Find the top rated hike trails in Franklin, whether you're looking for an easy short hike trail or a long hike trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a hike trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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The Ohio section of trail at this point is very rough, and not very scenic. The PA trailhead is well maintained, and more scenic.
While in the area, we rode the Foxburg to Parker section, we drove to nearby Emlenton and biked from there to Rockland (tunnel) and back. There is a missing link of trail between Foxburg and Emlenton that has been under development for a few years and they are getting closer but not as of yet. This entire trail section is 27.5 miles in length, flat and paved. Some rooty sections but to be expected with all the shade you will get in return. We did not ride the tunnels due to we forgot our lights. A nice day on the trail enjoying the shade and views of the Allegheny River. Trail services in Emlenton a pizza shop, ice cream shop, Dollar store and convenience store.
Everything south of Simmons road is spectacular. North of Simmons rd however has very minimal maintenance and do not recommend.
Nice ride along the lake. But a few bumps on the trail. Needs small repairs
This trail is paved and encircles Lake Wilhelm within the Maurice K. Goddard State Park. Rolling Pennsylvania terrain and plentiful shade makes this trail great fun in the hot Summer months. Stay for the day at this park and enjoy boating and kayaking, fishing, picnic areas and a children's playground. The new Marina/Snack Shop is opened having been rebuilt 2024/2025.
Franklin to Brandon and back, always an enjoyable ride on this trail. Beautiful views of the Allegheny River. Water levels are down from last month when we had so much rain. Trail gates recently painted look great!
The Brady Tunnel opened Fall 2024 following renovation. Very dark inside (due to its doors) so you need a light. Trail closure at mile marker 55 at Mahoning Creek (since April 2025) You can detour by using nearby road, road bridge and grass path to reconnect to the trail. We parked at the Redbank trailhead on Redbank Road, just past St. Marys Redbank church. This is the intersection of Redbank Tr mile 0 and the Armstrong Tr approx mile 63. Trail surface is crushed limestone. Some of it very well packed down, some of it washed away leaving nothing but packed dirt, and some of the trail is double tracked. We didn't have any trouble on our hybrids. We went South to Mahoning and turned around and up to the Brady Tunnel passing the Redbank Coaling Tower. We went though the tunnel and continued approx 5 miles through the Sarah Furnace area. We also went towards East Brady passed the Phillipston turntable. Nearest trail services are in East Brady, otherwise you're on your own. Trail mostly shaded, follows the Allegheny River. Very peaceful., scenic and historic. See photos. Our next plan is to ride another segment of the trail.
We biked from Emlenton northerly for just under an hour. Going through the tunnel was cool. Make sure you have a light. A little bumpy due to tree roots bulging the pavement but really enjoyed it. Follows the river. Saw deer and rabbits.
Evening race held every July, the dam race 5k. Runners and walkers can go across the dam. Bugs and gnats weren't too bad that evening. There definitely is an issue in Sharpsville with gnats and bugs, even in town where the plaza is as well as far away as the schools. Seems North of the dam it's not as buggy. Volunteers did mow along the last 1/2 mile of the trail in South Pymatuning Twp.
Continued rainy and hot weather has impeded some maintenance on the trail; although it is completely open for travel. Brush clearing will resume as conditions improve. Trail
Trail is completely open from Big Bend to Kidds Mill Park. Tow Path on the southern leg is clear. The Fishing Loop in the north is also clear; creating a 1.8+- loop Trail back to Kidds Mill trailhead.The
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