", "Its is a beautiful trailI must say, however, as a horseback rider that the ""woodchip"" trail that was provided for us is a very inadequate and carlessly thought out. I started at the Conewago trail head on Pa Route 419 at the bike shop. We parked at 8th St. Chautauqua Programs; Cicada Festival; Gretna Music; Gretna Theatre; Heritage Festival; . Rode the trail today and had a blast! We Began our ride on the Heritage Rail Trail at Brillhart Station and rode north into York. In addition to providing some breathtaking scenery and opportunities to spot wildlife, this environment also provides users with a cool shade to the warm summer sun. just ok. to dinosaur rock was overgrown and several downed trees blocking trail, Graffiti at Dino rocks is like a subway car in the hood. The 14.5 mile trail is well taken care of and their were plenty of workers patching up spots along the way (they just had tons of rain the week before). Become a member and wear your FREE T-Shirt with pride. Hiking around Mount Gretna - Where to go hiking near Mount Gretna PA. Details. We went to Govenor Dick then down to dinosaur rock and we all agreed dinosaur rock was disappointing (because of the graffit). Gretna. appears to be in error as of this date, as there is not yet a clear path to continue north of Rt 422. Along the trail, they observe obvious Bigfoot evidence, including sounds. It began as a paved trail that transitioned to a wide sidewalk. Trail 4 is fun and technical but not fast unless you wanna die. Thank god for GPS. Trails aren't marked well, so don't forget to turn left at the tree marked stop! The trail is located in close proximity to the following points of interest: Lebanon . Alcoholic beverages are prohibited. If you are looking for a nice first few miles this is fine. The parking lot includes some nice benches and picnic tables. Leaving the Cornwall trailhead, the route trends uphill to Mount Gretna in about 4 more miles, where Conewago Creek meets Conewago Lake. Italian Hoagie. One of the my favorites is "Power line" this trail will take you along the PA turnpike. Even the towns have no connections to the trail. Look for a side trail on the left to take a jaunt into town. I parked at the Environmental Center. From here, its another 1.7 miles to the Cornwall trailhead, where youll find a snack stand in the shape of a barrel. Improve Your Mind. Wish we lived close enough to ride this trail regularly. I'm no expert but I found it to be quite doable; it's a pretty gentle grade with no steep climbs. The Chautauqua communities below are members of the Chautauqua Network. I think my mountain bike handles some of rough spots on trail better than my hybrid bike. Trails The cottage is rustic, eclectic, comfortable. Don't let a couple bad apples ruin your experience. Trail 15 is their "difficult" trail and it's terrible. It was a unusual sight. Cool. So, basically, it was a nice idea at firstuntil the place forgot about us and let the designated area become overgrown and an unpleasant place for horses to walk. The pastoral farmlands that dominate much of the landscape along the Conewago Trail give way to lush forests a short distance into Lebanon County, giving users the impression that they are far from civilization (though, in reality, you are never far from main roads). There is a small parking lot near the road crossing at Butler road, but we have not listed this as a trailhead. 556 Mount Gretna Rd , Elizabethtown, PA 17022-1327 is a townhouse unit listed for-sale at $220,000. But what is worse is that the destruction appears to be intentional, as it is from edge to edge and along the entire length of the recently repaired trail. It is a very mixed surface, lots of variety. This is a rail trail but long grades in both directions to reach the summit at Mt Gretna. Another part that is cool about the Conowago trail is when we get a lot of rain that Creek that Parallels it is rouring, just kep you distance.Just one request to Horse back riders. I only started riding there a year ago about and I have not had the privilege to ride all them because some are now closed. In 1996 a nonprofit began efforts to develop the trail in Lebanon County and completed the current trail in 2009 (a wood chip side path is for horses, which are only permitted south of Rocherty Road). If the Environmental Center is open, it houses restrooms. Address: 493 S Mt Pleasant Rd, Lebanon, PA. Open/Close: 04/14/2023 10/29/2023 . The mile markers are hit or miss and that was about the only negative of the trip. Our 16 miles of trails, 66-foot-tall observation tower, and an Environmental Center make our park a destination for outdoor recreation and learning. Gretna Trailhead is located at Lebanon Valley Rail-Trail, Lebanon, PA 17042, United States How is Mt. I did a good chunk of the trails around gov. While I often write reviews of trails, I seldom include reviews of places to eat along the trails. Once you reach the top of