Find the top rated cross country skiing trails in Butler, whether you're looking for an easy short cross country skiing trail or a long cross country skiing trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a cross country skiing trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
We went on a pleasant, mostly cloudy day in August. Went from mile 58 to 46 and back. This section is a very nice, mostly rural/woods trail. The surface (crushed limestone) is generally good; the trail is sometimes as wide as a car lane, sometimes narrows down considerably (mostly due to the edges are not in as good shape as the middle). It does cross roads in spots, but most are not busy. I'd say 70% of it is in the shade, with some sections in the sun (but most sun sections are not long, so this would be a good trail for a hot day). Kane has a surprisingly large downtown, with quite a few restaurants (the Table 105 restaurant is quite good). The scenery is not spectacular (no dramatic waterfalls or cliffs) but beautiful woods with lots of large trees and pleasant fields. It was not very crowded when we went.
Nice community trail that links to a beautiful park for kids. Nice ride if you’re in the neighborhood.
This trail is full of curves and gentle hills. And absolute good time to ride. An electric bike with assist is recommended.
On a hot sunny Summer day you will appreciate all the shade this trail has to offer! A good percentage of the trail is well shaded by the foliage. Trail crosses over Sandy Creek numerous times on wooden bridges. Be careful though, these bridges are showing their age as boards seem to be warped and popping up along with nails/screws. Still this isn't a deal breaker! Water level in Sandy Creek is low this time of year. One short tunnel you can get away without a light. Great view from the Belmar Bridge (circa 1907) of the Allegheny River. River level low this time of year. Lowest elevation on the trail is at Fisherman's Cove, highest is at Van. If you plan it out correctly, a slight uphill gradual incline on the first part of your ride, then enjoy the coast back on the return trip. Parking off Fisherman's Cove Road, Belmar, Rockland and Van. Trail surface is asphalt paved, good condition, some bumps due to roots and mossy areas. While in the area check out Allegheny River Trail which can be accessed by steps and a ramp, under the Belmar Bridge.
We started in Franklin and used the Samuel Justus and Sandy Creek Trails to reach the western terminous of the Clarion Highlands Trail. The segment between 322 and Kline Rd is essentially a vehicle access road, but is quiet and heavily wooded. I would recommend the northern detour from Kline to Camp Hoffman Roads going east and the southern detour going west. Kline has a 185-ft elevation change up to 322, best traveled downhill to the trail! The trail between Fern Rd and Walt Kahle Rd is in a sunken, poorly-drained cut that is badly flooded, and the access from Fern Rd is a muddy mess. We did a short detour on 322. The eastern segment of the trail is mostly double-track with crushed stone, some puddles, mud, and sections of exposed railroad sub-base, that consist of transversely places slabs of rock. On our visit the grassy segment east of Station Rd was overgrown. If you like varied gravel surfaces, you will enjoy this trail (if not the detours). Wider tires with lower pressures are advised. We continued to the Rail 66 Trail using the shoulders on US-322, but there were some big hills and fast traffic involved.
Started at the end of 7 Mile road and went to Kane trail head this time. Last time went towards De Young. Both times the trail is nice and smooth, shaded most of the way, and very peaceful.
I love this trail! The elevation is constantly changing. Couple that with many curves and you have a challenging trail if you are someone who rides a bit faster than most. You will encounter steep downhills that end with a 90deg turn, or sometimes a horseshoe turn. I am 79 and find this a great trail on which to hone your skills. And yet you meet the most interesting people enjoying nature at its best. I saw a man on a unicycle just going to town on the curves. Then I saw a woman in her 90s slowly pushing a wheeled walker along. Bless her and her determination to carry on. Keep moving!
July, 2026 ride: Enjoy the shade on this trail during a hot summer day. Most of the 12ish mile loop is through wooded area of the park offering plenty of shade. Biking across the causeway is wide open and at the dam. Creek Road is mostly shaded. The paved path offers rolling Pennsylvania terrain, and a great workout. Some areas of the trail may be mossy. The trail also offers a marked and measured half-marathon course for practice. Mercer County Trails Association, Inc. holds their annual half-marathon every Spring on this trail. While in the park there are plenty of other activities including picnicking, fishing and boating. The year-old Marina offer bait, and boat rentals from kayaks to pontoon. Brand new restrooms in the marina building as well.
Did 16 from Oakdale to Burgettstown. Ate at Paradise on the Trail. Allegheny County had black topped a bunch, which is great. Fantastic trail!!
Nobody had mentioned on which end to start at, so we started in Lisbon and rode 10 miles and turned around a lot of incline this way then coming back, but both ways it was up and down. Very hot day didn’t help. Trail was shaded most parts but had lots of sun too, you have to ride on the road 1/2 mile but there’s no traffic it’s like a side street. Take water with u as no place at either end for that. Bathrooms are at each end and 1 in the middle if you need. There’s a trailhead 4 blocks from where we started with indoor plumbing if u prefer that. All in all a great workout today !
I read the reviews and it sounded perfect - mostly shaded and a beautiful loop around Lake Wilhelm. Lots of wildlife. The trail is in great condition and paved. There was a section covered in algae and a little slick. The trail is hilly - nice ups and downs - so you feel rewarded after working to get up the rolling hills and you’re equally thankful for the sections where there aren’t any hills. But for those coming from another state and used to rail trails this was challenging. I could have been slightly more prepared. I will ride this trail again. But just know it’s not a leisurely ride around the beautiful serene lake.
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