The Panhandle Trail: Sturgeon to Midway

After riding west from Rennerdale to Sturgeon, I figured I'd try to make it a little further to Joffree. I wanted to see if the trail connecter I mentioned in my previous post was finished. If so the entire length of this Pittsburgh bike trail would total 29 miles.

This time again I began at Rennerdale, but since I've already rated that portion of the trail, I'll only review Sturgeon to Midway.

This ride feels significantly less uphill than Rennerdale to Sturgeon, although it's just as straight. I estimate it's around 8 miles between the Sturgeon and Midway trail stations, but I can't say for sure without an odometer.

As for smoothness, this portion is a little lacking. It starts out as smooth crushed limestone, but just before crossing through McDonald the path turns into cinders and gravel; unfortunately that trail surface lasts nearly one uncomfortable mile. (Like I said before I opted for a fitness bike without shocks.)

Despite the rough ride, McDonald could be a quaint diversion; I thought about stopping off there to see if there were any antique shops (I'm on a quest for as many vanity trays as I can find), but I decided to keep riding. It looks like there are some shops to explore and streets to walk if you need a break; the first one on the left in this photo is a consignment store. There's also the McDonald Trail Station, offering historical information. Learn more about it here.

Just as the bike trail transitions back to crushed limestone on its perpetual straightaway west, it runs under the McDonald Trestle. Despite its strength and size, it's just a footbridge for the Montour Trail which crosses here. Further along there's an interchange you can use to get on the Montour Trail and take in the view from above.

Eventually the landscape changes. Cattails replace goldenrod and the trail opens up a bit. The towns are growing quieter. In Midway a church steeple points to the sky. The trail takes the high road above the streets and I can see this town seems the smallest yet. There are fewer other riders on the trail, as if the remoteness suggests a certain seriousness or dedication. There were so few, even, that I even passed a pheasant in the brush.

When I saw this vista, hillsides cleaved by Pittsburgh's Panhandle Trail, I knew I'd gone a long way today. I didn't make it to Joffree, and I won't know what's ahead until next time.
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TRAIL RATINGS
Distance: approx. 4-5 miles
Direction: west
Traffic Density: 3.33 people/mile
Trail Composition: 90% crushed limestone, 10% cinders/gravel
Scenery: 3.75
Bathroom Frequency: 1
Bathroom Quality: n/a
Bike Rental Available: None
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Overall Assessment: It's difficult to assess this length of trail. For me, less desirable riding conditions are counterbalanced by the peacefullness of the ride around Midway. It might be difficult to ride with children because there are fewer bathrooms and fountains. In fact, I could tell only the more serious cyclists were on this part of the trail. For a quick, out-and-back ride I recommend Rennerdale to Sturgeon.