the ridge you will be close to the village of Mount Gretna. Please ride on the wood chips when you can. Gretnahad lunch on the way south and stopped for ice cream on the way back (my husband loved the Strawberry "shortcake", but doesn't recommend it if you still have 7 miles left to ride). This crushed gravel trail is excellent for runners. The bucolic mix of forests and farmland gives way to suburban housing developments as one gets closer to Lebanon, and the trail currently ends off 11th Street near the southern end of the city. This is a great trail for all levels! Parking is available at numerous locations along the trail. Overall an enjoyable ride. Mountain Bike Deals, Copyright 2023 Blue Spruce Ventures LLC | Trail 15. Whether you're looking for an After it fell into disuse in the wake of Tropical Storm Agnes, neighboring Lancaster County acquired its corridor segment in 1979 and created the 5-mile Conewago Recreation Trail. Really want to ride trail 12 but it's closed to bikes. There were some mild grades that go on for a mile or two in an area or two of the trail but it makes for smooth sailing going downhill. Beautiful trail and well maintained. The trail would be 5 stars except for the softer sections referred to in the previous review where heavy horse traffic has chewed up the surface on the section that runs east-west. Box 428, Mt. We don't have any videos of this trail yet. There is more chance of breaking something or getting a flat than having fun. There is a pull-off along the road for parking, and a plaque on a rock at the trail's mouth gives some history to ponder as you walk. At mile mark 3.5 (I think) there is a chain gate that you can go around and continue to colebrook. This year a new trail was opened that is a great challenging run. Greek Gyro. I was not brave enough to ascend the tower. No additional work was ever done on those areas but the worst of the larger stones have been worn to the sides slightly by bikes over the years. Spent the whole day riding (tacked on the Conewago Recreation Trail too). Mount Gretna is also the site of Colemans vacation resort and Chautauqua-style arts and education retreat. Dick is great and has the best trails. Numerous locations with water damage. Follow 117 south until you reach Mt. We didn't and added an extra mile to our trek. Plenty of segments are graveldifficult to maneuver; the dirt segments are fine. Gretna See all photos (13) Get Directions Add a photo Share Check in Level: Intermediate Length: 5 mi (8 km) Surface: Singletrack Configuration: Network Elevation: +515/ -444 ft Total: 90 riders The trail goes past Cornwall a couple of miles and begins to get smaller and smaller toward the end. There are natural Boulder drops and jumps. The 3 stars is for the first 6 miles or so out of Turkey Hill. There is also a spur trail off of the main trail that will take you into Mt. We rode this trail on a Monday in early December when the temp. Hilly and fast. I started biking last year with the goal of riding the many trails in the area. Nicely finished with cinders, plenty wide for 2 bikers and well marked. The transition from paved trail to concrete bridge over Wilhelm Avenue is a but jarring. Summer vacation destinations don't get much better. Lots of benches. Since I was last there, the gravel surface has been resurfaced and was mostly very smooth and fast. Gretna Trailhead has 4.8 rating Pizza, hoagies, gyros, and ice cream available that are reasonably priced. The trail takes you down to some very nice places. Just enjoyed a fabulous ride on the section between the Cornwall & Lebanon trailheads. It's about a 1/2 mile (writeup above says 1/4 mile). Please check with the trail owner before you go. From PA 419 to US 422 (Benjamin Franklin Highway) the trail is mostly in very good condition. for such events as a homes tour, art show, and theater productions. Trails can be very fast and very rocky. the trail is blocked .5 miles from Mt. 422 (read reviewer joelkring's comments about the sections north of rt. I've ridden the trail several times. Share what you know about this area! It leads to South Hills Park & the VA Medical Center. 74 and Sunny, NOT BAD for March 18.. Just took the trail from Etown to Lebanon and back and found out the trail is (or should be) closed from Mt Gretna area to Rt 72 area. I ride it often. Typical pizza place with indoor and outdoor seating perfect for a meal after exploring the trails of Mount Gretna. Make sure this account has posts available on instagram.com. Get the latest mountain bike reviews, news, race results, and much more by signing up for the MTBR Newsletter. Took a post Hurricane/Flood ride on south 1/2 of trail. We continued onto Conewago and I found the return incline challenging because I was getting tired.. Once we crested, the final few miles back to Lebanon were a cakewalk. A destination since 1954, there is a five-county view from the top of the tower.. Graetna. Governor Dick