Heritage Rail Trail County Park:
Pennsylvania
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Description:
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 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 Trail, which is also known as the Northern Central Railroad Trail.

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Parking & Trail Access:
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.

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Seasonal Restrictions:
The trail is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to dusk.
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Reviews: [8 trail ratings]
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Fantastic Ride
By beccasshower in November, 2011
We only did 16 miles from York to Serenity Station - great condition, fantastic scenery, lovely weather.
Great Trail - November 2011
By arneson in November, 2011
My wife and I took a short ride on the York County Heritage Rail Trail, from the Brillhart Station parking area to Glatfelters Station (about 7.5 miles round-trip). The trail is in excellent condition, and it is among the best trails we've been on. We look forward to returning to enjoy the entire trail.
Heritage Rail Trail County Park
By jdabbott58 in September, 2011
I only peddled a 10 mile round trip on Saturday after Bible College class with my grand-son. I would have gone for more but he was tired due to him riding a 20 inch trick bike with only single speed. The trail was clear even though the week before, we had TS Irene come through. A very nice ride and lots of friendly people on the trail. I will rode this trail again as the season changes to view all of God's glorious colors of Fall.
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Looking out on the overpass across Richland Ave., in the city's southern suburbs
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Pershing Ave. at E. Clarke Ave. (York) to Orwig Rd. at PA/MD state line (New Freedom)
Counties: York
Trail Length: 21 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Crushed Stone
Trail Activities: Fishing, Wheelchair Accessible, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6016977

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