The Capitol Area Greenbelt Trail, which wraps itself around Harrisburg, Pa., has multiple personality written all over it. It’s more than just a ride; it’s an adventure, due to its ever-changing surfaces, scenery, topography and mood.
Start at the City Island lot, where you sometimes have to pay a parking fee, but usually do not. Ride counter-clockwise to avoid climbing a long 10-percent grade about a 1/3 of the way through the 20-mile loop, and be prepared for a something different at every turn. To start the ride you will cross one of six bridges that span the Susquehanna at Harrisburg. The Walnut Street Bridge – also named the People’s Bridge – is closed to automobile traffic. This bridge was rebuilt after part of it was washed away in 1996. As heavy snows melted, the river flooded to bridge level, pulling the structure down and under the Market Street Bridge, just down river. Look for the video on You Tube.
Once across the bridge, the trail starts along the Susquehanna River, where you can take a high or low path. The low path is pretty rough, but gives you an up-close-and-personal view of the water. The upper path is smooth and has its own charm – sculptures; sleeping homeless folks; unique home fronts; and the grave of John Harris, namesake of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s state capital.
This is not a trail for children if you plan to ride the full 20 miles, as it crosses over busy roadways several times and shares streets at others. There are trailheads located throughout the trail, so if you wish to take your toddler, you might want to hop from trailhead to trailhead to avoid crossovers.
Make sure you leave plenty of time for this trail, especially about halfway around the loop at the Wildwood Park Nature Center. This section of the trail, which can be ridden on the backside or along the canal, is a surprising gem for being so close to an urban setting. During our ride we had the pleasure of spying a Black-crested Night Heron, who refused to face the camera, and a Green Heron, who was intent on a bit of prey below the water’s surface.
Beware the traffic light just after the Nature Center. If there are no cars present you might not trip the light sensor. I sat for three light changes until an 18-wheeler pulled up next to me. This is a VERY busy intersection.
The trail passes under railroad bridges, major highways and through a tunnel that brings you up in front of the Pennsylvania State Farm Show complex, which, on the day we rode the trail, was hosting the Keystone Cluster Dog Show.
Four stars for variety.

Give yourself lots of time to explore on this trail. The GPS file currently available for this site is definitely not the same route as the signed route. The signs are small and difficult to locate in some places and I would have gotten hopelessly lost if I hadn't gotten a map at one of the early stops after crossing over from City Island. The trail is a bit sketchy on a road bike and best ridden with fatter tires. Even some of the paved areas need attention but my wife did make it through with her 25 X 700 tires although she wasn't happy.

Along the river stick to the higher path along the road because the cement path at the river's edge has lots of rough areas and it really isn't pretty.

We didn't have time to explore but there are lot's of interesting looking historic stops including the National Civil War Museum, the Governor's Mansion, State House, etc.

Definitely worth a ride but don't expect to bang out 20 miles...it's an adventure!

This was our first time checking out this trail. Some of the previous comments were justified....the trail was rough in a few spots and poorly marked at some places, and you do have to ride on a few streets, BUT other than having to go with our gut on a few occasions, we didn't have any trouble finding our way. We rode mid-week, so the streets weren't busy and you're only on the road for a few short spurts.

Some additional scoop....We parked at City Island, $5.00 to park all day. NOTE: Don't park along the outer banks of that lot, you'll get a ticket. Those spaces are reserved for permit parkers. We missed the posted signs but as luck had it, we arrived back just in time to see the guy beside us get a ticket! Timing and good karma saved our sorry (and only slightly tired) butts!

From the parking lot, the Trailhead wasn't marked. The parking attendants didn't know what a Rail-to-Trail was, so we did our civic duty and educated them. This might save you some time. From the parking lot, ride across the Iron Bridge and head down to the water. It's a loop, so you can ride either direction along the water and then look for the Greenbelt Signs to point you in the right direction. The Trail winds through some wooded areas, through a few really nice parks, through the HACC campus, through some neighborhoods and you end up back along the waterfront at City Island. It's an easy ride, just a few small hills...good for road bikes as the trail is all paved.

Let's get to the real deal...Food! There are many places along the way to stop for a picnic or you could take the easy way out like we did, and when we finished back at City Island, we walked our bikes two blocks to 2nd Street for some good grub. There are a bunch of nice cafes with outside seating, easy to park your bikes and have a nice lunch/dinner. Great spot for people watching and feeling cool in our biking gear. We stumbled upon Neato Burrito 209 N. 2nd St. Great Food! Inexpensive with lots of super fresh, healthy options.

I'd highly recommend this ride for those of you wanting to explore something a little different than your traditional rail-to-trail. It's a great way to expand your horizons and explore the city. Have Fun!

By Pat May 19, 2009