Grand River Valley Railroad Grade Historic Trail
Covered bridge country on abandoned railroad grade
The old Pennsylvania Railroad grade between Austinburg and Rock Creek follows the Grand River valley through some of Ohio’s most picturesque covered bridge territory. This abandoned rail bed maintains gentle grades perfect for stock vehicles, passing through hardwood forests and agricultural valleys where the railroad once hauled coal from Pennsylvania mines. Key waypoints include the restored Harpersfield Covered Bridge and the Rock Creek Gorge overlook where the tracks crossed a 90-foot-high wooden trestle.
Easy difficulty suitable for any high-clearance vehicle, though spring mud can make sections challenging. Best visited during fall foliage (late September through October) or after summer rains when wildflowers bloom along the grade. No permits needed for the public sections, but respect posted private property. This historical route offers excellent camping opportunities at nearby state parks and a chance to explore Ohio’s railroad heritage while enjoying gentle off-road driving.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1140 ft |
| Best season | April-November |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Austinburg, Ohio |
| Land manager | Ashtabula County Parks |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Decent |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock RAV4 or CRV handle this trail?
A stock high-clearance SUV is the minimum, so a RAV4 or similar will be fine. It's a gravel and packed dirt railroad grade with only 280 feet of elevation gain — nothing technical, no rock crawling required.
What's the trail like in early spring or after heavy rain?
The best season runs April through November. Early spring can leave the gravel grade soft and muddy after snowmelt, so if you're going in April, check recent conditions — a low-clearance vehicle could get stuck in saturated sections.
Are there any permits or fees to drive this trail?
No permit or fee is required to drive the route. It's managed by Ashtabula County Parks, so standard public land rules apply — pack out your trash and don't damage the historic infrastructure.
What's the hardest part of this trail?
There isn't a technically hard section — this is an easy scenic drive on an old railroad bed. The water crossings are the main variable; after significant rain they can deepen, so cross slow and check depth before committing.
Is there dispersed camping along the route, and how far is the nearest gas?
Yes, dispersed camping is available along the trail. Austinburg is the nearest town for fuel and supplies, so top off before heading out — 18 miles of slow driving burns more than highway miles and you don't want to be hunting for gas after dark in rural Ashtabula County.
Trail track
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