Following the former Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad in downtown Beaver Falls, this asphalt rail-trail runs through a park setting as it parallels the Beaver River along the northeast edge of city.
From its southern end by the city's baseball fields (at the corner of 11th St & 1st Ave), the trail heads north along 1st Avenue until it turns left (west) to briefly follow 17th Street before turning right to continue north along 2nd Avenue. As 2nd Avenue comes to a dead end, the rail-trail leaves the busier urban setting and continues north through a park environment. The rail-trail more closely parallels the river and a set of railroad tracks. Trees along the route provide some shade.
At 6th Avenue and 23rd Street, the rail-trail runs along streets through a busier built environment. It follows 23rd Street and then runs north along Marginal Avenue/Church Street. Crossing 27th Street, the rail-trail heads through a lightly wooded stretch along the various sports fields of Geneva College.
Situated between Geneva College to the west and Beaver River (railroad tracks) on the east, the northern end of the rail-trail is a dead end in lightly wooded park area. The northern end is across from 3rd Avenue and near the Metheny Fieldhouse on Geneva College's campus.
The organization Beaver River Rails to Trails Trail has signage at the southern end, at 6th Avenue by its intersection with 23rd Street, and at 27th Street across from Marginal Avenue/Church Street. You may encounter signage for the Lyle "Bud" Rea Memorial Trail, which is another name used in connection to this route.
The Beaver River Trail will be an important connector in future regional networks between Pittsburgh and Cleveland.
Parking is available at the southern end (1st Ave & 11st St) in a gravel area by the baseball fields and in a small paved lot a little south of the northern end (where the rail-trail crosses 27th Street).
Visit the TrailLink map for detailed directions.
Awesome, flat, shade, DQ
Families that live between 22 and 23 St take there dogs to use as a bath room and don't clean up there mess. Grass is full of dog poop on trail from 22 to 23 street. If you want to take your dog there clean up your mess or get rid of your dogs. Have some respect.
My daughter and I went on the bike trail starting at
17th street. She was riding a bike while I walk. We both enjoyed the trail and wonderful scenery.
Only wish it were longer alone the river.
Maybe it has changed since the last reveiwer reviewed it. There is no playground; it might be a mile in and back but just barely, and all one side is totally industrial and no river view.
Joining RTT was a great idea since I discovered this wonderful little trail just a few miles from my house. The view of the Beaver River and one of the dams was great. When I get back there I'll get some pictures to post. The north section includes a slow-moving stream with lots of watercress.
We live close to the bike trail and it's a great 1-mile ride - especially for little ones who don't want a longer route. There's a playground at one end that makes for a good destination. There's a gentlemen who does all the landscaping for free (I think) and parts of it are just lovely. THere are parts of it that are a bit more industrial, but the trail itsel is still fine. We'd love to see it expanded to connect with other trails.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy
(a non-profit) and we need your support!