The Heritage Rail Trail County Park winds for 21 miles through urban and rural landscapes between the city of York and the Maryland state line. It connects Maryland's
Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail with the historic district of York, PA. The trail has blue stone dust on top of a crusted stone base and is well-suited for hybrid bikes.
The trail starts in York behind a replication of the town's colonial courthouse. Heading south, the trail passes through an urban landscape along the banks of Codorus Creek. After a little more than 1 mile the trail leaves the city and enters the countryside, where the trail is flanked by fields and forests.
About 1.5 miles south of the Brillhart Station trailhead is the 370-foot-long Howard Tunnel. At milepost 11 the borough of Seven Valleys provides an opportunity for refreshments at the cafe, tavern or wine shop. About 0.5 mile farther south is the restored Hanover Junction train station. The station has been restored to appear as it did in 1863.
The next 4 miles of the trail run through farmlands and along the banks of Codorus Creek. The Heritage Rail Trail passes through Glen Rock, Railroad and New Freedom over the next 9 miles, each town providing opportunities to explore the area's rich history. From New Freedom's restored railroad station it is just 1.5 miles to the Mason-Dixon Line and the connection to Maryland's 20-mile
Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail, which is also known as the Northern Central Railroad Trail.
To reach the York trailhead from Interstate 83, take Exit 22 (North George Street). Follow North George Street south for approximately 3 miles. Turn right to West Philadelphia Street. Go 2 blocks and turn right onto Pershing Avenue. Parking for trail users is on the west side of the street.
To reach the New Freedom trailhead from Interstate 83, take Exit 4 (Shrewsbury). Go west on PA Route 851. Turn left onto Main Street. At the next traffic light, Constitution Avenue, turn right. Turn right onto Franklin Street. Turn right onto Front Street. Parking is on the north side of the train station.
Biked this trail from York, PA to Mason Dixon Line and back in one day. It's an excellent trail. Lots of interesting things to see on the way. Many benches if you need to stop and rest. We packed a picnic lunch and enjoyed it on the way. However, we saw ...
Rode this trail 2 day, great trail,1st time on it so saw alot of neat stuff, rode from York to the Mason-Dixon line and back, was a great day for a bike ride, will diffently ride it again!!
The York County Heritage Rail Trail is an exceptionally well maintained trail. The grading is between 0% to about 2%. As you head south towards New Freedom, PA, the grade increases to 1-2%. New Freedom is the high point between the Heritage Rail Trail ...