Find the top rated birding trails in Sharon, 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.
I agree with the differences that have been pointed out between the Pennsylvania and the Ohio side of the trail, but it is nice a great ride. Rumor has it that the town of Lowellville will have control of that section of the trail which may bring about needs improvements. Be sure to stop at Ross’ Market in Lowellville. It is a neat little working general store that makes you feel like you are walking back in time.
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.
Began in emlenton, (drive down bike path to parking) after 1st tunnel went off the trail up fairly steep hill about a 1/2 mile to Freedom Falls. Very nice falls with old iron furnace just down stream. Back downhill to bike path continued toward Franklin through the second tunnel. Turned around at the landowners that won't allow passage across their property ( the trail does continue past them though). Nice ride!
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.
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).
Found several articles and pictures about the new trailhead on Mill St. in Akron. YEEHA!!! Drove on over. Found some nice artwork on the bridge abutments, some new grass, BUT the trail was just 2 dirt tracks covered with weeds. BUMMER!!! Drove east on Mill and N Forge, turned right on N Arlington and found a new trailhead. All done except for the signs. (See photo) Surrounded by scrap yards and kind of desolate, but parked anyway. Hopped on the bike and rode west toward Akron on a surprisingly beautiful tree-lined and shaded paved trail. Crossed a newly redecked Erie RR bridge over N Forge. Rode under noisy SR8 and then came to an abrupt end of the pavement and a Road Closed sign. (See photo). Think I was about behind Famous Supply on N Union. No trail access there, but did see a neighborhood access back East of SR8. Rode back east, back past the scrap yards, over a new bridge over a RR track and onto the existing trail at Eastwood Ave. Near Eastwood is more wide open since the trail follows power lines. Love what somebody wrote on the Road Closed sign "Finish me Akron....I go nowhere". It'll be nice to someday be able to ride all the way from the Towpath Trail to Ravenna. Just not today......Bikin-Mike 7/8/2018
Parked at the junction of Justus trail and Allegheny River trail at Franklin. Road to Oil City and back. Trail is all asphalt. The trail goes about 1.1 miles beyond the end of the actual trail. You will ride along the Allegheny River and pass many old oil well pumps , many history signs of the area, and some oil tanks that are still collecting oil. One area you could smell the oil. If the ride is not long enough, you can ride the Allegheny River trail which is asphalt. The trail is very easy to ride.
This is a great trail which runs N/S from Canfield to Niles. Mile 10.6 is at Western Reserve Road in Canfield. Mile 0 connects with the Niles bikeway trail with a seamless connection. Trail goes through open areas of fields and shaded areas through trees. Eateries nearby the trail. Several parking areas along the trail as well.
The trail is 20.5 miles in length. We started in Freeport and rode north to Butler. The first 13.5 miles is uphill. When you return, you will find an easy ride. From mile marker 16.5 to 20 is downhill to Butler. The trail will end at a parking lot .5 mile past marker 20. The trail is mostly along a stream and through woods. Many people seem to use this trail on weekends. My favorite part between mile marker 17 and 17.5. There are signs that you are entering a shooting range. CAUTION. I guess if you hear a bullet coming you are to duck. You will also bike past a small shop for bicyclists at marker 15.9. At the highest point on the trail at 13.3 is a historical sign about the area and the old railway. It is wide enough for two riders except between 16.5 and 19.5. The grass through the years has grown in on the sides to narrow the path to about 3 feet wide.
Though 4.5 miles in length, it does connect with the Metro Parks trail at the Trumbull and Mahoning County lines. Niles trail has a small parking lot at Depot Street. A large parking lot with restrooms can be found in Niles on East State Street. Informational signs along the way. Flat asphalt paved. Did notice some bollards were missing approx 1 mile marker so be careful of metal sticking up.
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