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Gravel section – Warwick to Ephrata Rail-Trail loop from Lititz
15.9km
00:59
90m
90m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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By Fede from komoot
·
Updated May 31, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan touring cycling around Penryn, you know how overwhelming the options can be. With so many paths crisscrossing the region, it's tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has mapped, ridden, and reviewed countless routes, and we've distilled that collective wisdom into a curated shortlist of the very best touring cycling Penryn has to offer, saving you the guesswork.
Touring cycling around Penryn is a unique blend of historical charm and diverse landscapes. Expect a mix of rolling hills, wooded valleys, and open countryside, with many routes following old rail trails that offer moderate ascents and varied terrain. It’s a region that truly caters to all, from easy loops perfect for a relaxed afternoon to more challenging paths that will test your legs.
If you only do one route, make it the Gravel section – Warwick to Ephrata Rail-Trail loop from Lititz. At 9.9 miles (15.9 km) with minimal elevation, it’s an easy win and a fantastic introduction to the area's rail trails. For those seeking a bigger challenge, the Cornwall Iron Furnace – State Game Lands Number 145 loop from Upper Hopewell Forge Wildlife Sanctuary offers a more demanding 39.4 miles (63.5 km) with over 2,600 feet (800 m) of climbing. With an average rating of 4.3 stars from our community, you can trust these routes are worth exploring.
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gravel section – Warwick to Ephrata Rail-Trail loop from Lititz | 15.9 km | 90 m | Easy |
| Cornwall Iron Furnace – State Game Lands Number 145 loop from Upper Hopewell Forge Wildlife Sanctuary | 63.5 km | 800 m | Hard |
| Lebanon Valley Rail Trail loop from Cornwall | 13.8 km | 50 m | Easy |
| Hammer Creek – Speedwell Forge Lake loop from Elizabeth Township | 32.7 km | 260 m | Moderate |
| Gravel section – Keller's Covered Bridge loop from Mickey's Black Box | 48.2 km | 270 m | Moderate |
15.9km
00:59
90m
90m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
63.5km
05:00
800m
800m
This difficult 39.4-mile (63.4 km) touring cycling loop, with its 2634 feet (803 metres) of elevation gain, offers a rich tapestry of Pennsylvania's natural and historical landscapes, typically taking around 5 hours to complete. You'll pedal through dense forests within State Game Lands Number 145, experience sections of smoother Rails to Trails, and encounter the striking 18th-century architecture of the Cornwall Iron Furnace, all while navigating varied terrain that keeps the ride engaging.
Starting near the Upper Hopewell Forge Wildlife Sanctuary, this route combines paved sections with crushed stone and unpaved game land roads, so a versatile touring bike is essential. Be sure to check for hunting season regulations if you plan to cycle through State Game Lands Number 145, as access might be restricted at certain times. This challenging ride is best suited for cyclists who are comfortable with significant climbs and mixed surfaces.
Beyond the physical challenge, the loop provides a unique blend of history and nature. The Cornwall Iron Furnace, a key site in American industrial history, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, while the extensive forests of State Game Lands Number 145 provide opportunities for wildlife spotting, including deer and turkey. The route also connects to regional trails like the Horseshoe and Conestoga Trails, hinting at further adventures.
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13.8km
00:49
50m
50m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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32.7km
02:01
260m
260m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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48.2km
02:53
270m
270m
This touring cycling route offers a delightful blend of paved and gravel roads through Lancaster County's scenic Amish Country. You'll pedal past expansive farmlands and charming rural landscapes, with the highlight being the historic Keller's Covered Bridge, a striking all-white landmark over Cocalico Creek. The route's moderate difficulty, covering 29.9 miles (48.2 km) with 880 feet (268 metres) of elevation gain, makes it a rewarding ride for those comfortable with varied surfaces.
Plan to start your adventure from Mickey's Black Box in Lititz, Pennsylvania, where parking is available. The 2 hours and 53 minutes estimated duration makes it a great half-day outing. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant cycling conditions, but always carry enough water, especially on warmer days, and be ready for the rolling terrain.
Lancaster County is renowned for its numerous historic covered bridges, and this route provides a unique opportunity to experience one firsthand. The area's cultural backdrop, with horse-drawn carriages and traditional farming, adds a timeless quality to your ride, making it more than just a cycling trip but a journey through history.
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State Game Lands Number 145 (SGL 145) spans an estimated 2,974 acres and is managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. There are over 16 miles of roads and trails, including the Horseshoe Trail, which traverses the area. Designated trails, such as General Nicholas Biddle Road and Boy Scout Road, are open to horseback riding. From January 15 to March 31, certain trails are also open for snowmobiling in winter.
