Trail-to-Table

Pennsylvania is actually one of the premier states that helped to launch the construction of rail trails. The Keystone State has over 100 rail trails consisting of more than 900 miles. Below are some of the trails you’ll find located within the county:

Chickies Rock Overlook Trail: (0.9-mile loop trail) Enjoy amazing views of the Susquehanna River and the surrounding communities of Columbia, Wrightsville and Marietta. Located at both River Front Park and on Furnace Road, Chiques Rock Outfitters offers rock climbing and kayaking packages as well as bicycle rentals. This trail mostly consists of dirt and gravel with some paved areas.

Conestoga Greenway Trail: (1.3 miles) The paved multi-use trail extends from Conestoga Drive near Bridgeport to Lancaster County Central Park at the South Duke Street bridge and runs along the Conestoga River. Visitors says it’s great for hiking, biking, inline skating and walking your furry friends.

Conewago Recreation Trail: (5 miles) This trail is located between Route 230 and the Lebanon County line, northwest of Elizabethtown. Formerly known as the Cornwall-Lebanon rail line, it follows the Conewago Creek through scenic farmland and woodlands. The trail is great for hiking, jogging, biking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing.  Wheelchair accessible except for the intersection crossing at Mill Road.

Dean L. Saylor Park: (1.2 miles) The park’s linear trail extends through Warwick Township and Lititz Borough. Consisting of asphalt and crushed stone, the trail is great for biking, inline skating, walking and cross-country skiing. It also features scenic landscape, playgrounds, farms and natural areas.

Enola Low Grade Trail: (Approximately 27.6 miles in Lancaster & Chester counties) This riverside gem travels along the Susquehanna River and runs through several townships and communities, including Manor, Conestoga, Martic, Eden and Quarryville. Trail enthusiasts can enjoy biking, walking and cross-country skiing on this crushed stone trail. Visitors will also take notice of the many scenic views, including a 1947 restored caboose.

Lancaster Junction Recreation Trail: (2.3 miles) This trail was formerly a part of the Reading-Columbia rail line. It runs between the hamlet of Lancaster Junction and Route 283 and past scenic farmland and beautiful meadows. The crushed-stone trail is ideal for biking, horseback riding (at a slow and steady pace) and walking.

Middle Creek Trail: (1.25 miles) This gravel trail follows the path that was once the trolley line between Ephrata and Lebanon. It follows alongside Middle Creek and is covered in tall oak trees. Other trails crisscross this trail as well. Enjoy walking, hiking and viewing nature on
this trail.

Northwest Corridor Linear Park: (0.7 miles) This trail can be found in Lancaster City between Harrisburg Pike and the 200 Block of West Lemon Street. The paved trail, also known as Mayor Janice P. Stork Corridor Park, has picnic tables and benches scattered throughout as well as a park area and small basketball court
alongside it.

Northwest Lancaster County River Trail: (14.2 miles) This trail provides a scenic route for bike enthusiasts, inline skating, walking, cross-country skiing and fishing. The trail, which runs along the Susquehanna River from Columbia to Falmouth, is paved with a few areas made of crushed stone. Visitors will enjoy viewing historic ruins like the iron furnaces, timeworn canal locks and an old quarry.

Warwick to Ephrata Rail-Trail: (approximately 7.5 miles) Sitting on an abandoned stretch of the former Reading & Columbia rail line, this trail passes through the communities of Lititz, Warwick Township, Ephrata and Akron. Visitors will enjoy scenic farmland views, historical sites, locally owned shops, restaurants and produce stands. The trail consists of asphalt, crushed stone and gravel.