintown is an 11-mile paved corridor that passes through both suburbs and countryside in northeastern Ohio. Traveling north from the ...
The Montour Trail follows a portion of the old Montour Railroad, which was built between 1877 and 1914 to link the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad with the region's many coal mines. Forming a semi-circle ...
The Airport Connector is a spur off the impressive Montour Trail that circles the western outskirts of Pittsburgh. The paved pathway begins just off the extended-term parking lot on the western end of ...
Moraine State Park features a nearly seven mile bike trail, which follows the north shore of Lake Arthur. Along the way, you'll enjoy beautiful scenery, especially during the fall as trees line the lake ...
Though only 2.5 miles, the National Road Bikeway features an impressive below-grade tunnel, which was built in 1902. The narrow tunnel is 532 feet long and is lighted but still gives you the impression ...
_139246_sc.jpg)
Ohio's Nickel Plate Trail runs for 2.5 miles from 5th Street near Ravenna Avenue (Metzger Park) to Swallen Avenue south of town. The wooded corridor follow an old railroad right-of-way through parks, suburban ...
As closely as possible, the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail follows a historic canal where mules once pulled boats from 1827 to 1913. Currently, 81 miles of the trail are complete from Cleveland south ...
Don't let the Panhandle Passage Trail's small stature fool you, it is just the start of an incredible adventure that awaits you in Tuscarawas County and one that you will remember for years to come. At ...
The Stark Electric Railway Trail runs on a former interurban rail line that linked Canton and Salem via Louisville, Alliance and Sebring from 1902 to 1939. The company was nicknamed the ‘Bachelor Railroad’ ...
Constructed in 1983 with the help of donations from the Stavich Family and local individuals, the Stavich Trail is unusual in several ways. First, unlike most rail-trails, it was built on an interurban ...
The Three Rivers Heritage Trail evolved from five separate trails and today comprises several unique sections. Most of these segments are riverfront trails along both banks of the three rivers that form ...
The Tredway Trail's full name is the Wynn and Clara Tredway River Trail, a 2.5-mile run on the eastern side of the Allegheny River just north of New Kensington. The trail is included in an initiative called ...
The Wellsburg Yankee Trail is a short, paved rail-trail that spans the entire length of Wellsburg, a small city on the Ohio River in West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle. The community trail runs through ...
The Wheeling Heritage Trails running on the former B&O line are known locally as two trails that connect in downtown Wheeling: the Ohio River Trail and the Wheeling Creek Trail. The route is flat and paved, ...
One of Pennsylvania's rail-with-trails, where trains and trail users share a corridor, the Arboretum Trail is a lovely landscaped trail through downtown Oakmont. The rail corridor has a dramatic history ...
Situated in downtown Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, the asphalt trail runs through a park setting on the former Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad close to the Beaver River and ending near the rugby fields ...
The Berlin Lake Trail lies mid-way between Cleveland and Pittsburgh in Deerfield Township of Portage County. The 2-mile crushed limestone rail-trail crosses Berlin Lake, traveling through wooded areas ...
The Brooke Pioneer Trail follows the east bank of the Ohio River between Wellsburg and the Brooke–Ohio County line at Short Creek. Here the Brooke Pioneer Trail continues into Ohio County as the Wheeling ...
The Brooke Pioneer Trail follows the east bank of the Ohio River between Wellsburg and the Brooke–Ohio County line at Short Creek. Here the Brooke Pioneer Trail continues into Ohio County as the Wheeling ...
Built in 1871 to transport the region's high-quality limestone to support Pittsburgh's growing steel industry, the Butler-Freeport line was the first railroad in Butler County. After a two-day celebration ...
A short, but sweet, unassuming trail which runs on former trolley right-of-way while flanked by Clearview Avenue above and Crafton Boulevard below. Provides a traffic-free alternative to busy Crafton Boulevard/PA ...
The Conotton Creek Trail is 11.4 miles of scenic serenity in northeast Ohio. The trail models rustic beauty, and its careworn pavement covers a flat, straight route. Several particularly rough spots may ...
Now the longest rail-trail east of the Mississippi River, the 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) spans two states in its course along great rivers and across mountain passes. Running from Pittsburgh, ...
About 60 miles south of Pittsburgh, the beautiful Greene River Trail parallels the Monongahela River as it winds through the coal mining region of Greene County. Conrail originally used the rail corridor ...
The Little Beaver Creek Greenway Trail runs parallel to the Middle Fork of the Little Beaver Creek and has many beautiful and interesting features, including glacial outwashes, upland fields, mature ravine ...