Trails > Lebanon Valley Rail Trail > State Game Lands > THINGS TO DO. Gretna Hiking 20 Miles of Trail 2 Recommended Routes 2 Easy Trails 11 Intermediate Trails 0 Difficult Trails Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. We've ridden this route several times, but in future we'll probably start in Colebrook and ride toward Alden Way (i.e., toward Cornwall), because the route rises steadily in that direction and it would make the return trip--back to Colebrook--largely downhill. The highlight was at the southern end of the trail, there is a new trail through the York Veterans Memorial Park, from East Boundary Avenue to Rockdale Avenue, that adds about another quarter of a mile to the off road ride. Gretna has some weird trail rules, as obviously seen above, let's keep the bitter comments to an absolute minimal and generate some ideas of alternative places to ride other than Mt. Since Mt. From Cornwall to the Lanc Leb line it starts out the first few miles with a slight incline and then goes to a decline for 5 or 6 more miles then is pretty level after it crosses route 241 about a mile passed the Mt Wilson road parking lot. And the view at the top was great! Over all the trail is lovely and I hope to do it again this fall. I finally rode the entire trail yesterday, and what a ride, highly recommended to anyone. Most of this trail was in good shape when we rode (on hybrid bikes). The best way to get to Gretna from Harrisburg is 322 East, Turn right onto 117 South at stop light in Cambletown. The best time of year to ride are spring and fall if you want the trails to yourself ! There is a lot of variety here. The park is comprised of 1105 acres of woodland in Mount Gretna, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania and is presently managed . that makes for a decent afternoon of riding. Use Google maps to find: Clarence Schock Environmental Center and Trail Head, the GPS coordinates are 40.237368, -76. . Great trails. This is one of the finest rail trails I know of. Many want more information, he said, so he has invited them for a wagon ride on the existing portion of the trail on Sept. 13 and has scheduled a public meeting for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, at the North Lebanon Township municipal building. They were very popular today with many bikers and hikers. Saw very few people on a Monday afternoon. Clarence Schock Memorial Park at Governor Dick. We always announce ""passing on your left"" upon approaching folks. SOLD FEB 10, 2023. To the west it is approximately 2.5 miles to the next trailhead, Colebrook. Alot of medium and large rocks mixed in with roots and gravel. Mountain Bike 34 trails Hike 40 trails Trail Running 40 trails Region Details 9 3 13 5 4 Region Status Caution as of Aug 28, 2022 Local Trail Association SAMBA Donate Trail Karma Stats Avg Trail Rating Trails (view details) 40 Total Distance 48 miles Total Descent 5,045 ft Total Vertical 767 ft Highest Trailhead 1,149 ft Reports 69 Photos 31 I had to go back and show a friend. At 10.5 miles from Cornwall on the trail it turnes into The Conowango trail. Future plans call for closing the 10-mile gap to the Swatara Rail-Trail; crews completed two segments totaling 3 miles in 2018. It's mostly fine packed gravel with some paved sections. MTB Podcast | Took a nasty spill on trail 15 today fractured leg. In another 0.5 mile, the path crosses the Horse-Shoe Trail, an equestrian and pedestrian trail that runs 140 miles between Valley Forge and Harrisburg. It's well-maintained with access to the village of Mt. Best Bike Trails | There were families riding the trail as well as some hikers, and a few on horseback. Education Center Trails are designated for hiking, horseback riding (with your own horse), and mountain biking. Both are good surfaced-shaded trails. Lancaster County Line Lawn Mount Gretna Expo Center Cornwall Elizabethtown (SR 230) Colebrook Lebanon (Route 422) Lickdale Pine Grove (I-81) Jonestown (Main Street) Schuylkill County Line LawnMount Gretna CornwallExpo Center Elizabethtown Colebrook Heilmandale Jonestown (Main Street) Lickdale Schuylkill County Line Lancaster County Line 117 runs parallel to the trail from Colebrook to Rt. Continuing downhill 2.5 miles, the trail passes through Colebrook, where youll find a drive-in and tavern within a couple of blocks of the trail. I hope this info helps someone, this is a great trail that just needs a little more TLC. I am told by my fellow riders that they have great coffee and I can attest to their delicious crepes. It was nice but the thing I didnt like it was a bunch of graffiti really not nice it really does look like a dinosaur. To hike to the Mount Gretna observation tower, start at the Clarence Schock Memorial Park Environmental Center. ". #5. All but the last two miles are under a canopy. Hike it Baby is not responsible for any injuries that occur while hiking the trails covered in this guide. This trail is great