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Rannels Kettle Run Nature Preserve offers a steep, wooded hiking area in the Lancaster Conservancy and the PA Game Lands. It connects with the Horseshoe and Conestoga Trails to form a loop and is home to skunk cabbage, as well as crossing Kettle Run. The trail features oaks, maples, and birches. The preserve, donated by the Rannels family, features a small parking area and is open to mixed-use hunting.
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Hammer Creek is a 19.2-mile tributary of Cocalico Creek that flows through Lebanon and Lancaster Counties. The creek attracts visitors for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Numerous trails, including the Conestoga Trail System, and roads cross over it, providing views and easy creek access.
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The Warwick-to-Ephrata Rail Trail is a scenic, car-free path following the former Reading and Columbia Railroad, originally built in 1863 during the Civil War. Spanning 7 miles of smooth gravel and paved surfaces, the trail winds through forests, crosses a river and is shared by both bikers and hikers
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Cornwall Iron Furnace is a historic landmark showcasing 19th-century ironmaking technology. Visitors can explore the furnace, learn about iron production, and delve into the state's industrial heritage.
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The Warwick-to-Ephrata Rail-Trail is a picturesque route tracing the former Reading and Columbia Railroad, dating back to 1863. The trail, now a mix of asphalt and stone, extends from Ephrata to Lititz. Enjoy the ride as you traverse this section, crossing a river and winding through forests. It's a great blend of history and nature.
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Lititz is a charming town with a rich history, founded in 1756 by Moravians seeking religious freedom. Nowadays, you can enjoy local art, antique shops, cozy cafes, and tasty restaurants.
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Clarence Schock Park at Governor Dick spans over 1100 acres. Though it was historically used for charcoal production for nearby furnaces, today it is a natural area. The forest now has diverse animal and bird species. It offers hiking, biking, and horse trails, including the historic Horse-Shoe Trail, and an observation tower providing panoramic views. Visitors come for hiking, bouldering, and biking.
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There are over 10 touring cycling routes available around Penryn, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. You'll find options ranging from easy, flat paths to more challenging routes with significant elevation changes.
The touring cycling routes around Penryn feature diverse landscapes, including rolling hills, wooded valleys, and open countryside. You can expect a mix of surfaces, from paved roads to compacted earth and gravel paths, catering to touring bicycles.
Yes, Penryn offers several easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners and families. For instance, the Gravel section – Warwick to Ephrata Rail-Trail loop from Lititz is an easy 9.9-mile route with minimal elevation gain. The Bissoe Cycle Trail, though not directly listed in the guide, is also a well-known, mostly traffic-free option in the wider area, suitable for all levels.
The touring cycling routes around Penryn are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 12 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain and the options available for different ability levels, from easy loops to more challenging paths.
For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Penryn offers more demanding routes. The White Oak Hill – Conewago Hill loop from Upper Hopewell Forge Wildlife Sanctuary is a difficult 40.8-mile route with over 2,700 feet of ascent. Additionally, routes extending from Penryn to destinations like Lizard Point or Penzance offer significant distances and varied Cornish terrain.
Yes, many touring cycling routes around Penryn are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the State Game Lands Number 145 – Conewago Trail loop from Cornwall and the Conewago Trail loop from Clarence Schock Memorial Park at Governor Dick, both offering moderate challenges.
The Penryn area is rich in natural beauty. You can cycle to places like Argal and College Reservoirs, which offer picturesque circular trails and stunning lake views. Carn Marth provides incredible panoramic views over the rural Cornish countryside, showcasing the region's mining history. The Penryn Nature Trail also offers open views across the town and river.
Absolutely. Penryn itself is known for its historic architecture. From Penryn, you can cycle to National Trust locations such as Glendurgan Garden and Trelissick Garden. Other accessible historical sites include Pendennis Castle and the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
While specific details on bikes on public transport vary, Penryn is well-connected by local transport. It's advisable to check with local bus and train operators regarding their policies for carrying bicycles, especially during peak times, to plan your journey effectively.
Parking options are generally available in and around Penryn, particularly in town centers or near popular trailheads. For specific routes, it's recommended to check local information for designated parking areas to ensure convenient access to your chosen cycling path.
Many touring cycling routes in the Penryn area pass through or near villages and towns where you can find cafes, pubs, and other refreshment stops. The Falmouth seafront, easily reachable from Penryn, offers numerous options. Planning your route with komoot can help you identify points of interest for breaks.
The best time for touring cycling in Penryn is typically from spring through autumn (May to October), when the weather is generally milder and more predictable. May is particularly beautiful with the bluebell festival at Enys Gardens. However, routes can be enjoyed year-round, with appropriate gear for cooler or wetter conditions.


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