The well-designed MetroParks Bikeway between Canfield Township and Austintown is an 11-mile paved corridor that passes through both suburbs and countryside in northeastern Ohio. Traveling north from the ...
The Montour Trail follows a portion of the old Montour Railroad, which was built between 1877 and 1914 to link the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad with the region's many coal mines. Forming a semi-circle ...
The Airport Connector is a spur off the impressive Montour Trail that circles the western outskirts of Pittsburgh. The paved pathway begins just off the extended-term parking lot on the western end of ...
Moraine State Park features a nearly seven mile bike trail, which follows the north shore of Lake Arthur. Along the way, you'll enjoy beautiful scenery, especially during the fall as trees line the lake ...
Though only 2.5 miles, the National Road Bikeway features an impressive below-grade tunnel, which was built in 1902. The narrow tunnel is 532 feet long and is lighted but still gives you the impression ...
Ohio's Nickel Plate Trail runs for 2.5 miles from 5th Street near Ravenna Avenue (Metzger Park) to Swallen Avenue south of town. The wooded corridor follow an old railroad right-of-way through parks, suburban ...
The Harmony Trail in the North Hills is a work in progress, managed by volunteers with the Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy. As of August 2011, about 1 mile of a proposed 4.3 miles of abandoned rail corridor ...
As closely as possible, the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail follows a historic canal where mules once pulled boats from 1827 to 1913. Currently, 81 miles of the trail are complete from Cleveland south ...
Don't let the Panhandle Passage Trail's small stature fool you, it is just the start of an incredible adventure that awaits you in Tuscarawas County and one that you will remember for years to come. At ...
The Panhandle Trail is another jewel in the Pittsburgh metro area trail system. A Conrail line, known as the Panhandle Railroad, once connected Pittsburgh to Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis on this route. ...
The Stark Electric Railway Trail runs on a former interurban rail line that linked Canton and Salem via Louisville, Alliance and Sebring from 1902 to 1939. The company was nicknamed the ‘Bachelor Railroad’ ...
Constructed in 1983 with the help of donations from the Stavich Family and local individuals, the Stavich Trail is unusual in several ways. First, unlike most rail-trails, it was built on an interurban ...
The Three Rivers Heritage Trail evolved from five separate trails and today comprises several unique sections. Most of these segments are riverfront trails along both banks of the three rivers that form ...
The Tredway Trail's full name is the Wynn and Clara Tredway River Trail, a 2.5-mile run on the eastern side of the Allegheny River just north of New Kensington. The trail is included in an initiative called ...
The Vestal Trail is 0.5-mile connection through town of McCandless that joins the Oakridge neighborhood to the playing fields at its eastern end. The trail is maintained by volunteers of the Rachel Carson ...
The Wellsburg Yankee Trail is a short, paved rail-trail that spans the entire length of Wellsburg, a small city on the Ohio River in West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle. The community trail runs through ...
The Wheeling Heritage Trails running on the former B&O line are known locally as two trails that connect in downtown Wheeling: the Ohio River Trail and the Wheeling Creek Trail. The route is flat and paved, ...
Zeisberger Trail and Parks group (ZTAP) is working to connect the village of Tuscarawas (Tusky) to the surrounding communities and larger regional and state recreational trails. ZTAP has already developed ...
The Zoar Valley Trail winds along the Tuscarawas River for 20 miles between the village of Schoenbrunn in the south and Fort Laurens State Memorial in Bolivar in the north. The path is mixture of rolling ...
One of Pennsylvania's rail-with-trails, where trains and trail users share a corridor, the Arboretum Trail is a lovely landscaped trail through downtown Oakmont. The rail corridor has a dramatic history ...
Situated in downtown Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, the asphalt trail runs through a park setting on the former Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad close to the Beaver River and ending near the rugby fields ...
The Berlin Lake Trail lies mid-way between Cleveland and Pittsburgh in Deerfield Township of Portage County. The 2-mile crushed limestone rail-trail crosses Berlin Lake, traveling through wooded areas ...
The Brooke Pioneer Trail follows the east bank of the Ohio River between Wellsburg and the Brooke–Ohio County line at Short Creek. Here the Brooke Pioneer Trail continues into Ohio County as the Wheeling ...
Built in 1871 to transport the region's high-quality limestone to support Pittsburgh's growing steel industry, the Butler-Freeport line was the first railroad in Butler County. After a two-day celebration ...
