The Western Reserve Greenway Trail runs on a north-south axis from Ashtabula to Warren, OH. It is built on a former Penn Central Railway, which was abandoned in 1976. Having ridden just about every major trail in Western Pennsylvania, my husband Rick and I decided to give this one a try. We started at the southernmost trail parking lot, just north of Warren, OH. Please note that the address I gave you is the lot’s approximate address, based on Google Maps. The trail continues for a bit south of here, going past the golf course. The trail here is just west of Mosquito Lake State Park. Please note that there are deer in the area. While they’re quite shy and prefer to run away from you, they’ve been known to dart across the path. Continuing further north, the trail skirts the western edge of the Mosquito Creek State Park and Wildlife Refuge Area. Here’s a good place to stop and take some photos. It’s also a good place to stop and have a snack break. Several miles north of Mosquito Creek is the Orwell Wildlife Area. Here’s another good spot to get some photos as the trail cuts right through the park. Further north is the town of Rock Creek, OH. Here the trail detours on the city streets, which are not in the best of condition although the detour is well marked. Rock Creek is also the approximate half way point between Warren and Ashtabula. Because Rick and I aren’t quite up to doing century rides, we turned around here and headed back. So what’s this Yinzer Babe’s(who’s used to riding on some rather mountainous trails) impression? It’s a peaceful trail to ride, and though it may lack the scenery of the Ghost Town Trail or the Great Allegheny Passage, the rural Ohio landscape is pleasant. The trail has several road crossings, including some major state and U.S. highways. The sightlines at these crossings are quite good, however, and you should have no problem getting across. Just be aware that there are no places to obtain water or food(a must if you’re a type-1 diabetic like me). So be sure to bring adequate provisions along for the ride.
