Ever since we found out my trunk bike carrier works on our SUV late this summer, we've fervently explored biking trails around the Harrisburg area before the season's over.  One of the first things that came to mind would of course be the Capital Area Greenbelt.  It's a 23 mile route interconnecting paved paths, crushed-stone trails, and public roads.  We've only explored 3 different segments of the Greenbelt.  

The first is City Island and Riverfront Park. Start by looping around the small island which is less than a mile but think of it as a warm up. You also get to see some touristy highlights such as the Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat, Water Golf, and City Island Railroad.  Then cross the picturesque Walnut Street Bridge, turn left on to my favorite segment so far, the Riverfront Park. This paved segment runs for 3 miles alongside the Susquehanna River all the way to Vaughn St.  Along the way you get to see many sculptures and historic landmarks. Some highlights include State Street, Governor's Mansion, Peace Garden, and Sunken Garden. And if you're open to excursions, take detours and check out the Capitol Complex and Italian Lake.

The second segment we've been frequenting without realizing it's part of the Greenbelt - Wildwood Park. I've had a 5-star review on it. It's one of  my favorite parks in the Harrisburg area.  I've read that there's a new 1.5 mile segment connecting from Wildwood Park to Fort Hunter.  I can't wait to check that out!

The third segment we just tried today, the Andrea Ave Spur.  It's not part of the main loop but still part of the Greenbelt. I guess you can think of it as an extension, much like the Fort Hunter segment.  This one starts out on a crushed-stone path but soon turns into a fully paved trail. It's only 2.3 miles to the main loop near the Farm Show complex, but it's hilly and punishing at times.

This is a different experience than, say, a rail trail which is more secluded and allows you to be soaked with nature.  Here you do not completely leave civilization. Another negative aspect is that many sections insolve public roads.  I'm not sure I should venture the southeast portion of the Greenbelt, based on the map... 

This 22 mile rail trail begins in York and ends at the PA-MD state line. The trail goes alongside the railroad that was built in the 1800's and was in use through 1972. The crushed stone trail makes the soothing crackling sound. It's perfect for biking, even for road bikes.

On this delightful sunny brisk mid-September day, we put out the bike carrier and deployed our bikes for a 13 mile round trip ride. We parked our car at Brillhart Station parking lot, which was big but surprisingly jam-packed. We biked from Brillhart Station to Hanover Junction Station, passing through Howard Tunnel and Seven Valleys along the way. We saw farm lands, corn fields, a tunnel, creeks, and rocky hills. We spent some time taking pictures around the Howard Tunnel which is the oldest continuously used railroad tunnel in the US. We spent even more time at the Seven Valleys parking lot which has a lot of picnic tables to consume our snacks, and 3 colorful giant bicycles which present another great photo op. We stopped at the Hanover Junction Station which has a few interesting outdoor sculptures. It has men's and women's restrooms; however, they were closed perhaps due to COVID-19. Fortunately, there's a Porta John next to the picnic tables.

We had a great time experiencing this segment of the Heritage Rail Trail between Brillhart and Hanover Junction.

About one quarter of the trail is paved, the rest is packed gravel. There is a great rest area about halfway and a small refreshment stand by a local farmer not far away. Can be crowded close to Lewisburg as it was today around lunch time. Many road and driveway crossings, so be careful. Plenty of parking at both ends of the trail. One of our favorite trails!

A friend and I rented bikes at the Dick Winter's Memorial off Fulton Street in Ephrata. They have really nice trail bikes for rent for $10/2 hours. You do need to unlock the bikes with a code that is emailed AFTER you pay for your rental. We had no issues getting the bikes adjusted to our height. One bike had a basket which was convenient. A few other bikes had water bottle holders. I don't ride bikes a lot, but my friend told me that the rental bikes are very good quality. I thought the bikes were very comfortable and even though I am 53 y/o - it was a comfortable 14 mile ride on the Warwick/Ephrata rail trail. It was a lovely day so there were a lot of people on the trail, but not too many people that we had difficulty navigating the trail.

We rode the entire trail from Cockeysville to New Freedom, PA on a perfect September Saturday. We could not have enjoyed this trail more than we did. There were lots of people using it today and everyone seemed to be able to carve out their own little slice of the trail.

It was a beautiful day so I decided to do some pedaling. I started near the New Freedom train station and headed north. After arriving in York, I discovered that once crossing a few streets, the trail continued so off I went. I rode to the trail's northern tetminus at Rudy Park. Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy! I rode through the park and then decided to head back south. Upon arriving back at New Freedom, I decided to continue south. I rode to the southern terminus to a small parking lot south of Ashland road, turned around and headed back north to New Freedom. Beautiful ride.

Enjoyed our afternoon on the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail. Started in Bainbridge at Koser Park. Picked up some ham sandwiches at the Bainbridge Inn. Gorgeous sunny day, busy trail, but friendly people. About 1.5 miles in spent time on the White Cliffs of Conoy, amazing views of the river. Climbed down to the water's edge. Moved on to the impressive Shock's Bridge, passing thru farmland. Turned around at the park after hiking on rocks out into the Susquehanna River. Watched an egret and heron fish. On our way back had our ham sandwich snack on the wooden bench viewing Shock's Bridge. Spent an hour watching the sunset over the river from the White Cliffs of Conoy, then back to the parking area. Ten mile or so round trip ride, but lots of time spent checking out the surroundings. Very enjoyable!! Highly recommended!! Take your time and enjoy!

The information ¿ stands for history, etc are great for learning. I’d like to see signs advising walkers to stay to the left & cyclists on the right. I’m concerned that walkers are blind to movement behind them. Rail-Trail surface is smooth & well maintained. Thank you ¿¿¿¿ for this treasure of history Re-purposed!

I rode the entire Cumberland Valley Rail Trail this Labor Day weekend. The trail is in perfect condition and is mostly finely crushed gravel with some paved sections. Despite it being a holiday weekend with beautiful weather the trail wasn't very busy.

I started in Shippensburg as you can park at the very beginning of the trail. The trail is mostly heavily shaded with short sections opening up to nice views of farmlands and rolling hills but no shade. Shippensburg, Oakville and Newville are nicely spaced apart giving good spots to rest.

The only negative part of the trail was the last 2.5 miles past the Newville trailhead. It offers no shade, the gravel seems a little deeper there making it the hardest part of the trail for me. I try to complete every trail I ride but you're not missing much if you either turn around at Newville or start there and head towards Shippensburg.