Get Connected with the Natural Beauty of Northeast Ohio
The Western Reserve Greenway Rail Bike Trail is a 43-mile paved trail that runs through Ashtabula and Trumbull counties in northeast Ohio. The trail follows the former route of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
The trail is a great place to go for a leisurely bike ride, a family outing, a walk with your four legged friend, or a romantic stroll. It's also a popular spot for bird watching, fishing, and picnicking. As you take in the scenery, you'll start to feel your stress melt away.
After a week of caregiving for sick kids, our family found being out on the trail renewing and uplifting to our spirits. You'll forget about your worries and your to-do list. You'll just be in the moment, enjoying the peace and tranquility of nature. Even for a beautiful late-summer Saturday afternoon, the trail was not too crowded and the people we did encounter were warm and friendly.
The Western Reserve Greenway Rail Bike Trail is also a place to connect with your inner self. As you pedal, you'll have time to think about your life and what you want to achieve.
You'll be able to reflect on your past and plan for your future. And as you do this, you'll start to feel inspired.
You'll feel like you can do anything.
You'll feel like you can overcome any obstacle.
Cue the “Eye of the Tiger” theme music on your cell phone and get those last few miles in! My boys are huge Rocky fans and some music was just the ticket to get them back to the truck after their legs gave out.
The Greenway is Accessible for Everyone
One of the best things about the trail is that it's accessible to everyone. The trail is flat and well-maintained, making it easy for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy. As a crew with several novice cyclers, we had no problem putting in 11 miles of leisurely riding. Our total elevation change was less than 20 feet over that entire ride! If you're looking for a fun and challenging way to explore the natural beauty of northeast Ohio, then the Western Reserve Greenway Rail Bike Trail is the perfect place for you.
Here are some of the things you can do on the Western Reserve Greenway Rail Bike Trail:
Go for a bike ride: The trail is perfect for a leisurely bike ride, whether you're a beginner or an experienced cyclist.
Go for a walk: The trail is also a great place to go for a walk, especially if you're looking to get some exercise or enjoy the scenery.
Go bird watching: The trail is home to a variety of birds, including hawks, owls, and warblers.
Go fishing: There are several fishing spots along the trail, so you can bring your rod and reel and try your luck.
Have a picnic: There are several picnic areas along the trail, so you can pack a lunch and enjoy a meal in the great outdoors.
Learn about our history: The Greenway Rail is home of a former underground railroad in Ashtabula. A dozen Underground Railroad interpretive markers line the twenty-seven miles of the greenway within Ashtabula county.
Planning Your Trip to the Greenway
Here are some tips for planning your trip to the Western Reserve Greenway Rail Bike Trail:
Choose the right time of year: The trail is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild. Our trip was in mid-August and we had mid-70s weather with sunny skies, but it can be very warm and humid during the summer.
Bring water and snacks: We did not encounter any restroom facilities or water fountains along our 11 mile trek. If you make it to Austinburg, we recommend taking a short detour to The Station Drive-thru for a refreshing lilac lemonade or iced coffee! Yes, it’s bicycle and pedestrian friendly!!
Wear comfortable shoes: The trail is paved, but it's still a good idea to wear comfortable shoes that you can walk or bike in.
Be aware of your surroundings: The trail is shared by walkers, bikers, rollerbladers and we even saw signage for equestrian visitors. So be sure to keep your eyes/ears open and yield to others as necessary. Also watch out for woodland dwellers crossing the trail - we saw three small garter snakes along the way.
The Western Reserve Greenway Rail Bike Trail is a great place to find peace, tranquility, and inspiration. It's a place to renew your spirit and connect with your inner self. If you're looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, then this trail is the perfect place for you.
We hope this blog post has inspired you to visit the Western Reserve Greenway Rail Bike Trail. It's a great place to get some exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and learn about the history of northeast Ohio.
Do you have some other amazing rails-to-trails locations you think we should check out? If so, we’d love to hear about them! Please share your recommendations in a comment
Here are some additional resources:
Ashtabula County Metroparks
Western Reserve Greenway Trail
AllTrails: Western Reserve Greenway Trail
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