Find the top rated atv trails in Oil City, whether you're looking for an easy short atv trail or a long atv trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a atv trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Easy path - follow the white blazes - towpath has white blaze with a blue dot. Little maintenance- but worth a visit
This was a fairly straight trail from Struthers, Ohio through Lowellville, Ohio and then on to close to New Castle, Pennsylvania. The trail follows pathway of an old electric rail line that traveled between the cities previously mentioned. I don't know if the original line was any longer than the route we traveled and I don't think that there is much chance of this trail being extended in either direction as it parallels a fairly active rail line.
This trail isn't exactly flat, but the length of climbs and the gradualness of the trails grade don't make this trail particularly difficult. I mention it simply because you find yourself comparing the elevation of the bikeway to that of the parallel active rail lines. Sometimes you find yourself looking down on the tracks, sometimes you actually find yourself several feet below them.
I rode this as an out and back on what was probably the first really hot day of the summer. Bring plenty of water, as the only source of water would be in Lowellville, Ohio at a grocery or convenience store. I did not see a source of water along the 10 miles of trail.
On the Bean's trailhead end of the trail, they are building a new section. New section is approx 6/10 of a mile which runs from Beans Automotive to under Route 322 at the entrance of the Park Avenue Plaza. This section is currently dirt and gravel. Good for walking though we did see a cyclist out on it. Bean's trailhead is located at Beans Automotive, which is on Route 322 in Meadville, across from the Park Avenue plaza. Eateries nearby as well as some stores.
We parked on side of the trail in Van. We got on the trail along Route 322. You can see where the trail would go across the road in connect (through the woods) to the Sandy Creek trail.
There isn't a designated parking lot, just pull off of the trail. The trail is in PA State Game Lands #45. We went along the trail from Van towards Shippenville.
Trail is mostly flat except a slight grade uphill from Van towards Shippenville. Surface is mostly gravel with some dirt.
It is bikeable on a mountain bike but wouldn't advise on a street bike. A wheelchair would be challenging but is doable.
We parked at the Bailey Road trailhead/parking and walked approx 2 miles on the gravel surface for 2 miles which almost takes you into the trailer park. Trail weaves through a cornfield passed a large pond. You will cross over Johnson Road and the trail continues to near the trailer park.
Tried biking this section. Due to it not being asphalt paved, and the gravel is relatively a few years old, it's kinda rough. But nice for a walk.
A section of this particular section is actually on the old railroad bed.
Cute thing to see on this gravel section is the fallen log that sticks out on the trail and it's painted to look like an alligator. Nice to see someone took the time to decorate it! (See photo submitted).
Gravel parking lot at Bailey Road has parking for approx 20-30 cars. Also offers a picnic shelter with tables.
I strongly recommend doing extensive research before attempting to locate and ride the Allegheny River Trail. Please note the following. The Sandy Creek Road off of Coal City Road is not a recommended access point for the trail. The road is washed out and is not maintained in the winter. Anything smaller than a medium sized SUV would likely return without a muffler. Also note that the Allegheny River Trail is below the big bridge where the Sandy Creek Trail crosses the Allegheny River period on a GPS altitude is not available and so it appears as though the two Trails connect. The trail is beautiful but seven miles South of the bridge at East Sandy the trail is cut off and detours into rough gravel due to an earlier washout and the property owner not wanting bikers on his land. All in all the trail is beautiful but requires research and precise navigation. It is advisable to access the Allegheny River Trail from the opposite side of the river where there is a small parking area near the Sandy Creek Trail or the Brandon Trailhead south of East Sandy. The historic railroad tunnels are best accessed from the emlenton end.
This trail is only an hour and a half away from home and it was awesome. Weather was perfect
I rode almost all of this trail Thursday and Friday 10/19 10/20 The surface of the trail was excellent all packed small limestone except for one little spot at New Bethlehem where they took out a railroad bridge that you could easily bypass this by riding down route 28 a short 1/4 mile.
Thursday I started in New Bethlehem. There is a giant eagle there at the end of the trail in Brookville. Make sure you by something to eat and drink because there are few places with food along the trail rode new Bethlehem west to climax tunnel turn around to Brookville city back to New B total miles 51
Stayed at super 8 Brookville PA it was really quiet there is a buffet near the hotel yum
Friday I passed by the trail in Sligo the trail is not improved. Might need a ATB for this area I decided to drive all the way to Phillipston and found the extremely nice trailhead. maps and plenty of parking plus a large port a potty to change you clothes in. Passed by the coaling tower and followed redbank all the way to climax tunnel bypass. I was out of snacks so I decided to keep riding up the steep road and down the tunnel bypass toward New Bethlehem. Stopped at lifesaver gas station for a foot long sub cookies and large Gatorade. There were lots of leaves on the trail did not see much wildlife the trail is more remote than what I am used to. Returned to Phillipston miles 49 checked out the Armstrong trail also.
The Five Bridges Trail is rough, swampy and somewhat isolated- which is exactly what makes it so awesome. I drove 80 miles to ride this trail and it didn't disappoint. This is a perfect trail for anyone who has a bike capable of handling mildly rough terrain and enjoys being in nature. I felt like I was exploring and not just cruising a bike path. It goes through wooded areas and wetland. I'm hoping this trail stays the way it is and doesn't get smoothed and groomed making like most of the other rail trails. Variety is a good thing.If you have a mountain or a fat bike and want a scenic but easy ride you should give this trail a try.
This is certainly a beautiful trail in a spectacular natural setting and with a lot of history, too. Thanks to all the other reviewers for their helpful comments. I'd like to add a stronger pitch for at least a few port-a-potties along the way. Seriously, 32 miles with hardly any public toilet facilities??? We started in Emlenton, where there IS a port-a-potty which we foolishly ignored, and biked up 10 miles, when we suddenly wished we could find a toilet. Finally we turned around when other riders told us that nothing was available. We're from Wisconsin where there is generally a little town every 5 to 7 miles from the days when steam engines need to take on water that often, and you can usually find a bathroom if you'd like to do the opposite. Wisconsin state trails require a pass which is about $20 for the year, and well worth it if it provides for these kinds of facilities. Maybe Pennsylvania could do the same.
This is a beautiful park (Oct 17) and a great, well-maintained trail through it. The trail does have moss on it in places, so though it is paved it isn’t necessarily great for rollerblading.
Great trail in Oct 2017. Lovely foliage, bridges and tunnel. Note that to get between this trail and the Allegheny River Trail is a steep walk up/down a flight of wooden steps. Just be prepared to carry your bike. If you’re good with that, then it’s well worth it.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
