posted Jul 10, 2026

Top 13 Trails for Biking in Lancaster County, PA

Your guide to rail-trails, bike parks, gravel trails, and mountain biking spots.

book your trip

Year-Round Trails

Seasonal Bike Trails

8 Year-Round Trails to Explore

Lancaster County is home to some of the country's best biking trails. Explore the Great Outdoors with the whole family or find peace and quiet on a solo ride. Here's a round-up of some of the best spots to explore any time of year!

1. Northwest River Trail

Begin your captivating journey at the Columbia Crossings River Trail Center and venture northward, passing through the charming towns of Marietta and Bainbridge. This trail is a haven for cyclists and runners all year round, but it also transforms into a winter wonderland that caters to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing enthusiasts. Discover more about biking on the Northwest River Trail!

2. Conewago Recreation Trail

The Conewago Recreation Trail runs five miles along the former Cornwall-Lebanon rail line. The trail connects with the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail at the borders of Lancaster and Lebanon Counties, creating a 19-mile trail network that’s perfect for cycling. It's also popular for birding, cross-country skiing, running, and horseback riding.

In Need Of a Ride?

Check out Let's Roll, a local family-owned business specializing in renting, selling, and servicing regular and electric bikes.

3. Lancaster County Central Park

The largest public green space in the county, Central Park features more than 13 miles of interconnected multi-use trails, with select trails open to off-road biking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing. Seeking your next family biking adventure? The park has beginner-friendly trails ideal for newer mountain bikers to grow accustomed to riding through dirt, rocks, grass, and wooded areas. No matter what your agenda holds, rest assured that Lancaster County Park has the ideal trail awaiting your arrival on your next expedition.

4. Warwick-to-Ephrata Rail Trail

The Warwick-to-Ephrata Rail Trail connects three of Lancaster County’s most vibrant downtowns – Lititz, Akron and Ephrata – via an 8-mile trail along the former Reading and Columbia rail lines. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 46 min to complete. This is a very popular area for road biking, running, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.

5. Enola Low Grade Trail

Stretching from the Susquehanna River in the west to Atglen, Chester County, in the east, the Enola Low Grade Trail features 29 miles of trails built on a former railroad bed. A few gaps still exist, but the five mile western section along the Susquehanna is ideal for bikes.

6. Conestoga Greenway Trail

The Conestoga Greenway Trail is a 2.6 mile out-and-back trail near Lancaster City that runs along the Conestoga River. It's the perfect trail for biking, running, and walking. Take advantage of this peaceful trail year-round, but especially in spring-fall.

The Conestoga River has won Pennsylvania’s River of the Year for 2026 by the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers.

The Conestoga River is the heartbeat of Lancaster County. A 60-mile tributary of the Susquehanna River, include Cocalico Creek, Lititz Run, Little Conestoga Creek, Mill Creek and Muddy Creek.

7. Lancaster Junction Recreation Trail

The Lancaster Junction Recreation Trail is 2.33 miles located in Manheim. The trail is flat & gravel, perfect for off-road biking, walking, running, and horseback riding! There are Amish farms along the trail so you can often hear or see farm animals. The trail runs along the Chiques Creek making it a peaceful, quiet trail to explore.

8. "The Local" Mountain Bike Park

"The Local" Mountain Bike Park is a community-built destination for mountain biking in Lancaster, PA, offering trails and features for riders of all ages and skill levels. The park is conveniently located at the 301 E. State Street Trailhead in Quarryville, alongside the popular Enola Low Grade Trail. Riders will find a diverse network of trails designed for every ability, including:

Beginner-friendly flow trails great for families and new riders
Expert jump lines built to challenge advanced mountain bikers
Technical features like skinnies for balance and precision training

As a public mountain bike park in Lancaster County, The Local is an ideal place to practice new skills, ride with friends, or add adventure to a day on the Enola Low Grade Trail. Its combination of approachable trails and advanced challenges makes it one of the best spots for mountain biking in Lancaster.

2 Seasonal Trails to Enjoy

Lancaster County is a great destination to visit year-round. Be sure to check the weather forecast and pack accordingly before heading out for the day. These seasonal trails are totally worth braving the elements and provide unique biking experiences for adventurers of all ages.

1. Lititz Bikeworks

Bikeworks offers guided bike tours around the quaint small town of Lititz, PA. For those looking for a more adventurous ride, the Lititz Bikeworks is home to a cyclocross course – an off-road course that is open from spring until late fall.

