Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Get the App

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Butler-Freeport Community Trail

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Butler-Freeport Community Trail

Moderate

4.7

(5641)

14,638

hikers

Butler-Freeport Community Trail

Q: Where can I park to access the Butler-Freeport Community Trail?

The trail offers frequent access points with parking available. You'll find convenient parking near various trailheads. For example, near the Monroe Road trailhead, there's access to Buffalo Creek Nature Park which also provides facilities.

Q: Is the Butler-Freeport Community Trail dog-friendly?

Yes, the trail is dog-friendly. You are welcome to bring your canine companions along for the hike.

Q: What is the best time of year to hike the trail?

The trail is enjoyable year-round, but spring is particularly beautiful with abundant wildflowers. The wooded valley provides shade in summer, and fall foliage is scenic. Winter hiking is also possible.

Q: Are there any permits or fees required to use the trail?

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access and use the Butler-Freeport Community Trail.

Q: What kind of terrain can I expect on the trail?

As a converted rail-trail, the path is largely flat with only gradual inclines and declines. The surface is primarily crushed limestone, which is generally compact and easy to walk on, though some sections may be dirt or asphalt. Expect occasional uneven spots.

Q: Is the trail suitable for all skill levels and families?

Yes, the trail is generally considered easy to intermediate, making it accessible for a wide range of hikers, including families. Its mostly flat grade contributes to its ease of use, though longer distances might make minor inclines noticeable.

Q: What natural features and historical landmarks will I see along the way?

You'll traverse a scenic wooded valley, following Little Buffalo Creek and then Buffalo Creek. Highlights include the Buffalo Creek Gorge, cliffs, and diverse woodlands. Historically, you can spot remnants of the former railroad corridor, such as old stone foundations, small dams, and brick kilns. The former Saxon City Hotel, built in 1871, is also visible north of Cabot. Don't miss the Butler-Freeport Community Trail itself and Buffalo Creek .

Q: Are there restrooms or other facilities available on the trail?

Yes, the trail is surprisingly close to modern conveniences. Restrooms are available and open year-round at various access points. Near the Monroe Road trailhead, you'll find Buffalo Creek Nature Park, which offers a nature center, playground, picnic tables, and additional restrooms.

Q: Is the Butler-Freeport Community Trail a multi-use path?

Yes, the trail is a multi-use path. While excellent for hiking, it is also shared with cyclists, so be mindful of other users.

Q: Does the trail involve any water crossings or offer fishing opportunities?

The trail follows the creeks closely, crossing Little Buffalo Creek seven times. Smaller tributaries provide natural cooling. Fishing is permitted at the Bear Creek Road trailhead.

02:47

10.6km

90m

Hiking

The Butler-Freeport Community Trail offers a pleasant journey through a scenic wooded valley, tracing Little Buffalo Creek and Buffalo Creek before reaching the Allegheny River at Freeport. This predominantly flat route, made up of crushed limestone, dirt, and asphalt, meanders through forests and farmlands, revealing charming historical remnants like old stone foundations and brick kilns. You'll also encounter small dams and delightful waterfalls, making it a visually engaging experience for hikers of all levels.

This moderate 6.6-mile (10.6 km) hike involves a gentle 302 feet (92 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 2 hours and 47 minutes. The trail is well-marked with mile and half-mile indicators, and restrooms are available seasonally from May to October. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed. With frequent access points along its 20-mile length, you can easily tailor your outing.

As a converted rail-trail, the route follows the corridor of Butler County's first railroad, established in 1871, offering a consistent, gentle grade. This historical significance is visible in the 19th and early 20th-century industrial remnants found along the way. It's a multi-use path, popular for walking, jogging, and cycling, providing a low-impact option for enjoying the region's natural beauty and history.

Last updated: June 9, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

37 m

Bulter-Freeport Community Trailhead - Laneville

Highlight • Trail

This trailhead is the southernmost point of the trail. There is a parking lot here with access to Buffalo River. The river is a great spot to rest and recharge in a beautiful setting before heading back on the trail if you are riding an out-and-back. Alternatively, you can stage another vehicle here if you want to plan a shorter ride.

