Things To Do on an eBike in Crawford County, PA
Crawford County has three short rail-trails listed by DCNR. The Ernst Trail follows the French Creek valley on the old Meadville-Linesville line, the East Branch Trail passes Amish farms near Spartansburg, and the Spillway Trail at Pymatuning State Park crosses the 1930 spillway.
Pymatuning is a state park, so DCNR's eBike rules apply there directly.
Where to ride in Crawford County
All three rides below are listed by DCNR in Crawford County.
Named eBike routes and access checks
1. Ernst Trail, French Creek valley
DCNR lists the Ernst Trail at 4.69 miles on the former Meadville-Linesville Railroad corridor, donated to French Creek Recreational Trails in 1996. It follows the bottomlands of French Creek, which DCNR calls the state's most biologically diverse body of water, through meadow, marsh, hardwoods and hemlock.
2. East Branch Trail, Spartansburg
DCNR lists the East Branch Trail at 5.19 miles, past wooded hillsides, Amish homesteads, farms and wetlands near Spartansburg, a stop for Amish furniture, antiques and maple syrup. Clear Lake nearby has swimming, boating and fishing.
3. Pymatuning State Park Spillway Trail, Linesville
DCNR lists a 2.28-mile trail on the abandoned Erie and Pittsburgh branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad, beside Linesville Road, crossing the 1930 Pymatuning spillway. The area includes campgrounds, a fish hatchery and the Game Commission Wildlife Learning Center at the spillway.
eBike access: The trail is in Pymatuning State Park, so DCNR's eBike rules apply where bikes are allowed.
Pennsylvania eBike rules and route permission
On state park and state forest land, DCNR allows eBikes on trails open to regular bikes if they weigh no more than 100 pounds, do not exceed 20 mph on the motor, have a motor of 750 watts or less and have working pedals. On non-motorized trails you must pedal; throttle-only riding is not allowed. eBikes are barred from natural areas, yellow- or orange-blazed hiking trails and trails posted No Biking.
DCNR notes that other public lands, including local parks, state game lands and preserves, may have different rules. Many rail-trails are run by counties, towns or nonprofit trail groups, so check the manager's posted rules before you ride.
Half-day and full-day eBike plans
Half day: Ride the Ernst Trail end to end and back, about 9.4 miles.
Full day: Ride the Ernst Trail in the morning, then drive to Linesville for the Pymatuning Spillway Trail and the spillway, or to Spartansburg for the East Branch Trail.
What not to ride in Crawford County
A throttle-only ride at Pymatuning. DCNR requires pedaling on non-motorized trails.
Natural areas and yellow- or orange-blazed hiking trails. DCNR bars eBikes from them on state land.
Trails posted No Biking. DCNR bars eBikes from them too.
When to ride Crawford County
Ride from spring through fall. All three trails are under 5.5 miles one way, so a single charge covers an out-and-back on any of them.
eBike shops and repair
The cards below are Emig's Bicycle Shop in Meadville and Five Star Cycle in Saegertown, which is listed as a motorcycle dealer. Call ahead about eBike service.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Ernst Trail?
DCNR lists it at 4.69 miles.
Who owned the Ernst Trail corridor?
Calvin Ernst, who donated the Meadville-Linesville Railroad corridor to French Creek Recreational Trails in 1996.
How long is the East Branch Trail?
DCNR lists it at 5.19 miles, near Spartansburg.
Are eBikes allowed at Pymatuning State Park?
DCNR allows eBikes on trails open to bikes if they weigh no more than 100 pounds, stay under 20 mph on the motor and have a motor of 750 watts or less.
What is at the Pymatuning spillway?
The 1930 spillway, plus campgrounds, a fish hatchery and the Game Commission Wildlife Learning Center nearby.
Can I use the throttle on a state park trail?
No. DCNR requires pedaling on non-motorized trails.
Where can I get an eBike serviced in Crawford County?
The cards on this page list Emig's Bicycle Shop in Meadville. Call ahead about eBike work.
All eBike shops in Crawford County
See the Crawford County eBike shops page for the full directory, and our Pennsylvania eBike laws guide for state rules.