Volunteers recently began reinstallation of a puncheon boardwalk approximately 1.25 miles from Kidds Mill trailhead. This effort opens up about 2.5 miles of trail which were previously difficult to access. Many thanks to R. Knight and B. Frazier! More boardwalk to follow in the same area.

Great ride. Very peaceful. Way to get in some exercise and some stress reduction. Many places to stop, especially along the Samuel Justus part of the trail going north to Oil City. Nice restaurants in Franklin.....Leonardo's pizza great; Benjamin's Roadhouse has nice variety also. Have not tried Trails to Ales yet, but was told it was also good. Bella Cucina is good, but for eclectic tastes. Pricey, but that's what I would expect for more upscale dining.

Living in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, my daughter and I planned on spending most of the day on Presque Isle. We enjoy both running and cycling, but I wanted to find a Trail for running, before heading up to Erie for cycling. The Ernst Bike Trail is minutes off of I-79 and is really a pleasant surprise. We started at mile 0 and ran 3 miles out and back. While it's named "Bike Trail", it is perfect for running. Very cool trail with some sunny areas along with heavily wooded and shaded areas, which was great for running. Well maintained, asphalt surface with freshly cut grass on both sides of the trail...nothing overgrown. Neat covered bridge, too!

Rail Trails are ridden for the pleasure, recreation, and enjoyment of the bike and nature. This trail, in Pennsylvania is in good condition and enjoyable. As soon as it crosses over into Ohio, it is absolutely Horrible. In fact, Horrible is too kind a word. Be warned. It is not pleasant. There are creaks, heaves, bumps that will drop your speed down to 2 -3 mph (if you stay with it). Ohio should be embarrassed. It is apparent nothing has been done since its opening in 1983. (See dedication sign at Ohio side start). From the New Castle start/ trailhead, would suggest stopping at the Ohio line approx. 7.5 miles, and turnaround. Western PA has so many trails to choose from that this will be our last visit here. Final Note: No restrooms, No port-a-johns, anywhere along entire route. Poor design again.

Hiked from Big Bend. Trail is very well maintained and thank you to the volunteers that have been working on the trail upkeep. Joe was there working on the day we were hiking.
We hiked up towards New Hamburg for 3 miles and made our turnaround for a nice 6-mile round trip hike.
Some areas were kinda buggy so you may want to hit your self with the insect repellent before you take off.
The river level was low and it was muddy looking. There is a section off to the side of the trail which is usually submerged in several feet of water was actually dry. Never have seen it that dry.
We saw one person on a mountain bike and 3 people on horses come by.
The new mile markers are great.

A week after the 40-mile ride, did a 50-mile ride. This trail is great if you'd like to get in a long ride.
Parked in Franklin and headed South thru Belmar, then Brandon, Kennerdell Tunnel and Rockland Tunnel. Biked to the South end of the Rockland Tunnel which was 22 miles from Franklin. Be sure to have a light for each tunnel as they are nearly a mile in length.
Great day for a ride. The only section not paved is the few mile detour just South of Brandon to a little before the Kennerdell Tunnel.
The detour is due to the trail ends then you have to go on a dirt road section for a few miles before returning back to the actual paved trail.
It was a weekday and the trail had few people on it but they were friendly. We stopped and talked to some along the way.
Once back in Franklin at a tripometer reading of 44, went North onto the Justus trail and back to Franklin to round the trip off to 50 miles.
Once you leave Franklin, heading South, be prepared with water and snacks because there is nothing until you would get all the way to Emlenton!

Very beautiful and peaceful trail to ride along the Allegheny River. Take a strong and bright flashlight to get through the two tunnels as you will definitely need one per person. I will definitely return from the Pittsburgh area to ride this trail again!!!

Biked this trail as an addition to the Niles Greenway trail. Seamless connection at the Trumbull and Mahoning County lines.
Great asphalt paved trail is just under 11 miles in length.
Construction still at Kirk Road. They are building a tunnel for the trail which will go under the Ohio turnpike. Follow short and well constructed trail detour.

Always great to bike on the trail in addition to the Metro Parks Bikeway which connects at the Mahoning & Trumbull County lines. Niles is approx 4 miles in length and the adjoining Metro Parks Bikeway is 11 miles. Trail starts in the city of Niles and goes through a park like area and old industrial sites. Trail in very good cared for condition.