Find the top rated running trails in Elizabethtown, whether you're looking for an easy short running trail or a long running trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a running trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
We used this for the return from Pine Grove. It’s a great trail but no flat like Swatara Trail. Don’t use unless you are ok with climbing some hills, one with a grade in excess of 10%. They are no long, but just letting you know they exist. Enjoyed the fall colors.
Great tandem ride from Lickdale to Pine Grove and back. The Swatara Trail is a mix of rough gravel, new pavement, old pavement, crushed limestone, a little dirt, and even some grass lawns thrown in just before the end in the parking lot of a Hampton Inn. Kinda strange, but no big deal. We can back vis the Bear Hole Trail. It’s also very nice, BUT if you expecting a flat trail, return via the Swatara Trail. The hills are not long but one exceeds 10% grade. Otherwise, it’s a great route back. Very q on both routes.
The trail is in great condition and there is what looks to be a new parking area, paved and with a portable toilet just north of the Skelp Level Road parking area. The trail mostly follows the stream for which it is named and much of the trail is wooded. Still there is constant highway noise. Even though this trail is short there are lots of other trails nearby so you can make a day of riding in the area.
This was our first trail on a a day that we ended up riding eight trails and it was a great start. The wooded trail runs beside a very scenic stream. We rode our rail trail bikes about 1.3 miles until the wide trail split into two single track trails that looked fine for walking but not biking. The trail is a bit rough along most of the way with occasional smooth areas.
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.
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...
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