2. Middle Creek Wildlife Management

Located along the border between Lancaster and Lebanon Counties, Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area was created to be a wildlife oasis, specifically for waterfowl and grassland nesting birds. It features two strenuous biking trails, Elder's Run Trail, a 1.4 mile trail, and Horse-Shoe Trail, an 8.1 mile trail connecting Valley Forge National Historic Park and the Appalachian Trail. When the game lands are open to the hunting season, trail goers are to abide by the seasonal orange requirements; trails are open throughout the year. Access is restricted during fall and winter when the game lands are open to hunters, reopening every March for the annual snow geese migration.

3 Preserved Farmland Bike Routes

Grind that gravel beneath your bicycle’s wheels and take in the countryside with a ride through rural Lancaster County. Lancaster Farmland Trust’s savviest cycling friends helped create unforgettable bike routes on some roads less taken for more scenic and peaceful rides alongside preserved farms.

1. New Holland Ride (Ride with GPS)

The 18-miles route travels through the heart of Lancaster County’s Amish. There are a number of opportunities along the way to stop at roadside stands, shops, and more. With miles of quaint country roads and bustling main streets, you’ll certainly appreciate the work of Lancaster Farmland Trust in maintaining and preserving the open spaces and farming heritage of our beautiful region. There are some decent hills on this route, most notably on Mentzer Rd. after passing your last ice cream opportunity…so eat at your own risk!

2. Mount Joy Ride (Ride with GPS)

The 27-mile ride, which starts at Donegal High School, features history, culture, and most importantly, the fertile farmland of western Lancaster County. When riding along and seeing a landscape of farms as far as you can see, it probably indicates an area of many preserved farms. A bicycle is a great way to explore Mount Joy and better appreciate preserved areas, like this one. There are many roadside stands on route, so you might want to tuck a few dollars in your shoe and bring a packbasket!

3. Lancaster City/Strasburg Ride (Ride with GPS)

This 30-mile ride starts in Lancaster City and has tremendous variety, including wonderful city neighborhoods, some city bike lanes, and a scenic ride through the countryside passing by covered bridges, historic sites, and many preserved farms. It does have some challenging hills, especially in the vicinity of the County Park. The ride sweeps out into the countryside and passes through the historic town of Strasburg, which is in the heart of Amish country.

Explore More

Free Things to Do in Lancaster, PA

Whether you’re planning some free fun ahead of time or are looking for a quick way to fill a few hours while you’re here, we’ve rounded up a list of Lancaster’s free attractions, outdoor spots, and events for your weekend…

Details

Bike on Lancaster County’s North West River Trail

Hiking or biking, Lancaster has got it all.

Details

Things to do by the River in Lancaster, PA

Explore the great towns and activities along the Susquehanna River.

Details

Author

Olivia•

Director of Marketing

Olivia is a Lancaster County native, born and raised in the quaint, small town of Manheim. She fell in love with the impressive diversity of Lancaster, from its vibrant food scene to its endless array of activities, believing there's truly something for everyone here. She hopes visitors experience the warm and welcoming spirit of the local community. Having traveled to six countries and 30 US states, Olivia's appreciation of her hometown grows with every trip. Outside of writing, she enjoys exercising, playing soccer, and reading.

Send An Email

Related Partners

Columbia Crossing River Trails Center, Susquehanna NHA

41 Walnut Street Columbia, PA 17512 (717) 449-5607

Details

Lancaster Farmland Trust

125 Lancaster Ave Strasburg, PA 17579-9606 (717) 687-8484

Details

Let’s Roll Columbia

1043 River Road Columbia, PA 17512 (717) 380-2203 Find A Room

Details

Top 13 Trails for Biking in Lancaster County, PA

8 Year-Round Trails to Explore

1. Northwest River Trail

2. Conewago Recreation Trail

In Need Of a Ride?

3. Lancaster County Central Park

4. Warwick-to-Ephrata Rail Trail

5. Enola Low Grade Trail

6. Conestoga Greenway Trail

7. Lancaster Junction Recreation Trail

8. "The Local" Mountain Bike Park

2 Seasonal Trails to Enjoy

1. Lititz Bikeworks

2. Middle Creek Wildlife Management

3 Preserved Farmland Bike Routes

1. New Holland Ride (Ride with GPS)

2. Mount Joy Ride (Ride with GPS)

3. Lancaster City/Strasburg Ride (Ride with GPS)

Explore More

Author

Olivia•

Related Partners

Get more of Lancaster, PA