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Ernst Trail Mercer Pike Trail Head
4.8 ★★★★★ 44 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 Mercer Pike Trail Head'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 trail that’s popular for families, dog-walking, bike rides and leisurely hikes.
What runners say about Ernst Trail Mercer Pike Trail Head
“Beautiful paved bike/run trail, some of it along French Creek.”
“Nicely paved, enough shade to keep the car cool while biking/walking the trail.”
“A place to take a peaceful walk”
“Either direction is paved, and very dog friendly, bike friendly, and jogger friendly.”
Really liked this trail...would have loved it if I had thought to use BUG SPRAY. The trail is beautiful! But the gnats & mosquitoes in certain sections were relentless. Walked from parking area at mile marker 2.75 to marker 0.0 and back.
Trail is well used, and for good reason. Don't forget your bug spray cause mosquitoes can be heavy at times. Also, we walk our dogs on other arms of the trail, too! Don't forget to check out the newer completed sections from Geneva to Conneaut Lake. They are not paved but very wide and sencic and shady.
Another great trailhead on the Ernst Trail. Either direction is paved, and very dog friendly, bike friendly, and jogger friendly.
Great beginner bike trail. Easy grades and not too crowded when we've gone. Benches and even picnic tables along the path
Trail conditions & character
“Either direction is paved, and very dog friendly, bike friendly, and jogger friendly.”
“Easy grades and not too crowded when we've gone.”
“Nicely paved, enough shade to keep the car cool while biking/walking the trail.”
“Beautiful paved bike/run trail, some of it along French Creek.”
“Either direction is paved, and very dog friendly, bike friendly, and jogger friendly.”
“Another great trailhead on the Ernst Trail.”
Plan your run at Ernst Trail Mercer Pike Trail Head
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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- 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.
Ernst Bike Trail Krider Trailhead
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Paved bike trail that's also popular with walkers and runners, with scenery and parking.
Ernst Trail Bean's Trailhead
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Paved, flat trail through trees, hills, forests, meadows and woodlands popular with walkers and cyclists.
Roche Park
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Park features playground equipment, ball fields and picnic areas for families to enjoy.
Lew's Land Nature Preserve & Walking Trail
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Eldred Glenn Walking Trails
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