I biked this trail on 8/30/2019 with a hybrid bicycle. I parked at the Elk's Club Trailhead parking lot off of S. Richard Street (Business 220) and biked southward to the southern terminus of the trail; Sweet Root Rd Trailhead. The Sweet Root Rd Trailhead is almost directly across from the Bedford Springs Resort and has adequate room for about 8 cars. The trail surface of this southern section of the trail is NOT your typical crushed limestone but a much courser sized stone. I did not have a problem with my hybrid bike, BUT one certainly does NOT want to be racing on this type of trail surface with narrow tires. A short distance from the Sweet Root Trailhead are some historical landmarks (The Miller House & the Water Mill) along with an artistic, metal trail marker and a trail bridge over Shobers Run Creek. Travelling north from the Sweet Root Trailhead, one will cross over Shobers Run Creek via a wooden decked bridge with metal sides. A short distance later, one will travel past a marsh-wetlands area on the west side of the trail and then travel over the marsh via a wooden decked bridge with metal sides. One will ascend over an asphalt Switch-back just prior to reaching the Elk's Club Trailhead. The picturesque Elk's club Golf Course is visible from the switchback. This southern gravel section of the trail dumps out on to Richard Street (Business 220) just north of the Elk's Club Entrance. At this point, one will share the road (going northbound) for .6 miles and make a sharp left turn on to the Fort Bedford Path at the south end of the road bridge over the Juniata River. If you end up going over the bridge that traverses over the Juniata River, you have gone too far. One will pass thru an opening in a fence that parallels Richard Street to gain access to the trail. This northern section of the trail is also known as "The Fort Bedford Path" and its surface is of the traditional crushed limestone type. Traveling westward on the trail, within a short distance from the entrance, one will pass the Reighard Dam over the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River (on one's right-north side of the trail) and Fort Bedford (on one's left-south side of the trail). This crushed limestone section of the trail only lasts for about .1 mile before it becomes an asphalt trail that parallels Fort Bedford Dr which becomes N West Street. When the N West Street makes a sharp left turn, the trail essentially ends and one is now travelling on the quiet street. The TrailLink.Com map has this trail terminating at the intersection of N West Street and Pitt Street. However, the map that is printed by the town of Bedford (Posted at the Sweet Root Trailhead Kiosk) leads the trail thru the business section of town and then back on to Richard Street. If one wishes to have a little bit of variety instead of taking the same route back to the Elk's club trailhead, then at the intersection of N West Street and Pitt Street turn left on to Pitt Street. By the way there is an operating vintage Art Deco Style Golf Station at the intersection of N West Street and Pitt Street. Continue travelling eastward on Pitt Street for about 3 blocks and then make a right on to Juliana Street. One will then travel southward on Juliana Street for 7 blocks and make a left on to Simpson Street. After traveling 2 blocks eastward on Simpson Street, turn right on to Richard Street (Business 220). Travel southward on Richard Street for over 2 blocks until one comes to the gravel section of the trail that parallels Elk's club golf course.

Some commentary: I found the vistas along the Elk's Golf course and along the Juniata River very picturesque. Also, thoroughly enjoyed the Art Deco Style Golf Gas station at the intersection of N West Street & Pitt Street. There was a LOT of traffic along Pitt Street and Juliana streets. The historic buildings, eateries, and other businesses along this street route were well kept. If one does not mind a little bit of traffic, I would recommend the street section (Described above) that takes one thru the historic business section as an alternative return route back to the Elk's club trailhead.

My friend and I rode this trail on November 1, 2019. What a great trail. We rode it end to end starting from the Newville parking area. Even after heavy rains the day before the trail was in great shape. Seemed to be slightly uphill riding towards Shippensburg but overall it was pretty flat with only mild dips and hills during road crossings. I would highly recommend this trail.

Excellent trail in fantastic shape and everything is well-maintained. Scenery varies nicely so that you have many different backdrops along the ride. We went north from Tatesville to the end and back and clocked 24+ miles. Excellent parking at the trail head!

Rode this trail Friday October 4 took canal towpath west until the second bridge connection and continued until the pave trail ended. Towpath was nice and dry but rough ( should have worn gloves ) Went back on paved Western Maryland Rail Trail. There were 2 gigantic parking lots which had no cars not sure if they are necessary but nice. The trail has grown longer since the last time I was here.

Rode this trail for a first, 09/03/19 started at Newville and rode to Shippensburg which seemed to be the harder direction to pedal, then back. Found clean restrooms at both ends which is a big plus for this trail. Good sight distance at road crossings and brush is cleared back from the trail itself. A Scenic view is lacking as trail is heavily tree lined or flanked by high embankments which cant be helped and shouldn't discourage users. Passed many friendly folks who smiled and said hello.

I enjoyed this trail so much! I can say we road to the 12.5 mile marker and it was paved all the way through. There was slight elevation, but not enough to notice. There were signs all along the way talking about the Rail Line and also mile markers every mile. There are some decent bumps in the pavement from tree roots growing under the trail but not enough to deter riders but sure does hurt your bum if you're talking and not expecting it! All in all, a lovely paved trail and I would drive 2 hours all over again just to ride it! Fair warning, the bathrooms at the Big Pool trailhead are a little bit like walking into a gas station bathroom off the beaten path...but I survived!

Excellent. Rode from Little Orleans to Hancock. Small area of gravel but mostly asphalt.

This is a beautiful trail in the heart of Central PA. It is very close to Arch Springs. I have spent many trips with friends and family on this trail. It's probably one of the most fond memories I have at my time at Penn State. I miss it and hope that I'll get back there one day.

I just finished the (GAP/C&O) trail this past weekend and all was good. The dry couple of weeks helped a lot. Some ruts and only a few puddles, which is to be expected. Nice to see some of the new upgrades along the trail. Make sure you take extra water during these months. Sometimes the pumps don’t work. Great to see the trail patrol cyclists out riding as well.