Mill Creek Park Will Close East Gorge Trail Segment

A section of the Youngstown trail shuts down on October 12 for three weeks of construction.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Hiking

Screen-print poster illustration of a wooden boardwalk in a forest with construction planks, representing park infrastructure improvements. — Mill Creek Park will close a segment of the East Gorge Trail from October 12 to early November for essential resurfacing and boardwalk construction. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Beginning October 12, 2026, a portion of the East Gorge Trail in Mill Creek Park will close to the public for essential trail improvements. The closure extends from the existing boardwalk area to Valley Drive.

Why it matters

The closure is necessary to facilitate the construction of a new boardwalk and complete trail resurfacing. These upgrades aim to enhance the infrastructure of one of the citys most popular outdoor recreational areas.

The construction project is slated to last three weeks starting October 12. While the segment beyond the existing boardwalk to Valley Drive will close, the existing boardwalk will remain open to visitors throughout the work.

The players

Mill Creek Park

This public park system serves as the primary outdoor recreational space for the residents of Youngstown.

The details

Crews will focus on building a new boardwalk and resurfacing the designated trail area. This work is part of a broader effort to improve trail conditions for hikers throughout the park.

October 12, 2026: The portion of the East Gorge Trail closes to the public.
Three weeks: The estimated duration of the construction and resurfacing project.

Culture Shift

This project reflects a broader move toward prioritizing sustainable, high-quality outdoor infrastructure in municipal parks. Such upgrades are increasingly common as local systems work to meet modern accessibility standards and accommodate growing hiker traffic.

Hikers planning visits to Mill Creek Park should adjust their routes to avoid the section between the existing boardwalk and Valley Drive. Visitors can still use the existing boardwalk throughout the duration of the construction.

The takeaway

Visitors are encouraged to check for park updates as the three-week construction timeline progresses. Utilizing the remaining open trails helps ensure both public safety and faster project completion.