Started on the south end and rode north. The good, the bad, and the ugly: Good - very shaded the entire trail, peaceful, and very quiet with only the sounds of nature. I started on the south end and the trail inclines from there at a moderate rate. If you like seclusion, this is definitely a great ride as the trail goes through the State game lands. The Bad: If you are looking for a nice smooth trail like most of the rail trails with a smooth cinder base, this is not the trail for you. It’s bumpy with lots of shale, dirt, and muddy in places. It’s more of a mountain road than a typical rail trail. The Ugly: granted it rained the day before but the mosquitoes will eat you alive if you stop. There is a lot of standing water on either side of the trail in places and you need to keep moving to keep the bugs from having you for lunch

Biking: Recommend starting at Lewisburg end as there is a slight, but noticeable, uphill about 75% of the way West. Better to have downhill on the way back. If you are starting at the Lewisburg end I highly recommend parking at the lot along the trail via N 15th St. The downtown park suggested in the description costs, as of 8/2020, a quarter coin only per 45 minutes (Mon-Sat) and starts you in a heavy pedestrian and road traffic area. N 15th St starts you past the Western busy streets (inc. Rt 15!). If you want a shorter trip, to avoid most of the walking traffic, and to get the very best of the trail then start at the lot where Beaver Run Road crosses the trail. Head West, and turn around when you hit asphalt. Restrooms at 15th St parking lot on the East end, and nearly at the end of the West end. There is a big park at the West end for picnicking, didn't see any other non-commercial tables.

Rating of 4 stars is based on the middle 6-7 miles of the trail, the scenery is pretty but pretty much just farms. The far ends have busy roads and unshaded asphalt. One road to cross near West end is 50mph+ traffic. Unlike other trails, nearly no cars slow or stop for crossing bike traffic. Parents, the ends are not recommended for children. The middle is mostly beautiful farm land with about 50/50 shade and sun. Lots of crossings (20?) in the middle, but all are side roads or farm driveways giving glimpses of nice Amish farms.

4th St at the West end has a covered bridge 1/4 mile off the trail. It looked like there was at least 3 brewery restaurants on the trail. There is a wonderful homemade whoopie pie, lemonade, and root beer stand near the middle. Reasonable prices, but bring singles since it is self-serve. Delicious and returnable bottled drinks are cold.

Trail is asphalt on the ends and very hard fast packed gray stone in the middle. The stone is dusty, you will be gray if it hasn't rained and passing traffic causes a minor cloud. I'd rate the ride-side-by-side stone trail surface 5 stars for consistency (dust doesn't bother us).

The bugs ate us for breakfast!

Definitely recommend picking up the trail south of York College campus if you want to avoid vehicular traffic. Experienced riders will enjoy the changing scenery and a high quality trail that allows plenty of room to safely pass slower riders/pedestrians. New riders will appreciate the packed gravel and low- to no-grade. Trail heads and crossings are well-maintained. Found plenty of parking in the morning at Seven Valleys trailhead. Brillhart parking fills quickly, but has porta-johns. Due to covid, restrooms are closed at Hanover Junction, but they have porta-johns in the lot.

First time on this trail last weekend. Rode entire length, from Cockeysville to New Freedom, and another 5 miles into PA on the Heritage trail, then back. Impressed by the condition of the trail the entire way, and love the sights. Rail Trail Cafe in New Freedom is a must - outstanding wraps.

Besides a mile or two of winding through York City that required stopping for heavy traffic in spots, the trail is awesome. It’s divided into North and South Sections with the the Southern Section being much longer and historic. Also the southern section has many more road crossings with one or two that you HAVE to dismount to be safe with heavy traffic. Even though it seems like common sense on a hot summer day; I found hydrating often on the return trip was vitally important especially if your wearing a helmet (they are required, but not all riders wore them). There is a small restaurant right off the trail in New Freedom, but with COVID 19 and probably because of the National Coin shortage, they only accept cards.So far its the best trail I’ve biked on overall!

I parked at the York Heritage Rail Trail NE Extension Rt30 Parking Lot to go biking. From there you can walk or bike north and go on a very pretty, well maintained loop for about 5 miles (bathrooms at the park at the end.). If that’s enough for you, it’s a great Trailhead. I rode that north section, then came back and went south from my start point. The first part is a very open section that runs along the creek and has cool views of the city skyline. This then takes you into York city and you must go through some sketchy neighborhoods for a mile or two. After that, you are back in the trail; it runs along the actual rail and it’s wooded and quiet. I saw a deer lazily wandering across the track. If it wasn’t for the couple of miles that made me nervous, I’d give this 5 stars. I will go again but park south of York.

Rode entire trail. Very nice, much to see. Loved the paved sections. Some inclines but easy enough. Well maintained. It was busy on a Saturday. Very friendly people on the trail.

Road from 2 miles east of trail until the closed section. so 24 miles. The 2 miles to Quarryville is very rough. Then it becomes a nicer gravel, flat and straight. Not much to see as there are tree lines on both sides. Wide trail. Probably better to ride when trees are bare. Like that it's open all year and probably great for cross country ski.