Girard Explores a Mountain Bike Trail at Girard Lakes
A new mountain bike trail could be in the future for Trumbull County. During 2026, the City of Girard began exploring whether part of its lakes property could host a mountain bike trail, and Rust Belt Revival Trail Coalition (RBRTC) has been part of that conversation. This article summarizes what has been reported so far, what happens next and how local riders can help.
Note: This is an early-stage proposal. No trail has been approved or built at the Girard Lakes property as of this article's publication date. Details below are based on public reporting by local newspapers, and plans may change.
How the Idea Started
According to the Tribune Chronicle, the idea came before Girard City Council in late May 2026. City officials were looking for ways to make use of the Girard Lakes property, and a Girard resident who works for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources spoke to council about adding a mountain bike trail there.
Key points reported from that meeting included:
- Mountain biking was described as one of the fastest-growing recreational activities in Ohio.
- Council members and city staff were invited to see an existing trail at Lake Milton State Park in June.
- RBRTC was identified as a volunteer group that could help build and maintain a trail.
- The property was described as large enough to potentially hold up to about 10 miles of trail.
- Costs to the city would be limited mainly to items like parking and portable restrooms.
Council members also discussed practical questions: which part of the property would be best, whether e-bikes could use the trail, how walkers and riders might share it, and how to keep ATVs from damaging it. The need to close trails in muddy conditions was also raised, something every trail organization deals with. See our guide on riding in wet conditions.
The Visit to Lake Milton
In June 2026, Girard officials visited the Lake Milton trail system and met with RBRTC members. The Vindicator reported in July that a councilman described the visit as eye-opening, noted that RBRTC volunteers do the work to create the trail, and relayed that many riders at Lake Milton come from Trumbull County and from out of state.
The Lake Milton trail is a good example of what a volunteer-built trail can become: roughly 10 miles of flowing singletrack on state park land, maintained through volunteer work days in cooperation with Ohio State Parks.
Council Action and the Site Assessment
According to The Vindicator's July report, Girard City Council passed legislation to work with RBRTC to determine what property might be suitable for a mountain bike trail. The next step was a site visit to the Girard Lower Lake property, where RBRTC members and city officials planned to assess the terrain. Because the land was expected to be uneven and wet, the city arranged to use a fire department vehicle suited to rough terrain to reach the area.
Officials said the group's recommendation would help the city decide whether to proceed. If a trail proves feasible, the city indicated it could apply for state or federal grant funding.
What a Site Assessment Looks At
Evaluating land for a sustainable trail involves more than finding open woods. Trail builders typically look at:
- Terrain and slope. Gentle to moderate side slopes are ideal for building trail that follows the contour of the land.
- Soil and drainage. Wet, flat or poorly drained ground is hard to maintain and may need to be avoided or crossed with structures.
- Size and shape of the property. Enough room is needed for loops of useful length.
- Access and parking. Riders need a safe place to park and start.
- Sensitive areas. Wetlands, water supply areas, wildlife habitat and neighbors all need to be considered.
- Other uses. How the trail might fit with walking, fishing or other activities on the property.
We explain the principles behind good trail layout in How Sustainable Mountain Bike Trails Are Built.
Why It Matters for the Region
Most mountain bike riding near Youngstown currently happens at a handful of places, including the state park trails RBRTC maintains at Lake Milton and Beaver Creek. A trail at Girard would add a close-to-home option for Trumbull County residents and could help spread riders across more locations.
News coverage of the proposal also highlighted benefits that go beyond riders: visitors spending money in town, new use for underused land and a low-cost recreational amenity built largely by volunteers. We look at those benefits more broadly in How Mountain Bike Trails Benefit Local Communities.
What Happens Next
Projects like this take time. After a site assessment, typical next steps could include route planning, discussions about access and parking, agreements between the city and volunteer group, possible grant applications and, if everything moves forward, trail construction in phases. Each step depends on decisions by the city.
We will share updates in the RBRTC Facebook group and here on the blog as information becomes available.
How Riders Can Help
- Volunteer at trail days. Experienced volunteers are what make projects like this possible. Our trail work day guide explains how to start, and upcoming dates are on our Events page.
- Ride responsibly. Respectful riding at existing trails shows communities that mountain bikers are good neighbors. See our etiquette guide.
- Stay informed and polite. If you attend public meetings, be constructive and respectful.
- Support RBRTC. Membership and donations help pay for tools, materials and the work that goes into new projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has a trail been approved at Girard Lakes?
Not as of this article's publication. The city has been evaluating whether the property is suitable, and any trail would depend on future decisions by city officials.
Who would build the trail?
Reports describe RBRTC as a volunteer group that could help build and maintain a trail, as it does at Lake Milton. The details would be worked out between the city and the volunteers.
Where can I get updates?
Follow the RBRTC Facebook group and this blog. We will share news when there is something new to report.
Summary
In 2026, Girard officials began exploring a mountain bike trail at the Girard Lakes property, visited Lake Milton to see a volunteer-built trail in action and passed legislation to work with Rust Belt Revival Trail Coalition on finding suitable land. A site assessment is the next step, and any trail would depend on the city's decisions and possible grant funding. We are excited about the possibility and will share updates as the project develops.
Ride With Us, Build With Us
Rust Belt Revival Trail Coalition is a volunteer IMBA chapter that builds and maintains mountain bike trails near Youngstown, Ohio. Join a trail day, become a member or follow along in our Facebook group.