Switches from gravel to fine grit to dirt. The north spur is mostly grass and dirt and I can see how it could become muddy if it had rained. But overall a very pretty wooded ride.

This is a rare trail as it’s a very easy and brief hike through a cool forested area with a gorgeous view at the end. However, the traffic noise from the nearby bridge and road, the trash and graffiti by the subhumans that seem to hangout there, with no trash receptacles at the entrance, mar the experience...

Great ride on a great trail. It was in near perfect shape with the unpaved sections nice and packed and smooth. There were hardly any sections with deep or loose TSA, trail surface aggregate. Keep in mind there is some double track as you approach Reading but my handcyclist friend said it wasn’t too bad. But be aware if you’re riding a trike if pulling a trailer with kids. Beautiful, uncrowded trail with great river views especially at the bridges.

We started at the Quarryville parking lot and headed east to the end of the western section. The trail is in great shape and we loved seeing the PA countryside. At the easternmost endpoint, we encountered a flat tire and was without the proper means to repair it. Fortunately, there were some local trail volunteers working that gave us a ride to retrieve our car and then led us back to pick up our bikes. We are forever thankful for the kindness of the the local trail users in assisting us. Thank you.

I parked at the mid point of the trail, near the lake. Started off and found the trail was extremely overgrown with weeds. I found it difficult to navigate as the trail was very narrow for the bike tire.

As of 9/27/20 the segment from Bainbridge to the Falmouth trailhead was still gravel BUT there was a noticed stating from 9/21/20 to 10/9/20 it would be closed for construction with heavy equipment and trucks on the trail. Another handwritten notice said it would be closed starting 9/28/20 so the schedule may have been pushed back a week but perhaps by late October the northern end will be completely paved.

We wanted to try a new trail and this was the closest trail with a distance worth driving for. The trail is in stellar shape, well maintained with paved sections at both ends...crushed gravel over the majority. As it’s coming in and out of two towns, lots of crossings, safely identified and set up...just know that. Beautiful Farmland here!! We started and ended in the Madisonburg end as we then went to Rusty Rail afterwards, which you can either walk to from that terminus or drive over to.

Everything is easy in this ride. Kids, dogs lots of folks Everyone staying safe with masks and social distancing

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...