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Ernst Trail Bean's Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 112 Google reviews · Running trail in Meadville, Pennsylvania · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Ernst Trail Bean's 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, flat trail through trees, hills, forests, meadows and woodlands popular with walkers and cyclists.
What runners say about Ernst Trail Bean's Trailhead
“6 miles rather than the 5 they've claimed on the mile posts - but it's a lovely trail, well kept and easy to run, walk, or bike!”
“The total trail length is just over 4 miles and passes a lot of different scenery such as French Creek, beautiful wooded hills with little waterfalls, and a covered bridge.”
“It is perfect for biking, walking, jogging, or any recreational activity in between.”
“Very nice paved bicycle/walking trail with fantastic fall colors and the partially shaded areas as well as some full sun to keep you warmer on a fall day”
Great trail for a walk or a short bike ride. The total trail length is just over 4 miles and passes a lot of different scenery such as French Creek, beautiful wooded hills with little waterfalls, and a covered bridge. The trail is well maintained and very flat which makes it great for beginner/casual cyclists.
Paved section of trail is closer to 4.6 miles rather than the 5 they've claimed on the mile posts - but it's a lovely trail, well kept and easy to run, walk, or bike!
Family-oriented flat, paved trail for biking and walking. Trees keep trail relatively shaded from sun.
The Ernst Trail is a well-maintained asphalted trail that is essentially flat. It's good for walkers and runners and casual biking. I see strollers and jogging stroller on the trail sometimes and it looks very suitable for that.
Trail conditions & character
“The original 5-ish miles is asphalt and the remaining will eventually have that but as of summer 2024, most of the extension is hard packed gravel or dirt .”
“The total trail length is just over 4 miles and passes a lot of different scenery such as French Creek, beautiful wooded hills with little waterfalls, and a covered bridge.”
“The total trail length is just over 4 miles and passes a lot of different scenery such as French Creek, beautiful wooded hills with little waterfalls, and a covered bridge.”
“Stunning scenery surrounds the Ernst bike trail, but what's also important is that this sprawling, smooth bikeway is somewhat flat and easy to maneuver.”
“There's a map at Bean's Trailhead that highlights all the parking, scenery and picnic tables along the trail.”
“I see strollers and jogging stroller on the trail sometimes and it looks very suitable for that.”
Plan your run at Ernst Trail Bean's 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
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — 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.
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Eldred Glenn Walking Trails
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Ernst Bike Trail Krider Trailhead
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Paved bike trail that's also popular with walkers and runners, with scenery and parking.