I try to get to this trail a couple times a year, and today was the day. I always look forward to going thru Kittaning and seeing the historic county building and old train station, and always snap a few pictures on the way thru. I was happy to see someone was making a go of a business in the train station, which looked like a little flea market, with tagged merchandise sitting outside. I was prepared to check it out and parked my bike next to the trail. I took a couple photos from the grassy area by the trail before grabbing my mask and going in. Before I had a chance, an angry lady ran out of the store and told me I wasn't allowed to be there and get back on the trail and wasn't allowed to take photos. She made a threatening gesture towards me like she was going to grab my phone. I told her I was planning to check out her business, but not any more! I also informed her I'd been taking photos of this historic building for years and never bothered a soul, always stayed near the trail, and that many others using the trail have done the same, and it was unfortunate she didn't respect and appreciate being in a historic building, and I left and told her to have a lovely day. I would think a business owner would be thrilled to be on the trail and welcoming to trail users, but apparently that's not the case. So be warned when passing by the station! No photos allowed! How unfortunate for such a beautiful landmark. The junk she has sitting outside doesn't help much, either. To top it off, I got yelled at several times by folks using the trail in Kittaning when I asked them to yield and be careful with their children so they don't get hit...and I ride very cautiously when there's a lot of folks on the trail. So next time, I'm starting north of Kittaning....how unfortunate, as this could be a great trail town.

Me and my fam would definitely come back her again.

This trail is far from flat! Most sections are flat but there are a few with some gradual hills which make it a challenging workout. Parked in New Castle and pedaled to Lowellville OH and back for a nice 16 mile ride.
Well maintained since the PA surface was repaved within the past few years. However still bumpy on the OH section.

First off, I really do not like only giving 3 stars.
I started on the Butler end. Maybe the Freeport end is better. The first mile does not have the best side scenary.
The trail is flat and level with very small gravel which is good.
But the trail is rather narrow. I ran 4 miles out and only a short part is decently wide. Most areas narrow and a couple spots very narrow.
Also, as mentioned, a couple of the driveways/cross roads are washed out quite a bit that could be a safety concerns for bikers.
The trail has mile markers which is good.
The trail is a good bit shaded by trees that may help during the hot days of summer.
As I referred to at the beginning of this review I wish I could give a better rating. This is just not a very attractive trail. If that is not important to your run/walk/ride, you may enjoy the trail more than I did.
But as I always say, if you want to get some miles in, give this trail a try.
This however it may be better said if you NEED to get miles in...

Perfect... I was Lookin for a trail just like this one... One that had as much coasting as it did pedaling on good smooth pavement... Goin one way is chill and a piece a cake... Comin back... Not so much... A good leg workout but still worth it... Perfect...

I walk this trail when I can. I pick up at Bonniebrook and used to only walk to Great Belt Road but the last few times I have pushed myself but only if I am able to walk further. I have gone to Marwood and then next time I went to Winfield. I have really picked up my distance. I am at 12.4 miles roughly round trip. I love that this trail is close with multiple places to pick up.

Very nice

The Trail currently has an area near the Panhandle connector that is not rideable due to the I-576 construction. You can push your bike thru the gravel to get thru it. (I think it’s around mile 17) Also if you get off on the Panhandle connector it is torn up and rough so be careful. Just last week they added another area of the I-576 construction where there is more gravel that you have to push the bike thru. However when you are 1/2 way thru you can see the Panhandle trail and ride thru the construction road to it. There are no signs there but if you turn left you are heading toward the McDonald station then on to Oakdale. If you turn right you are heading toward Midway.

Other than a few puddles, the ride from Oakdale to MCDonald is awesome. It starts out as crushed limestone and then becomes paved. It’s also flat so once you are on the paved section it’s a great place to take kids to learn to ride or skate. From McDonald to Burgettstown there are quite a few hills so it’s a great workout.