Rail Trails in South Central Pennsylvania

Spring is finally here, and that means it's time to get outside and enjoy the weather. One of the best and healthiest ways to enjoy the great outdoors is to explore the parks and hiking trails in your area. South central Pennsylvania has a vast number of trails suitable for hiking, biking and horseback riding. My own preference is for rail trails; these are disused track beds converted to walking trails, or in some cases, paths maintained alongside seldom used freight lines. Because they were used for trains, they are generally well-graded, level surfaces, without steep hills or treacherous curves. This makes them particularly well suited for novice bikers, families with younger children, and those of us who are in less than top physical form.

The following are four that my husband and I have walked numerous times, and enjoyed in all seasons.

The Lebanon Valley Rail Trail extend 15 miles from the Lancaster/Lebanon County line to the city of Lebanon. A good portion of it runs through Pennsylvania State Game Lands, and we have seen all sorts of wildlife including deer, turkeys, hawks, and even a fox. There are several areas of interest along the trail, including Cornwall Furnace works, which dates from the Revolutionary War era, and the town of Mt. Gretna, a collection of quaint Victorian cottages which also boasts a summer playhouse, skating rink, and ice cream parlor. Just east is Governor Dick Recreation Area, which has an 80 foot observation tower you can climb.

The 5 mile Conewago Trail links to the Lebanon Valley trail, and will be extended some time in the future. It follows part of the Conewago Creek, and leads you through both wooded areas and open meadows and farmland.

A quick and easy hike is the Lancaster Junction Trail, which is just over two miles, and runs between Lancaster Junction (near the town of Manheim) and Route 283. The last time we walked it, one of the farms had a very large pen of whitetail deer. Parts of it run along Chiques Creek, and we sometimes see local kids wading and turning over rocks, looking for salamanders and crayfish.

The York Heritage Rail Trail runs about 21 miles, from York to the town of New Freedom. It's main attraction for us was the rail tunnel, as well as the two remaining train stations. The tunnel is the Howard Tunnel, and is great fun for kids as they ride their bikes through. (Don't worry, it's short enough that you can see plenty of daylight.) One of the stations, Hanover Junction Train Station, is now a museum, and is a good stopping point for a break if you're walking the entire trail. The other station was slated for restoration, and we hope to visit it this year and check it out.

Although the trails are fairly level and generally surfaced with crushed stone of some sort, you should still be sure and wear proper foot gear and hiking attire. Take snacks, water, and a basic first aid kit as well as a cell phone, especially on the longer trails

For further information on Pennsylvania rail trails, contact the Rails-To-Trails Conservancy, Pennsylvania Chapter; 105 Locust St.; Harrisburg, PA 17101 or click on the links below.

Be safe, and enjoy the great outdoors!