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Ernst Bike Trail Krider Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 79 Google reviews · Running trail in Meadville, Pennsylvania · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- 8 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Ernst Bike Trail Krider Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Paved bike trail that's also popular with walkers and runners, with scenery and parking.
What runners say about Ernst Bike Trail Krider Trailhead
“The paved trail is very well maintained with two access points in the middle (in addition to the beginning & end of the trail).”
“Clean, 5 mile long paved trail with varied and beautiful scenery!”
“Was shaded about 90% during the afternoon when temperature was around 92 degrees; so it was still bearable.”
“Great simple, easy trail for all ages.”
We like riding here for several reasons. It's close by, it's not usually overly crowded, and it's relatively flat. We like to start at the Meadville/Home Depot trailhead, as it's a gentle climb to the other end, making the return trip easy.
Visited with our bikes for the first on 8/27/22. Parked at the Krider Trailhead - limited parking here. Maybe 2 cars plus a handicap spot? Covered pavilion with picnic tables for lunch spot. We rode the entire paved section, along with the connector to Meadville. Beautiful trail, nice scenery.
This trail is worth a visit. It's paved, shady, and scenic. I personally find it better for running than biking because it is only 8 miles or so round trip. Others may find an 8 mile bike ride to be perfect. There are several access points.
It's a nice trail not crowded, some of the trail goes along French Creek. Portable toilets. Look for the Bean trail area . Where I parked there was a small parking area.
Trail conditions & character
“I personally find it better for running than biking because it is only 8 miles or so round trip.”
“We like to start at the Meadville/Home Depot trailhead, as it's a gentle climb to the other end, making the return trip easy.”
“Only thing that was less than perfect is that the asphalt was ribbed like a washboard for a few miles so it made for tiring wrists as I was biking along.”
“Was shaded about 90% during the afternoon when temperature was around 92 degrees; so it was still bearable.”
“Clean, 5 mile long paved trail with varied and beautiful scenery!”
“It's close by, it's not usually overly crowded, and it's relatively flat.”
“There are Porta John's at the Meadville and halfway points, and there are many shelters and benches scattered along the trail.”
Plan your run at Ernst Bike Trail Krider Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Distance8 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websiteernsttrail.org
Running trails near Meadville
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Roche Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 424 reviews
Park features playground equipment, ball fields and picnic areas for families to enjoy.
Ernst Trail Mercer Pike Trail Head
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Paved trail that’s popular for families, dog-walking, bike rides and leisurely hikes.
Lew's Land Nature Preserve & Walking Trail
4.5 ★★★★★ 2 reviews
Ernst Trail Bean's Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 112 reviews
Paved, flat trail through trees, hills, forests, meadows and woodlands popular with walkers and cyclists.
Shady Brook Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 176 reviews
Kids and dogs are welcome at this petite, leafy park, known for its creek, play equipment and pond.