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If you’re looking for things to do along the Heritage Rail Trail County Park in York, Pennsylvania, then you’re in the right place.
York County, PA is home to the historic Heritage Rail Trail which spans 27 miles from the city of York to the Maryland border where it extends another 20 miles as the Torrey C. Brown Trail (or NCRR Trail).
I recently had another visit to York in Central PA this spring to explore this corridor and put together a guide to help you plan your visit.
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Explore York County PA, who hosted me on a visit to the area. All options are my own honest thoughts.
About Heritage Rail Trail County Park in York
Pennsylvania has a long history with railroads, and this park is a fun way to interact with that heritage.
The park covers 176 acres along a crushed gravel trail running parallel to the historic railroad from York city to the Maryland border, where the trail continues through Maryland. The trail runs along the Northern Central Railroad which was a key passage between Washington DC and northern cities in the 19th century.
Though the railroad is no longer commercially operated, a nonprofit now runs the Northern Central Railway offering fun excursions for visitors to enjoy.
There are several historic structures along the trail, including the Colonial Courthouse, Howard Tunnel, Hanover Junction Train Station, and the New Freedom Train Station, all of which are on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Heritage Rail Trail in York is able to be enjoyed in many different ways including hiking, running, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, stopping through several towns and businesses along the way, and even taking a novelty train ride on the historic tracks alongside the trail.
🚂 See the Heritage Rail Trail on Alltrails 🥾
Biking the Heritage Rail Trail
The Heritage Rail Trail is an excellent opportunity in York County for cyclists to bike for miles along a pretty, wooded trail connecting through several small towns. Visitors can bring their own bikes, ride the rail bikes, or rent from Whistle Stop Bike Shop.
Bike rentals are $12 an hour or $36 per day, and includes a helmet and lock. The shop doesn’t have a website, so for more information call Whistle Stop directly at 717-227-0737. Bikes are first come first serve but usually always available for walk-ins.
A fun, unique activity you could do is riding the rail bikes at American Rail Bike Adventures. This is a seated rail bike that runs along the tracks from Seven Valleys for 7 miles through the historic Howard Tunnel.
The trail is relatively flat with only a 2 to 3% grade at its steepest points. Biking northbound is downhill and southbound is uphill.
You can enter and exit the trail at many points along the 20+ miles that it stretches.
Many riders will take the train south to the highest point at New Freedom (818 ft), and then bike downhill towards York city (400 ft) using Northern Central Railway’s Bike Aboard service.
Only class one E-bikes with pedal assist are permitted on the trail.
Bikers must yield to hikers and horses on the trail.
Walking and hiking on the trail
The Heritage Rail Trail is ADA-compliant, with a compacted stone and crushed gravel surface, a 2-3% grade at its steepest points, and is 10 feet wide. Bathrooms along the trail are also ADA-compliant.
You can enter the trail at just about any point along its path on foot, and with 27+ miles there are a lot of options.
There are several designated rail trail parking lots along the trail, marked on the map below.
I like to drive down to Railroad and walk along the river, then grab a pint at Alecraft Brewery.
Hikers must yield to horses on the trail, but bikers are meant to yield to you. Still, it’s a good idea to stay to the right and keep an ear out for passing cyclists.
Other Outdoor Activities near the Heritage Rail Trail
Bring your bike to Revolution Bike Park which sits at the end of the Northern Extension on the trail, above John Rudy County Park.
Seven minutes to the east is Shear Heaven Farm if you’d like to hang out with some fuzzy alpacas.
The Susquehanna River is further to the East and the new Susquehanna Riverlands State Park is only a 17 minute drive away from the northern end of the trail.
This park offers incredible views over a cliffside of the idyllic river below. It could also become one of only four Pennsylvania state parks offering rock climbing as an approved activity. As of writing (June 2025) the DCNR is still considering it.
Adjacent to the park is Codorus Forge, a historic furnace erected in 1765 for those looking to learn more about Pennsylvania’s history with industry and railroads. Fun fact: the forge was once run by James Smith, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence!
Just down the river is the Zimmerman Center for Heritage, part of the greater Susquehanna National Heritage Area. This site has a trail to a Native community site behind the property, and houses a museum on local history in i restored historic building.
I recently enjoyed a guided boat tour here on a more than 100-year-old boat, commissioned by one of the founders of Anheuser-Busch!
Further away, there are 3 additional state parks in York County: Samuel E Lewis, Gifford Pinchot, and Codorus.
I have camped in Gifford Pinchot and Codorus and both are lovely state parks to visit, with opportunities to kayak on the lakes and easy trails to enjoy.
Nixon Park Nature Center is a great birding spot on the York County Birding Trails, located just east of Howard Tunnel.
Nearby is William H. Kane County Park, containing Lakes Williams and Redman where visitors can rent several types of watercraft or walk along several trails around the lakes.
Canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, rowboats, paddle boats, and even hydro-bikes are all available to rent.
There are several additional county parks you can enjoy nearby the rail trail, marked on the map below.
Popular stops on the Heritage Rail Trail
Spend a day exploring the city of York, with multiple stops on the Great Libations Trails, small shops, and interesting history. Did you know this was the place the Articles of Confederation were signed? This was the earlier version of the US Constitution!
Read my post on things to do in York, PA for more things to do around the city
There are several breweries, wineries, and even a cider farm in York County, many of which are along the Heritage Rail Trail.
