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Print Friendly MapLykens Valley Rail Trail is approximately half-way complete with 9 miles of trail open out of 20 miles planned. Those 9 miles are available in three disconnected segments. In Millersburg, a 0.4-mile segment of trail runs north-south between the Susquehanna River and River Street, while another section of about 3 miles traces the southern side of Wiconisco Creek.
Farther east, the longest contiguous section of the trail runs for nearly 6 miles through Lykens and Wiconisco to Williamstown. This section of the trail meanders through state game lands and a pleasant wooded corridor.
In Lykens, restrooms and water fountains are available at the Northern Dauphin Library (683 Main Street, Lykens) during its hours of operation. The Lykens Valley Rail Trail connects right behind the library.
In Millersburg, restrooms and water are available at the north end of Riverfront Park, which is near the intersection of River St & Moore St.
Unfortunately as of January 2019, the last remaining volunteer has resigned. The trail is still worth visiting, but it is unlikely that the remaining segments will ever be fully completed.
Parking is available at a number of locations along the trail.
In Lykens, there is a parking area at the end of S. 2nd Street just west of where it meets S Edward St. Another option is the Northern Dauphin Library (683 Main Street, Lykens), which allows trail users to park in its lot. The Lykens Valley Rail Trail connects right behind the library and parking is available 24/7. There is a third parking lot at Arch St & N 2nd St in Lykens, just north of the library.
On the west end of Wiconisco, park along Arch Street by the ball field.
In Millersburg, park by Myo Park (S Market St) just across the pedestrian bridge or at multiple spots along Riverfront Park on Keystone St and on River St, which have accessible parking.
We rode the western end of this trail on Oct. 12th, 2022. We parked in the riverfront park in Millersburg then rode a few blocks on the local streets (Pearl St. , Wiconisco St, and Goodling Rd.) to access the rail trail that goes east out of town. There are no signs to let you know you are on the rail trail until after a few hundred feet onto the trail. At first appearance you appear to be on a private dirt/gravel road. Once you pass a gate there are signs for the trail. The trail surface is crushed stone, and in fairly good shape, though a little narrow where the foliage/grass is encroaching. The trail is completely in the woods so is well-shaded. The Wiconisco creek is off to the north side but not always visible from the trail. All in all, there is no outstanding scenery in this short two mile section. Although the weather was perfect, it was a weekday and we only passed two other people during our short round-trip ride.
We rode from two hours away to try this trail. We wanted to ride the eastern end near Lykens. It was very difficult to find the parking areas which are not marked. The description of where to park on Trail Link was not very detailed. We finally saw a piece of the trail by the Library and parked in a small lot by the trail. We checked with the librarians on trail information and got some info from the girl at the desk. We started riding and soon discovered the small signs and arrows which lead you through alleys to try to avoid riding on main streets. Finally we came to four miles of fairly decent trail. The fine grit was nice and packed and rode like asphalt. There were a few light washouts where heavier stone shone through. The color was beautiful for later October. It would have been nice to have some mile markers and general signage explaining the trail. I hope they will continue adding to the trail and post notifications to such.
Rode the Lykens-Williamstown section of the trail.
Trail is in good condition but somewhat difficult to follow in town. Many turns and small signs made for challenging navigation initially. Once out of populated area trail was very easy to follow. Riding the trail makes me appreciate the little steam engine that could. Huffing and puffing up the long grade followed by the easy riding down hill back to town.
The Lykens Valley was a maze of railroads accessing the coalfields. This trail uses a small portion of the abandoned railroads grades in the valley.
I parked near the Lykens Town Office. Facilities like information board/map and restrooms are lacking. There was a restroom on the other side of park but locked/closed. Nothing else nearby. On Rt 209 there, is a Walmart, MacDonald's, Burger King west of Lykens. Public Library branch in Lykens right along trail.
The social media (Facebook and Lykens Valley Rail-Trail Association Website) for this trail hasn't been updated on a recently. There were numerous signs that were damaged by shooters taking target practice.
Future expansion is there a plan/schedule? Wish they would publicize if there is. Hopefully the existing sections will be connected soon. Tower City is just over the county line. The railroad over the mountain connected to Hegins.
I hope to revisit this trail in the future.
I went hiking there for the first time today in Millerbsurg. I started on the 3 mile section of the rails trail where the Lykens Valley RR used to run. I walked to the very end and then when I came back I hiked up the mountain and there is a very nice view from the power lines! Had a blast. Will be going back to explore more trails there and eventually will have to get down to the other section in Elizebetheville.
This trail has the potential to be a very nice trail. The western section of the trail (as of June 2014) consists of a signed route that runs from South 2nd Street in Lykens to Wiconisco following mostly lightly traveled streets. East of Wiconisco, the trail appears to be under construction, although there are no signs to indicate this. The trail surface is large gravel east of Mountain Street in Wiconisco. To the west of Lykens is the nicest section of the trail. It extends approximately 1.25 miles to the west of South 2nd Street near Lawley Road and ends at an "End of Trail" sign. In the east, I could only find a segment of the trail in Riverfront Park in Millersburg. This section is 0.4 miles long, 6 foot wide asphalt and runs from the Millersburg Ferry south to MYO Park and includes a swinging bridge over the Wiconisco Creek. Parking is available at Arch St and North 2nd Street in Lykens and at Riverfront Park on River Street in Millersburg.
From the baseball field at the park in Elizabethville to Loyalton is a nice part of the trail not mentioned.
There is a 3 mile section behind the baseball fields at the park. It goes from the ball field to the east side of the gun club near Loyalton. It's a pretty nice part of the trail.
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