Pedal power

For bicycling enthusiasts, there's no shortage of places to pedal in northeast Ohio and western Pennsylvania.

''Bicycling is a great low-impact exercise,'' said Mel Milliron, health educator with the Trumbull County Health Department. ''It's easy on the joints, easy to raise your target heart rate. It's fun.''

Plus, Milliron said, it's safe with the correct equipment, like a helmet.

What's more, if a person is interested in seeing what Mother Nature has to offer along the many bicycle trails available within an hour's drive, cycling provides an excellent opportunity.

''You can cover a lot of territory in a little bit of time and see a lot of stuff,'' Milliron said.

Probably the most widely known in Trumbull County, the Western Reserve Greenway, remains under construction in various parts of the county. When it's finished, it will connect Trumbull County to Ashtabula and Mahoning counties as part of the Great Ohio Lake to River Greenway.

A 2.5 mile section of the trail controlled by Trumbull County from Champion south to North River Road, where the path will connect with Warren, is in the engineering phase.

More than 14 miles of the path from the Ashtabula County border to Champion are complete. There are trailheads and parking available at state Route 305 in Champion and Hyde Oakfield Road in Bristol. Vehicle parking for riders also is available at state Route 87 in Bloomfield.

The Greenway hours are from dawn to dusk. Motorized vehicles, alcohol and hunting are prohibited. Pets must be leashed and horses must be kept off the pavement.

In Niles, all the pieces are in place for a 4.5 mile stretch primarily following abandoned CSX and Conrail railroad tracks through the city. It's scheduled for completion next June.

In Warren, phase one of the Warren Greenway Bike Trail, is set to begin this summer and be done by the end of the year.

Other trails for those who enjoy a more hearty ride are available in Trumbull County.

At Mosquito Lake State Park, in the campground near the boat launch is the Beaver Trail. Also at the park off state Route 305 is the Squirrel Run Trail, which runs from near the entrance to the beach.

On the other side of the lake is the Turkey Run Trail, a 5 mile span from the intersection of McCleary Jacoby Road and Main Street north to state Route 46. There is abundant parking and a trailhead at the southern end. The trail can be accessed from Route 46, but there is very limited parking.

rselak@tribtoday.com