">
Looking for a new trail to hike, bike, or stroll in Trumbull County? From wooded adventures to scenic paved paths and family-friendly story trails, this guide highlights some of the most rewarding ways to explore Northeast Ohio.
Hey, you – take a hike!
Oh no, I don’t mean leave. We definitely want you to stay. I just mean you should check out some of the great hiking spots in Trumbull County.
We’ve got wooded paths, trails that quite literally tell a story, and paved walking routes that take you right through beautiful natural landscapes. As an avid hiker myself, I know it’s sometimes hard to choose the right trail, so here’s a list to help you out:
Hiking in Northeast Ohio
Turkey Run Trail, Mosquito Lake, Cortland
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources maintains over five miles of woodland trails along the east side of Mosquito Lake. The 2.6-mile Turkey Run Trail stretches from the parking lot at West Main Street and Park Road near Cortland’s Hillside Cemetery, north to another parking lot off State Route 46.
Turkey Run is a mostly flat dirt trail that weaves through the woods but, at times, runs right along scenic Mosquito Lake. From it, you can reach three other loop trails: the 0.6-mile Bloodroot Trail, the 0.4-mile Burr Oak Trail, and the 1.4-mile Deer Meadow Trail.
Turkey and its accompanying trails are safe for biking and snowmobiling, weather permitting. Plus, the trails connect with Cortland’s Eastland MetroPark, home to one really big hill that’s used for sledding in the winter.
Lakeview Nature Trail, Mosquito Lake, Bazetta
This short, flat loop trail at the Lakeview Recreation Area, off State Route 305 near Wilson Sharpsville Road, is a favorite spot for birdwatchers. You can enjoy an easy stroll through the woods with views of the lake while you look for owls, eagles, finches, and warblers.
At the back of the trail, there is a small dock area that’s great for fishing or keeping an eye on those feathered friends.
Squirrel Run, Mosquito Lake, Bazetta
Squirrel Run Trail is actually a disc golf course, but it’s a great place to catch all the sights of Mosquito Lake at an easy pace – as long as you watch out for frisbees. You’ll see the beach, the dog park, plenty of picnic spots, and, of course, the lake and the woods on this short, easy trail, which is also maintained by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Beaver Trail, Mosquito Lake, Bazetta
You’ll find this 0.6-mile, rugged woodland trail located inside the Mosquito Lake State Park campgrounds. Like the other lake trails, it’s maintained by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. You can also mountain bike on these wide dirt paths or dip your toes when you come alongside the lake.
Horse Trail, Mosquito Lake, Bazetta
Horse Trail, as its name suggests, is used for horseback riding as well as for hiking and snowmobiling. This wide, mostly flat dirt trail winds 8.4 miles through the woods on the west side of Mosquito Lake. On a quiet day, you might catch some wildlife scurrying about. You might also find a lost horseshoe, some antique bottles, or a field of wildflowers by the lake – but only if you’re really looking!
Clarence Darrow Metropark, Champion
This is another disc golf course, but it’s worth the trip even if you aren’t a player. You can follow the Youngs Run Disc Golf Course or just wander through the grassy fields, past the shrubs, and into the woods. There’s even a meandering creek with picturesque views along this dirt and grass trail, located off Educational Highway in Champion. You may have to go up or down a few small hills here.
Howland Wildlife Preserve & Boardwalk Trail, Howland
Located by the baseball field in Howland Park, this short, out-and-back boardwalk trail takes you deep into Howland’s wetlands. It’s a great place to take in nature without getting your feet wet. If you’re lucky, you’ll see birds, fish, and maybe even an otter!
Story Trails
If you like a trail with a good story, boy, do we have you covered. Trumbull County has three story trails that bring children’s tales to life. Discover where nature meets exploration as you travel these short, easy trails—reading panel by panel.
Mosquito Lake State Park Storybook Trail, located at 3372 Warren Meadville Road in Cortland, takes you on a trip through the thick woods across from the Imagination Station Playground.