A short, but sweet, unassuming trail which runs on former trolley right-of-way while flanked by Clearview Avenue above and Crafton Boulevard below. Provides a traffic-free alternative to busy Crafton Boulevard/PA ...
The Conotton Creek Trail is 11.4 miles of scenic serenity in northeast Ohio. The trail models rustic beauty, and its careworn pavement covers a flat, straight route. Several particularly rough spots may ...
Now the longest rail-trail east of the Mississippi River, the 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) spans two states in its course along great rivers and across mountain passes. Running from Pittsburgh, ...
About 60 miles south of Pittsburgh, the beautiful Greene River Trail parallels the Monongahela River as it winds through the coal mining region of Greene County. Conrail originally used the rail corridor ...
The Little Beaver Creek Greenway Trail runs parallel to the Middle Fork of the Little Beaver Creek and has many beautiful and interesting features, including glacial outwashes, upland fields, mature ravine ...
The well-designed MetroParks Bikeway between Canfield Township and Austintown is an 11-mile paved corridor that passes through both suburbs and countryside in northeastern Ohio. Traveling north from the ...
The Montour Trail follows a portion of the old Montour Railroad, which was built between 1877 and 1914 to link the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad with the region's many coal mines. Forming a semi-circle ...
The Airport Connector is a spur off the impressive Montour Trail that circles the western outskirts of Pittsburgh. The paved pathway begins just off the extended-term parking lot on the western end of ...
Moraine State Park features a nearly seven mile bike trail, which follows the north shore of Lake Arthur. Along the way, you'll enjoy beautiful scenery, especially during the fall as trees line the lake ...
Though only 2.5 miles, the National Road Bikeway features an impressive below-grade tunnel, which was built in 1902. The narrow tunnel is 532 feet long and is lighted but still gives you the impression ...
Ohio's Nickel Plate Trail runs for 2.5 miles from 5th Street near Ravenna Avenue (Metzger Park) to Swallen Avenue south of town. The wooded corridor follow an old railroad right-of-way through parks, suburban ...
The Harmony Trail in the North Hills is a work in progress, managed by volunteers with the Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy. As of August 2011, about 1 mile of a proposed 4.3 miles of abandoned rail corridor ...
As closely as possible, the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail follows a historic canal where mules once pulled boats from 1827 to 1913. Currently, 81 miles of the trail are complete from Cleveland south ...
Don't let the Panhandle Passage Trail's small stature fool you, it is just the start of an incredible adventure that awaits you in Tuscarawas County and one that you will remember for years to come. At ...
The Panhandle Trail is another jewel in the Pittsburgh metro area trail system. A Conrail line, known as the Panhandle Railroad, once connected Pittsburgh to Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis on this route. ...
The Stark Electric Railway Trail runs on a former interurban rail line that linked Canton and Salem via Louisville, Alliance and Sebring from 1902 to 1939. The company was nicknamed the ‘Bachelor Railroad’ ...
Constructed in 1983 with the help of donations from the Stavich Family and local individuals, the Stavich Trail is unusual in several ways. First, unlike most rail-trails, it was built on an interurban ...
The Three Rivers Heritage Trail evolved from five separate trails and today comprises several unique sections. Most of these segments are riverfront trails along both banks of the three rivers that form ...
The Tredway Trail's full name is the Wynn and Clara Tredway River Trail, a 2.5-mile run on the eastern side of the Allegheny River just north of New Kensington. The trail is included in an initiative called ...
The Vestal Trail is 0.5-mile connection through town of McCandless that joins the Oakridge neighborhood to the playing fields at its eastern end. The trail is maintained by volunteers of the Rachel Carson ...
The Wellsburg Yankee Trail is a short, paved rail-trail that spans the entire length of Wellsburg, a small city on the Ohio River in West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle. The community trail runs through ...
The Wheeling Heritage Trails running on the former B&O line are known locally as two trails that connect in downtown Wheeling: the Ohio River Trail and the Wheeling Creek Trail. The route is flat and paved, ...
Zeisberger Trail and Parks group (ZTAP) is working to connect the village of Tuscarawas (Tusky) to the surrounding communities and larger regional and state recreational trails. ZTAP has already developed ...
The Zoar Valley Trail winds along the Tuscarawas River for 20 miles between the village of Schoenbrunn in the south and Fort Laurens State Memorial in Bolivar in the north. The path is mixture of rolling ...
We have ridden all the sections before but decided to ride it end-to-end and make a century ride out of it.
