double d mountain runner: Donut trail

I'd been planning on visiting the Butler county (Ohio) donut trail for a few years and finally got around to doing it. I worked out an interesting drive that would include four stops for runs on my way out. I was out the door at 1:30 am (to avoid traffic in NY) and five hours and 311 miles later I arrived at the Lackawana river trail in Scranton PA for my first run. It was very dark and 45 degrees as I headed out on the grass/dirt part of the trail. I finished up on the paved and lighted section of the trail. I should've done the entire run on that part!

Another 270 miles and I arrived in Kennerdell PA for a run on the Alleghany River Trail. I'd picked this part of the trail because it had a half-mile long tunnel to run through. I chatted with a couple who were taking pictures of the tunnel before heading off to a scenic waterfall. I found the trail to be scenic enough for me and I really enjoyed the 3.5 miles of running along the river. It was windy and 52 degrees but felt refreshing after being in the car so long.

Next up was the Ohio & Erie Canal path in Akron OH. The drive through Akron was not promising but the canal path turned out to be excellent! I got in another nice 3.5 miles which included the highest point on the O&E.

Another 170 miles got me to the final run of the day. The Jamestown Connector was an interesting community trail that was in the middle of huge corn fields. There were trees lining the trail which helped keep the wind down (especially on this 61 degree sunny and windy afternoon).