THE GREENWAY BIKE TRAIL
Open during the warm months of May through October, the Western Reserve Greenway is a great summer and autumn attraction. A primarily rural rail-trail running for 43-miles, it 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. Currently, you can start at Herzog Rotary Park, where signs detail the importance of northeast Ohio in the Underground Railroad.
Heading north, you cross the historic 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. As the trail picks up, 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 a short distance beyond here to Champion Street north of Warren, but the best access is from this trailhead. To find out if the trail is open, reach out to the Reserve to begin your adventure!
BIKE ROUTES
OLDEST GENERAL STORE IN OHIO | 41 MILES
TO ORANGEVILLE | 25 MILES
LAKE ERIE | CONNEAT, OH | LINESVILLE, PA | JAMESTOWN, PA | 103 MILES