Closure Notice: As of November 2015, a portion of the Western Reserve Greenway between Hyde-Oakfield Road and Mahan Denman Road near the southern end of the trail (about a mile northeast of Bristolville) is closed until further notice. A sandstone arch bridge over Baughman Creek, dating back to the mid-1800s, is being repaired, a process which may take up to two years. To detour around the closure, take Hyde-Oakfield Road to Oakfield North Road to Mahan Denman Road. For more information, please visit Trumbull County MetroParks.
The Western Reserve Greenway runs nearly 43 miles through a mostly rural area and cuts a north–south course from Ashtabula to Warren, Ohio. The greenway's start is only a few miles from Lake Erie, and a planned extension will bring it right to the shoreline. For now, you can start at Herzog Rotary Park, where signs detail the importance of northeast Ohio in the Underground Railroad.
The trail is used year-round, but note that snowmobiling is only allowed in Ashtabula County (the northern half of the trail). Also, although horses are not permitted on the pavement, equestrians can ride alongside the trail.
Heading south, you cross the historical King Bridge, a steel railroad trestle built in 1897 that now spans Clay Street. Ahead is Austinburg, with a trailhead and plenty of options for refreshments and nourishment. South of town you re-enter the trail's rural surroundings and enjoy the company of deer, beavers, and a multitude of birds, including wild turkeys and waterfowl.
In the small town of Rock Creek, the Rock Creek Trestle spans the river. The bridge features bump-outs that give a bird's-eye view of the river and scenery below.
When the trail picks up again, you sail beneath sheltering trees and past the tiny village of Orwell, with a trailhead located below a water tower. In North Bloomfield, at about mile 30, the Mosquito Lake wetlands area has a must-see observation deck. Take a break and marvel at the breadth of wildlife—particularly birdlife—found here. Red-tailed hawks, marsh and sparrow hawks, and bald eagles have been spotted here.
The Stone Arch Bridge in Trumbull County is a true highlight of the Western Reserve Trail. To further explore this superb tribute to time and engineering, hit the road on the north side of the bridge for 0.25 mile and take in the magnificent side view of the bridge. Back on the trail you will come to the Sunside trailhead at State Route 305. The rail-trail continues beyond here to North River Road in Warren, but the best access is from this trailhead.
At North River Road, you can also connect to the Garrett Wonders Bike Trail, a paved rail-trail that continues 3.2 miles south.
Please use this form to notify us of any changes or updates that we need to make to the trail information on TrailLink for this trail. RTC staff will review your submission and contact you if there is any need for further clarification.
