Explore the best rated trails in Chambersburg, PA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Lower Trail and Shuster Way Heritage Trail . With more than 28 trails covering 4108 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
On the way down we rode the rail trail. It’s was 90% trees and concrete path. Hancock was a cute little town tho and we stopped at the Blue Goose Market that was cute. We rode the tow path on the way back and I thought that was slightly better for the scenery. It was a gorgeous day to be out but I’ve been on better trail.
I've lived in Boalsburg, PA for 10 of the last 13 years and have probably ridden the full 32 miles, there and back, of the Lower Trail nearly 100 times. It's because of this trail and the Pine Creek Rail Trail that I have fallen in love with rail trails and Pennsylvania. I won't repeat everything that has been said in other reviews, but I want to say a few things that have not been said and/or emphasized. These things are not necessarily unique to the Lower Trail by any means, but I promise you they can all be experienced on its path.
1) The Lower Trail is very remote, and this revives the soul! To get to any of the trailheads you are "forced" to drive through fertile farm fields, surrounded by majestic, ancient, and time-worn ridges. There's not a city in sight! It doesn't matter if you are coming from Altoona, State College, Huntingdon, or afar, you can't help but relax and let it all go on the drive there. Roll down the windows and enjoy Central Pennsylvania in all of its glory.
2) It's history, and this inspires! Native Americans forged this trail along the Juniata; the Main Line of the Pennsylvania Canal channeled its way through the ridgelines here; the Pennsylvania Railroad took a shortcut through the gorges to bypass Tyrone when traffic was heavy; Amelia Earhart spent her weekends in Williamsburg; there are hidden locks, loading docks, and long lost railroad bridges over the Juniata with only a few stacked stones of abutments left. Just think, Charles Dickens spent time on this trail as he was pulled upstream on a canal boat by a team of donkeys. He wrote fondly about this trail!
3) There's a river, and you can kayak it! It's called the Juniata! Leave your bike at Alfarata or Mount Etna Station, drive your kayaks to Williamsburg, kayak downstream along the Juniata back to your bike, and bike ride back to your car. You get the drift? You can spend a whole day biking and kayaking along this magnificent corridor. There's something incredible about paddling your boat under ancient railroad viaducts while navigating occasional rapids and waving to bikers on the trail as they ride by!
4) Human diversity abounds! Infants to retirees frequent this trail all year long. There are strollers, tricycles, gravel bikes, mountain bikes, street bikes, electric bikes, scooters, one-wheeled skateboards, recumbents, horses, and folks using their good old-fashion two feet. But, it's never too crowded, and everyone is so kind and courteous. The trail is wide enough to pass safely with a soft ding of a bell or a quick verbal cue of on your left. You can ride fast or slow, lazily or with determination. There is an in fact an 11 mile stretch with zero road crossings. Imagine the time trials one could ride! Or you can slow down and take it all in.
5) Natural diversity envelops you! Foliage and fauna, marmots and birds. My most memorable moment with nature occured while kayaking and a bald eagle on July 4th stayed with us for about a mile. Continually swooping past us, about 10 feet over our heads, gazing at us as he passed, perching in a tree just in front of us, and performing this dance over and over again.
My apologies if this review is a bit personal. The Lower Trail is truly a hidden gem. It's shaped me and my family - kept us sane and whole, and I give so much thanks to those who had the vision to make this trail a reality. There's nothing that gives me greater joy than when I ask my teenage daughter each spring if she'd like to go on a bike ride with me on the Lower Trail, and her eyes pop open and she enthusiastically says yes.
A friend and I rode the Lower Trail in June 2024. Temps were in the low 90s; it was humid. Fortunately the trail is very well shaded. The section from Alexandria to Williamsburg is nearly flat and mostly 2-track well-packed dirt. The last 3 miles are paved asphalt. The pavement used to be rough. It's much better now, with occasional tree root bumps.
The trail has LOTS of benches and several picnic shelters. It's quiet so we heard a variety of birds. En route we chatted with Mike, a local who's a trail keeper. We also encountered a local who was removing invasive species along the trail.
The only disappointment was the Lower Trail Creamery in Williamsburg. We (and another couple) saw an employee enter the Creamery at 11:30am. We knocked on the door and asked if we could be served soon. We were told to wait until the posted noon opening. Very disappointing on a hot day!
Years ago when we first rode the Lower Trail, we would only see one or two riders or walkers. Today there were 10 vehicles in the Alexandria parking lot. Mike said the parking lot fills up on weekends.
Enjoyed the trail, but there was no signage regarding the closure near the end of the loop. Not being a local, I missed the news,https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.abc27.com/local-news/capital-area-greenbelt-detour-remains-in-place/amp
We parked at lock 38 by Shepardstown. Trail is well maintained and gorgeous. Many bikers, runners and walkers out.Note it is a trash free park.
Just completed York to Maryland . Stopped in Railroad to spend the night at The Jackson House B and B. Great place. Ale Craft brewery nearby was excellent. Coming south through York was a bit of a challenge. We got off trail twice for a short period. Needs to be better marked
Most of this trail is not along streets. We often ride this trail round trip from Ballenger Creek Park to the other end which is near Dunkin Donuts. We often see deer. There are two bridges over Ballenger Creek, and an underpass at New Design Road which keeps trail users away from traffic. There are a few air pump and tool stands along the trail. The western half mile is on sidewalk along the road, with traffic light protection for crossing.
Always a favorite trail as it’s close to State College, PA, I rode it again yesterday with friends. Scenic and really well maintained, the trail offers a little bit of everything. Thanks and appreciation to those who maintain the trail—especially at the picnic area.
The amazing smell of the flowers at the start of the trail would be worth another ride for that alone. (We started at Welty Road Park.) Lots of hills, definitely a workout, some shade and some sun. The creek is absolutely beautiful.
Whether a multi-day ride from DC 180 miles to Cumberland or individual day rides along the tow path next to the C&O canal, this trail is awesome. And now that much of it has been resurfaced to be crushed granite rather than just dirt, muddy rides will no longer be a problem after and during rains. One of the top 10 bucket list rides in the US, easily.
This was a really peaceful trail through lots of beautiful farmland. Lots of birds and other nature. As you get closer to Carlisle proper it does become a bit noisier (and I did encounter a nice homeless man and an asphalt factory) but overall it was a very pleasant and peaceful ride. Combined with some hilly road rides to and from this was definitely a worthwhile trip.
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