Iron Horse Trail
Log some miles hiking or biking on the Iron Horse Trail, a former railroad that once connected Alliance and Minerva. The trail offers both an urban section with access to area businesses and practical transportation for local errands and a rural experience with just you and your thoughts with picturesque scenery all around.
The primary trailhead is located at First Christian Church (FCC) on Beech St. Continue south at the kiosk Cenfield St. to take the rural experience ending at a small three car parking lot at Cenfield Ave. or head north from the FCC Trailhead to head toward the City of Alliance. Begin on a neighborhood on-road route before a short section of trail takes you to a crossing at State St. and travels through portions of the University of Mount Union campus. After traveling next to the campus lakes, the trail crosses Union Ave. at Simpson St. and follows the old railroad bed north with several road crossings and widened sidewalks to meet with the Mahoning Valley Trail.
Trail surfaces traveling north include asphalt, concrete, and limestone while traveling south is a crushed limestone following the flat route with a canopy of trees in some areas along with benches along the route. Look for the historic W sign which told the conductor to blow the train whistle!
Turn by Turn Directions from FCC Trailhead to State St. (1.52 miles)
Head north on the Iron Horse Trail from the FCC Trailhead on Beech St. The trail continues to the west, the on-road connection heading toward State St. continues north.
Turn right on Dogwood Trail, left on Cedarwood St., right on Oakwood Dr., right on S. Rockhill Ave., left on Ridgewood Ave., right on Maplewood Dr., and left on Athletic Ct.
The trail picks up again on the right and runs parallel to the Mt. Union athletic fields and crosses W. 23rd St. before bending in front of the water tower and ending at Clark Ave. and State St. Cross State St. and follow the on-road shared markings to cross Union Ave. and Simpson Ave. where the trail once again picks up.
The Iron Horse Trail from E Main St. to Shunk Ave. has been adopted by the University of Mount Union Regula Center and University of Mount Union Green Raiders from First Christian Church to Cenfield St. Each group sponsors cleanup projects along the trail throughout the year.
Photo Gallery