We parked a vehicle at Ft. Laurens near Bolivar and a friend drove us up to Lock 39 trailhead off Rockside Road in Independence. From there we rode north to the end of the path at Harvard Road. The route continues north with short sections of bike path intermixed with city streets but we opted to stay off the streets. Turning and heading south the bike path is paved for 6 miles until it enters the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
A couple of recent developments: The section in Akron between memorial park and Mustill Store is closed for construction of the Interceptor Tunnel (a MASSIVE sewer project). The detour is well marked but it goes up a very steep (but short) hill from N-S.
Between Exchange and Cedar in downtown Akron the path is open even though there is a signed detour but it is one lane so ride slow.
There is a new section of path to get off SR212 coming into Bolivar. You have to ride about 0.3 miles on SR212 from McConnel trailhead to reach the new path at the ballfields.
From Ft. Laurens down to SR800 the path is well graded with a fine crushed stone surface. It is narrow in many places - ranging from 3-5' wide. I would recommend riding the old bridge over the Tuscarawas River to Zoar Village (about 0.6 miles each way. Its a historic distric that was a communal village in the 1800's with many original structures.
At SR800 it is possible to pick up the Zoar Valley Trail to continue to Dover/New Philadelphia. There are bike lanes on either sides with crossing flashers which were recently installed. The Zoar Valley Trail is about 0.3 miles east of the OETP. However the trail is a loose river gravel surface better suited to hiking or mountain biking. We decided to ride a few hundred yards on this trail and turn around at the Zoarsville Station Bridge and return to our car at Ft. Laurens instead of struggling on to the Dover Dam.
A couple of other interesting things - There are lots of places to eat and more importantly get ice cream along the trail. The fruit sundae at Szalays Farm Market on Bolanz Road is my favorite. Plus several bike shops. The visitor centers and gift shops of the Cuyahoga Valley NP give you a chance to stretch your legs. I always lock my bike when its out of sight so I make it a habit to always take my lock.
This trail also passes Wastewater Treatment plants in Cleveland, Akron, Barberton, and Massillon so thats just one more bonus.
Wildlife is plentiful depending on the season. Bald Eagles, deer, turtles (sliders and snappers), woodchucks, otters, mink, beaver Canada Geese (with their fuzzlings this time of spring), ducks, great blue herons (who have a rookery off Bath Road). A few years ago semi-professional Bigfoot Hunters were setting wildlife cameras for Grassman - Ohios variation so you may get lucky with a Bigfoot spotting.
Check into the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic RR which offers a Bike Aboard service to let you and your bike ride one way for a few dollars.
Nice little walk. Not 3.4 miles as listed. Could cut the grass and little better around the workout areas, especially on the Glendale end.
Wonderful view of the Ohio River and nicely paved trail. Hubby and I walked it today from Wellsburg, 4 miles out and 4 miles back. Plenty of benches and historical markers. But, NO PORTAPOTTY OR RESTROOM!!! Kinda ruined it for me!
In 2016, it was my goal to ride the entire Great Allegheny Passage, in sections, on day trips. I live in western Pennsylvania and most of the trail is within 1.5 hours from my home. I have ridden parts of it since its earliest days in the 1980's, but until this year, never the whole trail.
I began in July by starting at Rockwood and heading for the Pinkerton tunnel. When I reached the tunnel, I took the by-pass and returned through the tunnel. It was a nice round trip of about 17.5 miles. I liked it so much that I repeated it the next day with my daughter.
The next trip again started at Rockwood, but this time I rode to Meyersdale. This ride includes the Salisbury Viaduct, the 1900 foot long, 100 foot high bridge across the Casselman River valley. I stopped in the visitor center, the restored train station, at Meyersdale for a break and then returned to Rockwood. As I recall it was a very hot day, about 90F, but most of the trail is shaded so it really wasn't uncomfortable at all. The length of this trip was as about 24 miles total.
Next trip I started at Meyersdale and headed for Frostburg. This trip takes you over the historic Bollman bridge followed by the 900 foot long Keystone Viaduct which crosses the CSX railroad and Flaugherty Creek. The trail continues through Sandpatch, Deal, and Warrens Mill eventually reaching the Eastern Continental Divide. Further on is the Big Savage Mountain tunnel. At 3300 feet, it is the longest tunnel on the trail. The tunnel opens up to a gorgeous vista of the Wills Creek valley and the mountains beyond. On a fast down hill ride comes the Mason Dixon line as you cross into Maryland, the Borden tunnel, and then Frostburg. I had a good lunch at the Trail Inn and started back for Meyersdale. On the return trip, about four or five miles short of Meyersdale, when my rear tire was punctured. It was my first flat ever on the trail. Since I had no repair kit or means to inflate my tire, I walked the rest of the way to Meyersdale and arrived at twilight. I now carry an extra tube, CO2 cartridges, and the proper tools to change a flat. This leg was about 32 miles for the round trip.
