Montour Trail Trailhead

This Montour Trail and South Park Loop cycling route offers a dynamic experience, blending the smooth, generally flat crushed limestone of the Montour Trail with the more challenging, hilly terrain of the South Park Montour Spur Trail. You'll pedal through remote woodlands, past rolling farmlands, and alongside Montour Run, enjoying features like the McDonald Viaduct and the cool, lit Enlow Tunnel before tackling the steeper grades of the connector trail through mixed forests and a quiet valley. Keep an eye out for the Duck Pond as you navigate the varied landscapes.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the Montour Trail provides numerous trailheads with parking, seasonal water fountains, and picnic shelters. While the Montour Trail is largely easy, the South Park connector introduces grades between 8-15%, making this a moderate 12.5-mile (20.1 km) touring cycling route with 622 feet (190 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 1 hour and 19 minutes. Wider tires are recommended for the crushed limestone sections, and it's best to cycle during pleasant weather to fully appreciate the ride.

This route is a fantastic option for cyclists looking to combine the classic rail-trail experience with a more rigorous workout, offering a taste of both the Montour Trail's extensive network and the unique challenges of the South Park area. The Montour Trail is one of the nation's longest suburban rail-trails, connecting to other significant regional paths like the Panhandle Trail and the Great Allegheny Passage, making this loop a great way to explore a popular section and its connections.

The Tunnel – Montour Trail loop from Hendersonville offers a delightful touring cycling experience, winding through picturesque rural farmlands and serene wooded valleys. You'll glide along a mostly crushed limestone surface, passing by the Valley Brook Golf Course and enjoying views of grazing cattle and wildflowers. The route's standout feature is the historic Greer Tunnel, a 235-foot passage, and the expansive views from the Chartiers Creek High Bridge, providing a unique blend of natural beauty and rail-trail heritage.

This moderate 19.0-mile (30.6 km) ride, with 1038 feet (316 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 3 minutes to complete. The gentle gradient makes it accessible for a wide range of cyclists, from families to those seeking a relaxed outing. Parking is readily available at the Hendersonville trailhead, which also offers seasonal amenities like restrooms and water fountains, making it a convenient starting point.

Part of the larger Montour Trail system, this loop showcases the region's rich railroad history through its well-preserved infrastructure. While the National Tunnel is a significant landmark, it is currently closed, so plan your ride accordingly. The trail's connection to other major systems like the Panhandle Trail and the Great Allegheny Passage highlights its importance as a regional cycling artery.