Ernst Trail Bean's Trailhead — Attraction in Vernon Township

I spend a lot of time cycling on this trail in the spring, summer and fall months. The trail is primarily shaded, it is paved and the brush is mowed back so it makes for an easy and cool ride. It is a great trail and I keep going back for more bike rides. I also recommend trying the paths to Kerrtown (first veer-off to the left) and Bailey trailhead (left veer-off just before you reach the upward slope to Krider trailhead). Also try the newer trail to Conneaut Lake. If you're going to be biking and will be passing people make sure to practice good trail etiquette and clearly announce your intentions: "Passing on your left!" This makes for a safe time for all on the trail. Parents: please teach your kids to not stop with their bikes sideways in the middle of the trail as other bikers are...

The Ernst Trail is a well-maintained asphalted trail that is essentially flat. It's good for walkers and runners and casual biking. I see strollers and jogging stroller on the trail sometimes and it looks very suitable for that.

It does cross a couple streets where you need to be careful but otherwise it's a lovely stretch of mostly tree-covered trail. It's great for a stroll or exercise for any season but not in winter if the trail is covered in ice or snow. If it's deep snow, I've seen cross country skiers.

As of mid-2024 it's expanded to just outside Conneaut Lake for a total length of about 12 miles. The original 5-ish miles is asphalt and the remaining will eventually have that but as of summer 2024, most of the extension is hard packed...

Stunning scenery surrounds the Ernst bike trail, but what's also important is that this sprawling, smooth bikeway is somewhat flat and easy to maneuver. It's perfect for seasoned bicyclists as well as novice pedallers because of the beautiful foliage and scenery. It's particularly comfortable for those who want to exercise on a more even keel, and for people who would like to ride a nice trial with family members and children. In autumn it was difficult to keep everyone's eyes on the road due to the spectacular colors of the surrounding trees and smattering of leaves...