Find the top rated birding trails in Salem, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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I recommend parking behind the McDonalds in Mantua. We rode to Garretsville and had lunch at the Garrettsville Tavern and brewery, it was delicious. In March of this year a portion to the west of Mantua opened. Not sure how far it goes so we will try that new trail next.
Nothing spectacular, but just a nice trail for a quick ride after work. Easy access every few miles for those who live in south or west hills of PGH. Have not yet done the full 58 mile “out and back”’to WV, but will someday! I believe that the portion of trail in Wash. Co PA is paved. The portion in Allegheny Co PA is crushed stone, but very easy ride for adults and kids alike.
This is a great trail for a day ride. There is a swamp area where you will see some wildlife, ride next to a working train line and go through towns on the trail. However with that said, the OH side needs a LOT of work (cracks and deformations in the asphalt). Some areas are just not comfortable to ride on at all and will feel like it's shaking your bike apart! Although doable, the OH side is quite rough in some spots and not that enjoyable.
We started near Washington Pa and enjoyed the quality of the trail. Well maintained and clearly marked with adequate facilities along the way. The tunnels are a treat and an exciting ride through old Pennsylvania rail space!
This is a very nice short trail. Fairly new, so still in good shape, hopefully be able to keep it like that. Slightly uphill from Rittman to Creston. Short lightly traveled road section in Sterling. A lot of options to take to the roads for a longer ride.
Nice trail, crushed gravel. Usually not as busy as the other side of the river, the Canal Trail. You have more chance of seeing people riding their horses on this section. They have right of way.
We came from the Pittsburgh area just to ride this trail. It was a joy and we loved the town of Leetonia, especially the Dairy Queen!
But seriously, it is a beautiful trail, most of it in a woodsy atmosphere, and definitely one we will come back to again.
We started at milepost 6 at the Cliff Mine parking area and went out and back to milestone 25 (national tunnel) on a warm day (88 Deg F). The ride was great with shade over 75% of this portion of the trail. The trail is well maintained and almost all was crushed limestone. We had road bikes and were fine with these.
Went through 2 tunnels (milepost 7 and 25) where it was cool and very moist (water flowing on walls and some dropping from the ceiling).
Nice historic signs along the way describing bridges and coal mining and processing that was previously in this area. Very well done.
It was obvious the trail is continually maintained and was in great shape. Regular water stops and trail maps every five miles and pocket maps available at the trail and online.
Many trees alongside the trail provided great shade but blocked the view.
Gradual grade up and down throughout. Only a few city blocks are on city street. All rest was off road.
Overall great ride. I recommend it.
I began at the Trailhead near Carnegie, PA and rode only to the West Virginia State line since I was doing an out and back making my mileage 47.25 instead of 58. I rode the day after some very heavy rain. The trail in Allegheny County is gravel and while wet, for the most part, the water was absorbed by the trail or ran off. There were a few places where you could see a bit of the trail washed out, but it was no problem with the 28 mm gravel tires I was riding. A tree had fallen and was blocking a portion of the trail in Allegheny County when I passed in the morning. Upon my return a few hours later, crews were working on the remains of the tree which had been removed from the trail surface.
God Bless Washington County where I grew up, the trail is paved from the Allegheny County line to the West Virginia Line. There were no puddles from the heavy rains and the pavement was just about pristine. Beautiful riding surface. Much to my surprise, this trail had some elevation changes if you care to call 879 feet of climbing over 47 miles an elevation change. I doubt any grade exceeded 1.5%, but there were both uphill and downhill sections going both directions.
The reviews of this trail were pretty negative. One complained about the pavement in Washington County and I have to conclude the author was off his meds. I thought it was wonderful. Others complained that it was not very scenic. While there were no tunnels or viaducts or vast expanses to view, it was just a rural ride that I felt was all beautiful all of the time. I saw many deer including a Mama and her fawn and an assortment of other critters.
On my return trip, I stopped in Burgettstown for a late breakfast of pancakes and eggs at the 1709 Main Street restaurant just off the trail. Typical small town diner, good food, courteous country people, and great prices. A couple ladies riding the trail also came in to eat while I was there.
I am sure I will ride the Panhandle Trail again when I am visiting Pops. I can find little to not like about the Panhandle Trail. I ding it one gear as there is no outstanding feature that is a must see, so it gets 9 Gears (on a 10 gear cassette).
The Summit County portion of the trail is maintained well for skaters; Portage County, not so much—they don’t clean up the debris well and the tree root bumps are a pain. I’d recommend ALU wheels no smaller than 84mm in size in order to safely clear stones and sticks. The inclines at most of the road intersection are brutal not only due to their steepness but also because of the blind spots caused by curves. It’s the only Bike and Hike path where I actually wear protective gear. Freedom Trail (off 261 and Middlebury Rd) is ideal for skaters except for the absolutely terrible and frequent road intersections the further west you travel (from Kent).
Have split up the trail into several sections from Cleveland to Mass. Really enjoy it. Curious if section North of Mustill Store is open yet. Had been rerouted for sewer project, I think.
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