Find the top rated cross country skiing trails in Harrisburg, whether you're looking for an easy short cross country skiing trail or a long cross country skiing trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a cross country skiing trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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Heritage Rail Trail County Park (HRT), along with the connecting Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail that continues south through Maryland, are in Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s Hall of Fame. Both trails follow...
Lykens Valley Rail Trail is nearly half-way complete with 9 miles of trail open out of 20 miles planned. Those 9 miles are available in three disconnected segments. In Millersburg, a 0.4-mile segment...
The Warwick Township Linear Park Trail is a joint project of Warwick Township and Lititz borough. The pathway extends from Market Street north, following the Santo Domingo Creek, to Newport Road....
At one time an important thoroughfare for commerce carried by canal barges and railroad cars in southeastern Pennsylvania, the Schuylkill River corridor now accommodates walkers, bicyclists, and...
Caution: On April 12, 2018, a fire severely damaged the Martic Forge Trestle, which runs over Pequea Creek and River Road on the Enola Low Grade Trail. Access to the trail going west from the Route...
The Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail is one of the best hiking and biking trails in the Mid-Atlantic region. It allows for nearly 20 miles of flat travel, punctuated by a number of access points and an...
The Swatara Rail-Trail uses the corridors left behind by a canal and a railroad to snake around an Appalachian mountain in eastern Pennsylvania, passing through the forests of Swatara State Park most...
Swatara Creek runs through the vast woodlands of Swatara State Park in eastern Pennsylvania. Bear Hole Trail traces the eastern side of the waterway, while the Swatara Rail-Trail runs along the other...
Currently, over 10 miles of the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail are complete. The trail runs between Lewisburg and Mifflinburg, and interpretive signs relate the region's history. The trail is mostly paved...
The Chambersburg Rail Trail is a 1.2 mile paved urban trail that connects neighborhoods just a few blocks west of the community's central business district. Starting at South Street, the trail...
This gently winding trail in Pine Grove Furnace State Park passes along the shores of two lakes and through the woodlands of Michaux State Forest. Pine Grove Furnace began operating in 1764 to take...
The Northwest Lancaster County River Trail follows the route of the historic Pennsylvania Main Line Canal, tracing the Susquehanna River northwest from Columbia to Falmouth. While the majority of the...
Swatara Creek runs through the vast woodlands of Swatara State Park in eastern Pennsylvania. Bear Hole Trail traces the eastern side of the waterway, while the Swatara Rail-Trail runs along the other...
This gently winding trail in Pine Grove Furnace State Park passes along the shores of two lakes and through the woodlands of Michaux State Forest. Pine Grove Furnace began operating in 1764 to take...
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The Iron Horse Trail follows two abandoned rail beds: the Path Valley Railroad and the Perry Lumber Company Railroad. Originally, the Path Valley Railroad was going to be an extension for the Newport...
While the Lebanon Valley might be best known for its chocolate and distinctive bologna, iron ore is what put the region on the map in the 1700s. The 18-mile Lebanon Valley Rail-Trail—and the...
At one time an important thoroughfare for commerce carried by canal barges and railroad cars in southeastern Pennsylvania, the Schuylkill River corridor now accommodates walkers, bicyclists, and...
Every year, tens of thousands of people take to the Capital Area Greenbelt looping around Harrisburg to play, exercise, and commute. The greenway completely encircles Pennsylvania’s capital city as it...
The Hanover Trolley Trail is being built along the 16-mile corridor of the York-Hanover Trolley Line that ran between the two cities in the early 1900s. Currently, about a quarter of that distance is...
Currently, over 10 miles of the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail are complete. The trail runs between Lewisburg and Mifflinburg, and interpretive signs relate the region's history. The trail is mostly paved...
As its name implies, hikers on the Chickies Rock Overlook Trail will be rewarded with a beautiful vista at the end of their excursion. The trail follows an old trolley line route that once took...
Caution: On April 12, 2018, a fire severely damaged the Martic Forge Trestle, which runs over Pequea Creek and River Road on the Enola Low Grade Trail. Access to the trail going west from the Route...
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A renovated former railroad tunnel that features a separate entrance for bats is a highlight of the Penns Creek Path. The path is a relatively flat segment of the 328-mile Mid State Trail that runs...
Note: During hunting season, Pennsylvania Game Lands Regulations require ALL non-hunters present on game lands between November 15 and December 15 (excluding Sundays) to wear a minimum of 250 square...
The Cumberland Valley Rail Trail rolls 13.7 miles through a bucolic valley that’s hemmed in by the Blue and South Mountains in south-central Pennsylvania. Running from Shippensburg to east of...
Lykens Valley Rail Trail is nearly half-way complete with 9 miles of trail open out of 20 miles planned. Those 9 miles are available in three disconnected segments. In Millersburg, a 0.4-mile segment...
The Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail is one of the best hiking and biking trails in the Mid-Atlantic region. It allows for nearly 20 miles of flat travel, punctuated by a number of access points and an...