Vortex is located in New Freedom just off the railway and is a great place to grab a slice of pizza after your hike or bike ride on the rail trail.
Stop along the way at Ale Craft in Railroad PA. This is a fun historic town to walk through, with an old historic feel.
Lavender Acres Winery is a beautiful stop to spend a sunny day sipping locally made wine, and word on the street is they might even be planting some lavender in the future.
South County Brewing Co has live music and a lovely patio with views of the surrounding mountains that silhoutte the sunset.
Wyndridge Farm isn’t too far from Hanover Junction at just under a 15 minute drive. I enjoy sitting on their patio with a cider flight and recommend trying a few different flavors. I really liked the lavender cider more than I expected and wish I had brought some home with me.
Mudhook Brewing in the city is right around the corner from the trail and has a great patio and a hidden speakeasy upstairs.
Ride the Northern Central Railway train and have a beer tasting with Ales on the Rails hosted by Brewery Tours, or maybe the High Tea, Wine and Cheese, or Ice Cream Express!
Stop by one of the small historic Trail Towns along the Heritage Rail Trail. The towns are York City, Wrightsville, Seven Valleys, Glen Rock, Hanover, Railroad, and New Freedom.
Historic stops on the rail trail
There are several locations listed on the National Registry of Historic Places along the Heritage Rail Trail.
At the south end of the trail, New Freedom Train Station has been restored to the 1940s style, though it was originally built in the 1800s along with many of the other stations along the trail. This is where you can hop on to the Northern Central Railway train rides.
There are four railroad bridges that have been restored along the trail. I was able to find two of them and save them on the map below.
Hanover Junction Train Station is restored to the 1863 era.
Howard Tunnel is only accessible by walking or biking on the Heritage Rail Trail, rail bikes, or on the Northern Central Railway train.
This is the site of several points in history; where Union soldiers guarded against the Confederate Army during the Civil War, and later where President Abraham Lincoln passed through en route to give the famous Gettysburg Address.
Northern Central Railway
The Northern Central Railway is an educational nonprofit based out of New Freedom Pennsylvania. This organization runs the historic excursion train that runs parallel to the Heritage rail trail.
The Northern Central Railway train runs from New Freedom to Hanover Junction and offers a rotating schedule of themed events on their historic trains.
Some notable options on the calendar are an Ice Cream Express, High Tea, and even a Wine and Cheese ride.
I enjoyed taking the train on a beer tasting excursion! This is operated by Brewery Tours and is called Ales on the Rails. They are a fun bunch, and in total we tasted about 10 different beers.
There is also a quiet train car available for those not partaking in tasting events.
While the train offers many fun themed events throughout the year, this route is also popular for cyclists who have opportunities on specific days to ride the train in either direction and then bike their way back. This program is referred to as Bike Aboard.
Where to stay along the trail
If you’re looking for a convenient place to stay along the Heritage Rail Trail, the newly renovated Best Western Plus Heritage Rail Inn & Suites in York is a solid option.
I stayed here during my trip and was pleasantly surprised by the spacious room and seriously comfy bed which was just what I needed after a full day of exploring.
The train-themed decor adds a fun local touch, and the free breakfast hit the spot (don’t miss the branded waffle maker, it’s a fun way to start your day). It’s also just a short drive from the trail itself and Lake Redman, which made it super easy to get outside.
For a quiet and cozy stay right along the Heritage Rail Trail, Jackson House Bed & Breakfast is tucked away in the small town of Railroad, directly on the path. Built in 1859, the B&B itself is historic and was the first in the region to have cold running water and steam-powered heat.
While much has changed since then, Jackson House still retains its charm.
Now listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, you’ll enjoy antique decor, warm hospitality, and a peaceful garden space making this a great option for unwinding after a day outdoors.
With the trail practically at your doorstep, it’s a great choice if you’re biking or hiking through the southern end of the route. It’s also a short walk away from Alecraft Brewery with a lovely outdoor patio.
This bed and breakfast is popular, and with only 6 rooms, it can be difficult to reserve so be sure to plan in advance if you’d like to stay.
Located just off the trail in the heart of Glenn Rock, Glenn Rock Mill Inn is housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century woolen mill.
The historic inn maintains that rustic charm with original stonework and wooden beams, while offering a cozy, boutique atmosphere.
Guests can enjoy a self-serve continental breakfast each morning, and the on-site restaurant, Table 1837, is a local favorite for its farm-to-table menu and cozy ambiance.
Known for its locally sourced menu and live music nights, Table 1837 offers a great way to refuel and relax after a day on the trail.
Check rates and availability at Inn | Make Reservations at Table 1837
Map of Heritage Rail Trail County Park
Wrapping up this trail guide
Whether you enjoy biking, hiking, or just a short walk post-brews, the Heritage Rail Trail County Park is a fun attraction in this corner of Central Pennsylvania.
I hope this guide was helpful in planning your visit to York County, PA!
More Central Pennsylvania Guides:
- Weekend Itinerary in York, PA: A Nature-Lover’s Guide to Local Favorites
- Top Things to Do in Lewistown PA and the Surrounding Juniata River Valley
- 13 Fun & Unique Things to do in York, PA
- Unplug & Explore: The Best Things to Do in Happy Valley PA for a Nature-Filled Getaway
- Accessibility in Happy Valley: Enjoy the Outdoors Around State College
- 17 Helpful Tips to Save Money and Travel on a Budget
- Travel Must-Haves You Need for Every Trip
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