Perkins Park StoryWalk Trail in Warren’s Perkins Park runs near a playground and the Warren Community Amphitheatre, offering views of the scenic Mahoning River.
Stevens Park StoryWalk in Niles takes you out of the park and into the woods for a short, safe adventure.
Paved Trails With Views
Riverwalk, Warren
This paved, out-and-back trail begins near the Trumbull County Veterans Memorial on Mahoning Avenue in downtown Warren and takes you along the scenic Mahoning River. You pass through vibrant Perkins Park, home to the Warren Community Amphitheatre, before heading under the Summit Street Bridge, where you can see Warren’s own “Sleeping Giant” – a mural located on the other side of the river.
Western Reserve Greenway Bike Trail
This paved bicycle and walking trail runs more than 16 miles across Trumbull County, from Warren heading north to Bloomfield, and then it keeps going into Ashtabula County, almost all the way to Lake Erie!
This flat, easy trail is great for families and leashed pets, as well as runners and cyclists. The trail is also open to equestrians and cross-country skiers.
There are three trailheads with ample parking and easy access:
- Sunside Trailhead, on State Route 305 in Champion Township
- Oakfield Station, about a mile east of State Route 45 along Hyde-Oakfield Road in Bristol Township
- Lockwood Trailhead, on State Route 87 in Bloomfield Township
This often-secluded trail takes you past farms, fields, forests, and wetlands.
Warren Bikeway
Connecting to the Western Reserve Greenway Trail, the Warren Bikeway runs from a trailhead on North River Road south to Burton Street Southeast. This is another paved, mostly flat trail that takes you right through Warren.
Some sections run on the road through neighborhoods, so be sure to watch for cars in those areas. Walkers, runners, scooters, skaters, bicycles, and leashed pets are all welcome.
Niles Greenway Bike Path
The four-mile Niles Greenway Bike Path begins at Church Street near downtown Niles, where there is a parking lot, pavilion, and benches. This paved, mostly flat path heads south out of the city, through Weathersfield Township, and ends at the county line, where the Mill Creek MetroParks Bikeway begins.
This multi-use trail takes you from city to countryside, with a bit of everything in between. Currently, it does not connect to the Warren Bikeway, though there is hope that the two will someday be united as part of the Great Ohio Lake-to-River Greenway Trail.
Howland Township Park Loop
The paved, 1-mile walking loop around Howland Park is a great place to get in some laps without going too far. This flat, easy trail circles the park. You’ll pass sports fields, playgrounds, and scenic spots as you go.
Some Bonus Suggestions
Historic Cemeteries
So, I mentioned I like hiking, right? And in the pursuit of great hiking, I sometimes get a little creative. It may sound crazy, but cemeteries are a great place to walk on a warm day.
My favorite spot is Oakwood Cemetery on Niles Road SE in Warren. It’s got some hills and some very interesting graves. Take in the monuments as you stroll through the shade and say hello to some of Warren’s founding families.
You might also want to check out Niles Union Cemetery on Niles Cortland Road in Niles, or one of the county’s other great historic cemeteries.
Dave Grohl Alley and Courthouse Square, Warren
Ask anyone who works in downtown Warren – sometimes you just need to get out and do a few laps around Courthouse Square. It’s a short loop, but you can stay on the sidewalk. You’ll see a lot downtown, including monuments, restaurants, stores, and the courthouse itself.
Jog over one block to find Dave Grohl Alley, home to the world’s largest drumsticks and some very fun public art.
Mesopotamia Commons
If you’re interested in history and easy walks, take a loop or two around the grassy Mesopotamia Commons. This historic district on State Route 534 – of course – includes the popular End of the Commons General Store and the world’s largest horse and buggy. It’s also home to many historic buildings and a healthy dose of country charm.
So, get out there and enjoy the sights, while you hike, bike or stroll through Trumbull County!
