The best cycling routes in Lancaster County

The Northwest Lancaster County River Trail offers a delightful, easy touring cycling experience along the Susquehanna River, perfect for a quick spin or a longer journey. You'll glide past continuous river views, with the striking White Cliffs of Conoy providing a memorable backdrop. The route features a smooth mix of paved and crushed-stone surfaces, making it accessible for all skill levels.

This 1.6-mile (2.5 km) segment is a brief 8-minute ride with only 23 feet (7 metres) of elevation gain, making it an ideal choice for families or beginner touring cyclists. The broader trail connects several historic river towns, offering convenient amenities like food trucks, pubs, and ice cream shops. Parking is generally available at various access points along the trail, and it's a pleasant ride in most seasons.

Following the historic Pennsylvania Mainline Canal, the trail is rich in history, showcasing relics like abandoned canal locks. Beyond the White Cliffs, you can also explore the Chickies Rock County Park with its impressive overlook and the intriguing Point Rock Tunnel. This trail is a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty and historical significance of the region.

This touring cycling route offers a fascinating blend of natural beauty and industrial history along the Susquehanna River. You'll pedal past the striking White Cliffs of Conoy, unique formations created from 19th-century quarry byproducts, before crossing the magnificent Safe Harbor Trestle Bridge, which provides expansive, elevated views of the river and dam. The 16.7-mile (26.9 km) loop is rated easy, with a gentle 150 feet (46 metres) of elevation gain, and typically takes around 1 hour and 31 minutes to complete.

Starting from York Haven, this loop primarily uses sections of the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail and the Enola Low Grade Trail. While much of the path is paved and smooth, be prepared for some sections of the Enola Low Grade Trail that may have heavy ballast, where wider tires are recommended for comfort. Remember that parts of the trail are unshaded, so plan your ride accordingly on hot days.

Beyond the scenic vistas, this route is rich in historical significance, following former railroad lines and passing the ruins of an old limestone factory and remnants of the Billmyer ghost town. The Safe Harbor Trestle Bridge itself is an impressive engineering feat, reopened in 2022 after a major restoration and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, ospreys, and other waterfowl along the river.

This easy 11.4-mile (18.3 km) touring cycling loop from Ephrata Township offers a delightful mix of paved and gravel surfaces, perfect for a relaxed ride. You will pedal through the heart of Lancaster County, with views of expansive Amish farmlands and peaceful wooded sections. The route often incorporates parts of the Warwick to Ephrata Rail Trail, providing a classic rural Pennsylvania experience with minimal effort over its 288 feet (88 metres) of elevation gain.

To plan your visit, look for access points along the Warwick to Ephrata Rail Trail, which is a key feature of gravel cycling in this area. These points typically offer parking and sometimes restrooms, making it convenient to start your ride. The route is generally accessible and enjoyable during most daylight hours, especially in spring, summer, and fall, and you can comfortably complete it in about 1 hour and 9 minutes.

The Ephrata Township gravel cycling trails are notable for their connection to the Warwick to Ephrata Rail Trail, a multi-use path built on a historic railroad corridor. This allows you to explore the region's heritage while enjoying the scenic beauty. You might even pass by historic markers or enjoy the unique blend of natural beauty and cultural landmarks that define this part of Pennsylvania.