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Blogger has a feature that allows blog posting via email, so I am giving it a try as I walk between buildings at work.

Stavich Trail

I do a lot of rail-trail biking in what I consider the "Lake Erie Region", consisting of NE Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, Western New York, and Southern Ontario. With that, I'm going to try reviewing some of the trails I frequent often. The first of these trails is listed below.

Stavitch Trail

Last visited - 6/17/2006

Location - Western PA/NE Ohio

Difficulty -

The trail is relatively flat. I say "relatively" because it is a pretty strenuous rail-trail. It was built on what I think was a trolley track, which I think is less sensitive to inclines. In the middle and on the New Castle side there are what I would consider serious inclines.

Surface -

The trail surface is asphalt, but it definitely needs some repair. Nothing is bad enough though that common sense can't help you with. Avoid the grass popping out of the cracks - they can hide a larger rut in the pavement. The bridges have seams that can give you a big jolt. Just keep a wary eye out and you'll be fine, even on a road bike.

Variety/Scenery -

The trail is listed between 10 and 12 miles, which is pretty accurate. You get a good mix of flat straightaway bordered by farms and wetlands and slow inclines that give some good views. The rail trail borders a real rail line. I saw four trains during a two hour ride, which I thought was pretty neat, although loud.

Shade -

The trail is bordered by forest on the north edge for much of the trail. The southern side is rail, and wide open to the southern sun.

Usage -

You're never very far from a populated area, New Castle on the eastern end, Youngstown on the western end. The trail itself is 50% secluded, 30% farmland or rural road, 20% through a small town, Lowellville. Navigating the town isn't hard at all though - the trail empties out onto a single road that funnels back into the trail. There is a rustic little convenience store right along the road too, which is great if you need to refresh or grab a snack. Lowellville has ideal parking for the trail as well, even though it's not technically a trailhead. Check out the high school on the west end of town for the best parking.

New Castle has plenty of food and supply options on State St. (Rte. 224), and if you go into town a mile or two, there is a bicycle shop in a plaza on the right.

The Verdict -

I give it a 2 out of 4, but that still means it's worth a return visit. If you're not interested in the up close look at trains, it might fall down to a 1.5, but the trains and variety make it a trail I like when I really want a good workout.

Watch the Rail Trail vlog here. (Quicktime required.)