The next ride was with my brother. We started at Cumberland and rode up to Frostburg. It's a fair hill climb once you pass through the Narrows, but if you ride steady, it's not bad at all. Highlights include some great views of the mountains and valley below, and the Brush Tunnel. This section parallels the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad nearly the whole way to Frostburg, so be ready to photograph the train. Again, we had lunch at the Trail Inn. The return trip is a quick ride down hill. Total distance was about 32 miles.
The following trip started at Confluence where I headed for the Pinkerton Tunnel again. This section also includes great scenery along the Casselman River. About a half mile short of the tunnel, I came across a rattlesnake stretched across the trail sunning itself. It was a busy day on the trail and I feared that someone might ride over the critter either hurting it or worse, being bitten by it. So I stopped and shooed it off the trail with a long stick, but not before it coiled and rattled quite a bit. Eventually, it peacefully and safely left the trail. The other cyclists watching me were quite entertained. When I reached the tunnel, I again took the by-pass and returned through the tunnel. On the return leg to Confluence, I paused with some other riders in the underpass at Harnedsville to wait out a brief summer rain shower. I then continued through Confluence on to Ohiopyle. This section of the trail parallels the Youghiogheny River in Ohiopyle State Park and is like riding through a forested cathedral. This is also one of the busiest sections of the trail, probably because it is so beautiful. The trail and views of the river can't be beat. At Ohiopyle I stopped for lunch at the Falls City Restaurant and Pub where I enjoyed some great food and craft beer. If you've never been to Ohiopyle, take some time to explore. You'll like what you see and want to come back. After lunch, I returned to Confluence. Total mileage this day was about 40 miles.
My brother and I joined forces again on the following ride starting at Connelsville. From here, we rode upstream to Ohiopyle. On this trip I remember that my brother was counting the number of other cyclists we encountered. In this 17 mile stretch he counted over 120 on the trail until we were just short of Ohiopyle where the crowds made his informal census impossible. This attests to the popularity of the trail. This section is also quite scenic and again parallels the Youghiogheny River. The bridges at Ohiopyle offer wonderful views and always beg one to stop and enjoy. Lunch this day was again at Falls City Restaurant and Pub, my favorite in Ohiopyle. The return leg is mainly downhill and the total mileage was about 34 miles.
My next trip also began at Connelsville, but this time I headed downstream towards West Newton. This trip began the remainder of the trail which I had not previously explored. On this section I was impressed by the number of little villages and communities through which the trail passed, Adelaide, Dawson, Van Meter, and Smithton as well as long stretches of woodsy trail. You pass through Cedar Creek Park along the way as well. At West Newton, I had lunch at the Trailside Restaurant and Pub. Great food and beer and it's literally adjacent to the trail access parking. On the return trip I met two women who were through-riding from Pittsburgh to Washington DC. They were from New Jersey and California and on the first day of their journey. I was impressed by the numbers of through-riders I noticed on each of my rides this season. It is obvious that through-riding is becoming increasingly popular on the GAP. This leg of the trail was the longest at 50 miles roundtrip.
My brother joined me again for the next ride from West Newton to McKeesport. This ride was fairly rural with wooded areas and small communities until we reached Boston when the surroundings become interspersed with industry. We reached McKeesport near the Marina parking area. This is where the Youghiogheny River enters the Monongehela. From here we returned to West Newton for lunch at the Trailside Restaurant and Pub. Total mileage this trip was about 36 miles.
My final leg of this journey was on a beautiful sunny day in October. I started at McKeesport and headed for Point State Park in Pittsburgh. This is the most urban portion of the trail and begins with a crossing of the Monongehela River to the west bank. It passes Kennywood Park, the Waterfront, a shopping center at Homestead, and Sandcastle water park. Eventually, I crossed the the Mon again at the Hot Metal Bridge which has a great view of downtown Pittsburgh. This leads to the last portions of the trail ending around the Allegheny County Jail. From there the streets of Pittsburgh lead to the end of the GAP at the medallion near the fountain in Point State Park. On the return trip I stopped at the Hofbrauhaus, another favorite restaurant, on the Southside for an excellent lunch. I ended the ride in McKeesport where I began for a total of 32 miles on the day. My goal of riding the GAP in 2016 was complete.
