Conewago Recreation Trail:
Pennsylvania
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Description:
The Conewago Recreation Trail in northwestern Lancaster County parallels Conewago Creek over most of its length, as it passes through farmland and forests. A unit of the Lancaster County Department of Parks and Recreation, the 5.1-mile trail occupies the former rail bed of the Cornwall-Lebanon Railroad, from PA Route 230 near Elizabethtown to the Lebanon County line, where it joins the 14.5-mile Lebanon Valley Rail-Trail.

Robert H. Coleman built the railroad in 1883 as a private venture, and the line operated for nearly a century. Trains transported iron ore to the Pennsylvania Railroad, which took it to the mill in Steelton. The railroad also ran passenger trains to and from Mt. Gretna, home of the Pennsylvania Chautauqua and the National Guard encampment for nearly a half century starting in 1885.

The well-graded crushed stone trail is suited for a variety of visitors, including pedestrians, cyclists and cross-country skiers. Numerous horse farms dot the trail, and equestrian use along the corridor is evident. There are only six road crossings; they are well-marked and usually involve low-volume rural roads.

From the trailhead on Pennsylvania Route 230, the trail heads northeast through the countryside. Over most of its length, the trail runs along the quiet, meandering Conewago Creek and through rich Lancaster County farmland. Most of the trail is shaded by trees that edge the fields and meadows.

The crossing of Mill Street, where the original railroad bridge has been removed, features sloped ramps down to the road level and back up to the trail. Use caution at this crossing since it's on a curve.

At the Lebanon County line where the Conewago Rail Trail joins the Lebanon Valley Rail-Trail, there is no trailhead access. Signs and a change of surface signify the transition from one trail to the other.

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Parking & Trail Access:
To reach the State Route 230 trailhead from Elizabethtown, proceed northeast for about 2 miles on State Route 230 (North Market Street). The trailhead is on the right just before a bridge over Conewago Creek.

To other access points: State Route 241 (Mount Gretna Road) runs parallel to the trail over most of its length and provides access via rural side roads. Also, there are small parking areas (enough for a few cars) at most points where the trail intersects roads.

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Reviews: [6 trail ratings]
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Lovely Ride
By beccasshower in November, 2011
We parked at the trail head outside Elizabeth town, biked the entire length and then another 2.5 miles into the Lebanon Valley trail and then returned (about 15 miles round trip). All trees that downed during last weekends freak Snowtober event have been cut, and cleared to the side. There is still evidence of the early September floods, mostly on the Lebanon County side, but the entire trail is in pretty good shape. Lots of other bike and pedestrian traffic, especially for a weekday, and some of the prettiest countryside God ever gave us. Heartily recommend!
Oct 9th, 2011 - Damage from Ireane and Lee
By al_pine in October, 2011
Major damage has been repaired.

Some trail surface still rough/washed out.

Couple of places where the edge of trail drops off 1 - 2 feet.

Lots of down trees (cut up) along the trail.

Fun Ride.
Sept 18tn, 2011 - Damage from Ireane and Lee
By al_pine in September, 2011
Sept 18, 2011. Took a post Hurricane/Flood ride on North1/2 of trail.

Two Miles + closed due to damage. Stopped at E-Town trailhead. Trail entrance/bridge almost washed out and closed. Found another trailhead to start ride.

Numerous locations with water damage. Passable but rough in spots. Expect hardpack gravel, loose gravel, sand and some mud.

Hope the damage gets fixed soon.
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