Gravel trail in multiple widths. Sometimes just a few feet wide and hope no one is coming the other way and other times very wide like a 2-lane highway.
High point on the trail is midway. Not exactly sure but I am guessing Cabot.
There is no water along the trail. No where to get water close to the trail. So be prepared.
Trail is 20+ miles and runs from Butler to Freeport. The name of the trail! Maybe a few blocks from the trail in Butler there is a convenience store to get water if needed. But along the trail, NOTHING!
However there is a bike shop along the trail near Bonniebrook that sells water but they are only open a few hours on the weekend (s).
Parked at Bonniebrook and biked downhill to Butler then uphill back. This was a 9 mile round trip. Then we biked the other direction towards Freeport.
It was hot (90 degrees) and we ran out off water. Next time we take extra.
All in all a great trail to ride on. We usually frequent this one one or two times a year traveling about an hour to get to.

On 09/05/20 we rode this trail from end to end and it definitely lived up to expectations. There are several high bridges along the way which provide for some really nice views. I imagine that in a month or so when the leaves are showing their colors the views will be spectacular.

On June 30, 2020, I started in Cumberland at first light. Bike was fully loaded for a self sufficient adventure. I was on a carbon road bike with 23mm tires. There were only a couple sections where the gravel was soft an pillowy slowing me down a bit to ensure I stayed upright. The key to getting through this brief section is to keep pedaling. The more you pedal the more your bike wants to stay upright. Beyond that the the trail is very isolated in sections. At some parks/ parking lots along the route There are tool stations with air pumps. There are bathrooms along the that I thought were few and far between, perhaps due to Covid and some being removed. I was able to do 122 miles in one day fully loaded at about 13 mph, just interested to see how far I could go. I noticed most others were not moving at that speed. I made the return trip back to Cumberland the next day.

Sunday afternoon hike; 73° and sunny. A total of 19 fellow hikers and 2 horse riders enjoyed the balmy weather. Trail was dry despite recent heavy rains; the installation of drainage channels has proven successful in normally wet areas. Many kayakers and canoers on the river. Hikers from local communities; Hubbard, OH, Sharpsviile, Hermitage, and Fredonia, PA.

My kids are learning to ride their bikes and this was a safe, fun way for them to get into it. Plenty of stops with shelters om the way and beautiful scenery.

Took the family for a bike ride. It was a beautiful ride and the trail was flat enough for my 7 year old to ride too! Part of the path is paved and the other part is cinders. The kicker is Metzger’s park is connected so we went to the park to eat our picnic and then the kids played on the playground. Highly recommend this park!!

Read the trail description, the reviews, AND the West Penn Trail website. This is an awesome trail but NOT for casual riders or those not used to serious climbs and loose gravel. That said, we loved the challenges of riding it end and back from Blairsville. You must be able to push or carry your bike up several flights of wooden stairs and later climb and descent short pieces in excess of 12%. You’ll be rewarded for your efforts with many river crossings, tunnel views, and lots of amazing views. Don’t miss this trail if you’re in the area and want a challenge.

Nice long paved trail makes it great if you want to tackle a Metric Century Ride. We got in 63 miles.
Parked in Orwell and biked South to Champion and continued until it connects with the Garrett Wonders Trail. Took that into Warren.
In Warren we were able to get water at a BP Station a block off the trail.
Biked back to Orwell and had lunch at the Mexican restaurant steps away from the trail. They are very accommodating to cyclists, and we also met other cyclists having lunch as well.
After lunch headed North towards Rock Creek then back to Orwell where our cars were parked.
Trail is mostly rural except near Champion and farther South (Warren area).
There are no restrooms along the trail and/or places to get water. So do some research ahead of time. I suggest parking in the middle and this way when you pass by your car you can refill water bottles and stop for snacks from your car .
Trail is flat at fast asphalt in very good condition.

The poles between the trail are too close and too high. She clipped the pole and fell breaking her leg. Poor design but great trail. I could design a better pole in 5 minutes.