I apologize for the extended dissertation, but I don't think that enough good things can be said about the Great Allegheny Passage. This is a wonderful trail full of great scenery, fun trail towns, nice people, exceptional bridges and tunnels, and adventure. I recommend that everyone should get out and enjoy it.
Went to Elm Grove to get a ride in with two of my Boy Scouts who are working towards their merit badges. Loved the ride! The road markings around WVNCC are somewhat faded and the return route by the Boury Loft project is blocked by construction equipment and debris. Overall, the trail is in good shape. Several signs were defaced and there are no mileage markers on the Elm Grove section, but it was a beautiful day with good company. Did 15.2 miles on an up-and-back route, using Elm Grove as our terminus.
I rode this section and completed the Northern most section of the Ohio to Erie Trail.
In Cleveland, the trail is mostly on busy city streets, coexisting with vehicles. Twice I tried to post the turn-by-turn pictures, but for some reason the Northern end pictures in Cleveland haven’t been accepted.
The trail was mostly scenic, until it entered Cleveland. Drew Carey might think Cleveland is the best thing since sliced bread, but the view from this trail had a lot of scrap yards, rock quarries, sewage plants, and vacant buildings with their windows broke out. In other words, a lot of urban decay. I don’t ever plan to go back.
The Ohio to Erie Trail was supposed to go to Lake Erie, the “Erie” in the name. But this trail does not actually end at Lake Erie; it ends about half a mile South on the North end of the Carter Road vertical lift bridge. I’m not going to risk riding on the busy streets of downtown Cleveland and end up like Andrew Gast-dead inside someone’s windshield. There are too many other safe trails that are not on public roadways.
When you go north of the heritage port in Wheeling, the cracks have been paved, and where there was a go around, is now done and you don't have to go around anything trying to figure out how to get back. I wouldn't go past that point before it reopened(would go to the Local grocery before turning around) due to having extra wheels.
In October due to a weird work schedule, I got on the trail at Connellsville, rode to Pittsburgh, took Amtrak to Washington, DC, then rode back via the C&O Towpath and joined the GAP again at Cumberland. Did it in six days pulling my BOB trailer the whole way.
The GAP trail is terrific. Very well-maintained, seems very popular. I encountered all sorts of people, including many riding the entire Pittsburgh to Cumberland or on to Washington route. The beginning it uphill for nearly twenty miles, but very do-able if you set your pace. The Mason Dixon line monument is wonderful, as is the tunnel nearby. Lots of great scenery and wildlife--even saw 1 porcupine and a black bear darted across the trail. I stayed at the Ramada in Cumberland (fine) and had a great Italian dinner nearby, then stayed in Meyerdale the next night before heading back into Connellsville where I stayed off the trail a bit at the Melody Motor Lodge--a throwback to another era but fine. Parked my car near the Amtrak station at the Connellsville PD--they just asked that I leave them a note with my contact info just in case. I really enjoyed the more industrial areas as well as the natural ones--McKeesport, Homestead, etc. Lots of history and beauty.
I would rate the GAP among my top four bike trails--with the Katy in MO, the Greenbrier in WV, and the shorter but beautiful VA Creeper--especially east of Damascus.
Started at the Pike Island Locks and Dam. My son and I went north and turned around where the Brooke trail veers around the old Wheeling-Pitt property. The Wheeling side was in good shape (a lot of blown garbage from the nearby roadway). On the Brooke section, plenty of benches, rest stops, and one historical section which was interesting. Well marked, Brooke side had downed trees on path (small ones). Enjoyable day, not bad on bad knees.
I live close to this one so I do it often and really like it. It is narrow at times but normally isn't crazy busy. Last few times been a lot of leaves so little to no mud or puddles. It is slightly uphill from the Freeport end for a pretty long while maybe the first 12 miles or so. It is really unnoticeable until you head back and you gain a few mphs as you are riding.
We parked at the new lot across from Fr. Marinaro Park just outside of downtown Butler. This is at mile marker 19.5
We biked to Sarver, and back.
First few miles out of Butler are an uphill climb, which is good, as it makes the return trip a breeze.
Trail is various widths some only 3' wide to 10' wide. Trail surfaces are loose limestone, packed limestone and dirt. Some sections of the trail were nothing more than a few passable ruts. Photo's posted of various trail surfaces.
Porta johns along the trail only in the Summer.
A nice trail though you will see woods and fields.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
_139246_st.jpg)
