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Print Friendly MapThe short, tranquil LeTort Spring Run Nature Trail follows its namesake creek closely, LeTort Spring Run, through a mix of deciduous trees and lowland marshes bristling with tall grasses and cattails. Bring your fishing gear; the LeTort is one of the finest limestone spring trout streams in the nation.
From LeTrot Spring Run Park, the trail traces the stream for a short distance then detours around some private property by following East Willow Court to South Bedford Street. At the end of South Bedford the rail-trail picks up again on the edge of the wood line behind Lamberton Middle School. From here, the trail follows the banks of the LeTort to Heiser's Lane.
The LeTort Spring Run and the surrounding woods and meadows provide habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, from field mice to whitetail deer, ducks and geese and, of course, the highly selective LeTort brown trout.
Parking is available near the south end of the trail on Bonnybrook Rd. and at the northern end of the trail at Letort Park (184 E South St).
See TrailLink Map for more information.
Ran the Trail today in a light rain. Enjoyable and easy run through farmland and woods.
This was a really peaceful trail through lots of beautiful farmland. Lots of birds and other nature. As you get closer to Carlisle proper it does become a bit noisier (and I did encounter a nice homeless man and an asphalt factory) but overall it was a very pleasant and peaceful ride. Combined with some hilly road rides to and from this was definitely a worthwhile trip.
Lots of Ducks and Geese at the beginning of the trail where you park. Most of the trail is nicely shaded. The gravel grading is well maintained.
This must be due to right-of-way issues, part of the railroad bed right after the first bridge is not improved and you are diverted to Bedford Street. The trail no longer terminates at South Spring Garden Street. It continues for another 1/2 mile or so to Heiser's Lane. This Extention looks to be about 3 years old. Beyond Heiser's Lane, the railroad goes straight through a housing development.
To avoid the streets, join the trail at the north side of Lamberton Middle School (Noble and Hanover-Rt 34). It is 1.75 miles to the southern terminus. Pretty, well-shaded and well-maintained. Quiet for a suburban trail once you cross under I-81.
The first quarter mile is through the suburbs of Carlisle. For another half mile the sound of the highway is louder than the sounds of nature, add to that the planes flying overhead every five minutes. You are more than halfway through the trail before you can even enjoy it. If you're looking to detach yourself this is NOT the place to go.
If you begin this trail from the north trail head (Letort Park), it becomes a bit confusing a short distance in - where you must leave the trail and walk along S. Bedford St. The trail is marked through a wooded area, but then dumps you out in an open field with no clear direction on how to get to Bedford St. Be alert!
This trail has been upgraded in the past year to include two brand new wider bridges and what was once a narrow footpath is now a full trail wide enough for side by side bicycling.
My 7 year old daughter rode this today as her first biking trail ride. She loved it. It was bumpy at places but overall a perfect trail for her to starting riding on non-paved surfaces. We will definitely do it again.
Great little trail, it's actually been extended a bit more than what the map here shows, it runs all the way out to Spring Garden St now.
This is a nice little trail that starts out behind the Lamberton Middle School in Carlisle. It becomes very quiet and scenic once you leave Carlisle with glimpses of wildlife and the LeTort. Great for short walks with the kids or dog.
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