Tip by

1.71 km

Butler-Freeport Community Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Butler-Freeport Community Trail spans 20 miles, winding through a scenic wooded valley along Little Buffalo Creek to Buffalo Creek and then to the Allegheny River at Freeport. The trail is a mix of surfaces, mainly crushed limestone, and well-placed mile and .5 mile markers along the way. Restrooms are available along the route and are open seasonally, from May to October. As you ride the trail, you'll encounter charming scenery, including old stone foundations, remains of brick kilns, small dams, and delightful waterfalls.

Tip by

5.30 km

Buffalo Creek

Highlight • River

Buffalo Creek begins in Hartley Township, flowing eastward between Buffalo Mountain and Branch Mountain. It depends, though, on Gooseneck and Buffalo Gap. Its name origin is unclear, as buffalo were almost nonexistent in the state at the time it was named.

Tip by

10.6 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

10.6 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

9.79 km

784 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Today

Sunday 12 July

30°C

19°C

54 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 8.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

Want to know more?

This route was planned by komoot.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Edit route

Download GPX

Move start point

Embed on a website

Report an Issue

Report restricted access

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I park to access the Butler-Freeport Community Trail?

The trail offers frequent access points with parking available. You'll find convenient parking near various trailheads. For example, near the Monroe Road trailhead, there's access to Buffalo Creek Nature Park which also provides facilities.

Is the Butler-Freeport Community Trail dog-friendly?

Yes, the trail is dog-friendly. You are welcome to bring your canine companions along for the hike.

What is the best time of year to hike the trail?

The trail is enjoyable year-round, but spring is particularly beautiful with abundant wildflowers. The wooded valley provides shade in summer, and fall foliage is scenic. Winter hiking is also possible.

Are there any permits or fees required to use the trail?

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access and use the Butler-Freeport Community Trail.

What kind of terrain can I expect on the trail?

As a converted rail-trail, the path is largely flat with only gradual inclines and declines. The surface is primarily crushed limestone, which is generally compact and easy to walk on, though some sections may be dirt or asphalt. Expect occasional uneven spots.

Is the trail suitable for all skill levels and families?

Yes, the trail is generally considered easy to intermediate, making it accessible for a wide range of hikers, including families. Its mostly flat grade contributes to its ease of use, though longer distances might make minor inclines noticeable.

What natural features and historical landmarks will I see along the way?

You'll traverse a scenic wooded valley, following Little Buffalo Creek and then Buffalo Creek. Highlights include the Buffalo Creek Gorge, cliffs, and diverse woodlands. Historically, you can spot remnants of the former railroad corridor, such as old stone foundations, small dams, and brick kilns. The former Saxon City Hotel, built in 1871, is also visible north of Cabot. Don't miss the Butler-Freeport Community Trail itself and Buffalo Creek.

Are there restrooms or other facilities available on the trail?

Yes, the trail is surprisingly close to modern conveniences. Restrooms are available and open year-round at various access points. Near the Monroe Road trailhead, you'll find Buffalo Creek Nature Park, which offers a nature center, playground, picnic tables, and additional restrooms.

Is the Butler-Freeport Community Trail a multi-use path?

Yes, the trail is a multi-use path. While excellent for hiking, it is also shared with cyclists, so be mindful of other users.

Does the trail involve any water crossings or offer fishing opportunities?

The trail follows the creeks closely, crossing Little Buffalo Creek seven times. Smaller tributaries provide natural cooling. Fishing is permitted at the Bear Creek Road trailhead.

Are there any specific sections or directions that offer a unique experience?

Hikers traveling north from Freeport will experience a slight, gradual incline, while heading south towards Freeport offers a gentle downhill grade. The trail offers diverse landscapes from tranquil creek-side stretches to farmlands and rural villages. The section following the Buffalo Creek Gorge is particularly scenic.