The best road cycling routes around Shippensburg

Road cycling routes around Shippensburg feature a diverse landscape of rolling hills, expansive farmland, and wooded areas. You'll find a mix of well-paved surfaces suitable for easier rides, as well as routes with notable elevation gains for those seeking more challenge. The region is known for its scenic country roads.

Yes, Shippensburg offers several easy road cycling routes. A great option is the 9/11 Trail Pennsylvania Loop – Shippensburg Township Park loop from Shippensburg Township, which is 16.2 miles (26.1 km) and follows a segment of the 9/11 Trail through scenic farmland. Another easy choice is the Roadbike loop from Shippensburg Township, a 24.2 miles (39.0 km) path offering a general road cycling experience.

For a moderate challenge, consider the Iron Furnace – Appalachian Trail Museum loop from Shippensburg. This 38.9 miles (62.6 km) route leads through historical sites and varied landscapes, with significant elevation. Another moderate option is the Shippensburg Township Park – 9/11 Trail Pennsylvania Loop loop from North Newton Township, which covers 65.7 km with notable climbs.

Yes, the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail is a prominent feature, offering a 13-14 mile crushed limestone path from Shippensburg to Newville. While primarily a rail trail, it's suitable for most types of bicycles and winds through scenic farmland and wooded areas, featuring agricultural and Civil War interpretive signage. Shippensburg Township Park serves as a trailhead.

The region is rich in history. The Iron Furnace – Appalachian Trail Museum loop from Shippensburg will take you past remnants of an 18th-century iron furnace and near the Appalachian Trail Museum. The Cumberland Valley Rail Trail also features Civil War interpretive signage along its route.

Merv's Bike Shop in Shippensburg is a local resource that offers daily and weekly bike rentals, as well as maintenance services. This can be very helpful for visitors or those needing quick repairs.

The road cycling routes often traverse expansive farmland and rolling hills, providing picturesque panoramas. The Cumberland Valley Rail Trail offers views of scenic farmland and wooded areas. While not directly on road cycling routes, Michaux State Forest is a significant natural feature nearby, and Laurel Lake offers a pleasant spot for a break.

The spring and fall seasons generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling in Shippensburg, with mild temperatures and beautiful scenery as the foliage changes or blooms. Summer can also be enjoyable, though it may be warmer. Winter cycling is possible but requires appropriate gear for colder temperatures and potential snow or ice.

Many of the popular road cycling routes around Shippensburg are designed as loops. For instance, the Roadbike loop from Shippensburg is a moderate 47.1 km route, and the 9/11 Trail Pennsylvania Loop – Shippensburg Township Park loop from Shippensburg Township is an easy 26.1 km loop.

The Cumberland Valley is indeed a 'cyclist's dream.' For additional information on bike routes and cycling resources in the broader area, you can visit the Visit Cumberland Valley website.

Shippensburg's road cycling experience is unique due to its blend of varied terrain, from gentle farmlands to rolling hills with significant climbs, and its access to both dedicated rail trails and scenic country roads. The presence of historical sites like the Iron Furnace and proximity to the Appalachian Trail adds a cultural dimension to the rides, all within the picturesque Cumberland Valley.