The Northwest Lancaster County River Trail follows the route of the historic Pennsylvania Main Line Canal, tracing the Susquehanna River northwest from Columbia to Falmouth. While the majority of the...
Farms and pastures surround the Conewago Recreation Trail, but it was the discovery and mining of iron ore that led to the development of the railroad that eventually resulted in this trail. The path...
The Warwick Township Linear Park Trail is a joint project of Warwick Township and Lititz borough. The pathway extends from Market Street north, following the Santo Domingo Creek, to Newport Road....
The Chambersburg Rail Trail is a 1.2 mile paved urban trail that connects neighborhoods just a few blocks west of the community's central business district. Starting at South Street, the trail...
The Swatara Rail-Trail uses the corridors left behind by a canal and a railroad to snake around an Appalachian mountain in eastern Pennsylvania, passing through the forests of Swatara State Park most...
Lykens Valley Rail Trail is nearly half-way complete with 9 miles of trail open out of 20 miles planned. Those 9 miles are available in three disconnected segments. In Millersburg, a 0.4-mile segment...
The Chambersburg Rail Trail is a 1.2 mile paved urban trail that connects neighborhoods just a few blocks west of the community's central business district. Starting at South Street, the trail...
Swatara Creek runs through the vast woodlands of Swatara State Park in eastern Pennsylvania. Bear Hole Trail traces the eastern side of the waterway, while the Swatara Rail-Trail runs along the other...
The Hanover Trolley Trail is being built along the 16-mile corridor of the York-Hanover Trolley Line that ran between the two cities in the early 1900s. Currently, about a quarter of that distance is...
Note: During hunting season, Pennsylvania Game Lands Regulations require ALL non-hunters present on game lands between November 15 and December 15 (excluding Sundays) to wear a minimum of 250 square...
The Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail is one of the best hiking and biking trails in the Mid-Atlantic region. It allows for nearly 20 miles of flat travel, punctuated by a number of access points and an...
Every year, tens of thousands of people take to the Capital Area Greenbelt looping around Harrisburg to play, exercise, and commute. The greenway completely encircles Pennsylvania’s capital city as it...
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Included in the seven-mile network of trails in Little Buffalo State Park are two small sections of rail-trail. Together they are called the Newport and Sherman's Valley Railroad Trace. The...
While the Lebanon Valley might be best known for its chocolate and distinctive bologna, iron ore is what put the region on the map in the 1700s. The 18-mile Lebanon Valley Rail-Trail—and the...
At one time an important thoroughfare for commerce carried by canal barges and railroad cars in southeastern Pennsylvania, the Schuylkill River corridor now accommodates walkers, bicyclists, and...
The Cumberland Valley Rail Trail rolls 13.7 miles through a bucolic valley that’s hemmed in by the Blue and South Mountains in south-central Pennsylvania. Running from Shippensburg to east of...
Currently, over 10 miles of the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail are complete. The trail runs between Lewisburg and Mifflinburg, and interpretive signs relate the region's history. The trail is mostly paved...
The Swatara Rail-Trail uses the corridors left behind by a canal and a railroad to snake around an Appalachian mountain in eastern Pennsylvania, passing through the forests of Swatara State Park most...
Farms and pastures surround the Conewago Recreation Trail, but it was the discovery and mining of iron ore that led to the development of the railroad that eventually resulted in this trail. The path...
The Iron Horse Trail follows two abandoned rail beds: the Path Valley Railroad and the Perry Lumber Company Railroad. Originally, the Path Valley Railroad was going to be an extension for the Newport...
The Warwick Township Linear Park Trail is a joint project of Warwick Township and Lititz borough. The pathway extends from Market Street north, following the Santo Domingo Creek, to Newport Road....
Caution: On April 12, 2018, a fire severely damaged the Martic Forge Trestle, which runs over Pequea Creek and River Road on the Enola Low Grade Trail. Access to the trail going west from the Route...
As its name implies, hikers on the Chickies Rock Overlook Trail will be rewarded with a beautiful vista at the end of their excursion. The trail follows an old trolley line route that once took...
The Northwest Lancaster County River Trail follows the route of the historic Pennsylvania Main Line Canal, tracing the Susquehanna River northwest from Columbia to Falmouth. While the majority of the...
A renovated former railroad tunnel that features a separate entrance for bats is a highlight of the Penns Creek Path. The path is a relatively flat segment of the 328-mile Mid State Trail that runs...
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...
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.
The trail is mostly maintained by nature. Awesome for a non-technical off road excursion. Pack a lunch.
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.
We followed the app’s suggestion to park the car at Hufnagle Park in Lewisburg, but didn’t realize that shortly after its beginning adjacent to the Park, the trail has a gap in Lewisburg, requiring riders to find their way through borough streets (and across a 4-lane highway) to find where the trail picks up again several blocks away. Much better to park at the lot near 15th street.
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