THE SHENANGO TRAIL follows the tow path of the historic Beaver to Erie Canal also known as the Erie Extension Canal. It is eight miles long. Starting at the Kidd's Mill Covered Bridge it runs near the Shenango river and parallels River Road to New Hamburg and then continues on to the Big Bend parking area.
Erie Extension Canal What looks like a large ditch today was an engineering marvel in the mid eighteen hundreds. It provided a transportation link between the Great Lakes and the Ohio river valley that spurred the iron industry and opened Mercer county for trade and commerce. Bustling towns and thriving enterprises popped up all along the canal.
about the caches.... This section of the trail is more rugged so come prepared with waterproof boots; long pants, and long sleeved shirt and bug spray. There are no bridges at some crossings and part of the trail is through a marsh. It is home to lots of wildlife and hunters during the season.
oh those pesky rose bushes.... I remember planting a hedge of multiflora roses at my first house to make a living fence to keep the neighbor kids where they belonged. It worked very well. Now mother nature is using that natural barb wire to keep us off the trail.
a note of caution..... be aware of hunting seasons and wear orange when on the trail during that time or go on Sunday when it is not an issue. Enjoy your trek along the SHENANGO TRAIL