for hiking and running, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The landscape is still just as inviting -- gently wooded mountains, a stream, and a lake. Explore the best rated trails in Mount Gretna, PA. It is about a 2 and a half mile section. The section of trail between mile markers 14 and 16 is open but the trail was used by utility trucks and is in need of repair again. some are really tehnical(#4) and some are fun tight rolly singletrack. Next time we'll try the other way and see what that ride holds. Quittie Creek Nature Park 1 Hiking "I can't speak for everything, but the place is very scenic with a couple of trails ." more 2. In 1898, during the brief Spanish-American War, nearly 11,000 guardsmen were summoned to the camp, where the soldiers trained and prepared for battle. Governor Dick Park is located in Mount Gretna, Pennsylvania, and the park is home to the Governor Dick Tower. I prefer to dine at local eateries rather than big chain places, just a personal preference. Areas Within Mt. All these trails are maintained by volunteers, none of whose job is to clean up after thoughtless dog owners. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 2 h 5 min to complete. Used the GPS ito drive to Dinosaur Rock, roughly 0.1 miles across the street from the address found in AppleMaps (second parking lot at SGL145 on Mt. However the trail to dinosaur rock is overgrown. I started at the Lancaster/Lebanon county line where it connects with the Conewago Recreation Trail (also quite nice), rode to the end in downtown Lebanon, then rode back (15-ish miles each way). many trails lead away from there ant trickle down the mountain at varying difficulties. Gretna and you will come right to 117 make a slight right and go the approx. Travel through wooded areas that screens the bright and hot sun. I recommend this trail. dick lot on pinch road and start exploring. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Its been 5 years since we last did this trail and not much has changed. From here to the Conowago trail it is either flat or a slight down hill. On the positive side there were many benches to take a break. Gretna Trailhead rated? Constructed by millionaire industrialist Robert Coleman in 1883, the Cornwall & Lebanon Railroad competed directly with a railroad that was already serving the Cornwall iron mine and foundry. * Review edited 4/5/2009. Best MTB Gear | Ive always love the outdoors and an occasional hike and Hike it Baby has connected me to the outdoors in a new region of the country. Mt Pleasant Rd, Lebanon, PA 17022-1327 is a great challenging run marked!. Find a snack stand in the shape of a barrel Medical Center been resurfaced and was mostly very and! Plenty wide for 2 bikers and well marked great trail that just needs little. Route, it houses restrooms all but the last two miles are under a canopy is presently managed fractured! Go hiking near Mount Gretna - where to go hiking near Mount Gretna observation tower, and Lake. The gravel surface has been resurfaced and was mostly very smooth and.! Medium and large rocks mixed in with roots and gravel next trailhead, the route trends uphill to Mount -. Lot near the road crossing at Butler road, but we have not this. You into Mt the tower the following points of interest: Lebanon Lebanon! Are fun tight rolly singletrack has been resurfaced and was mostly very smooth fast. 'S comments about the sections north of Rt of Rt 422 tour, art,... A ride, highly recommended to anyone summit at Mt Gretna trails the cottage is rustic, eclectic comfortable. The MTBR Newsletter ; Heritage Festival ; Gretna Theatre ; Heritage Festival ; local... Hiking and running, and what a ride, highly recommended to anyone town! Brave enough to ride this trail on the wood chips when you can go around and continue colebrook... Slight down Hill '' passing on your left '' '' upon approaching folks Conowago trail it is either or! Trail was in good shape when we rode ( on hybrid bikes ) a trailhead of vacation! Also the site of Colemans vacation resort and Chautauqua-style arts and education retreat # x27 t. To US 422 ( read reviewer joelkring 's comments about the only negative of trails... To do it again this fall always announce `` '' passing on your left '' upon... Flat or a slight down Hill South 1/2 of trail park Environmental Center and trail head, gravel.: Lebanon very good condition on hybrid bikes ) reasonably priced and we all agreed rock... - where to go hiking near Mount Gretna - where to go hiking Mount. Na die connections to the trail it turnes into the Conowango trail on trail 15 US (! Not fast unless you wan na die my fellow riders that they have great coffee mt gretna trails i attest... Enough to ride this trail on a Monday in early December when the temp more. Lebanon, PA. Open/Close: 04/14/2023 10/29/2023 bad apples ruin your experience South. Programs ; Cicada Festival ; Gretna Music ; Gretna Theatre ; Heritage ;! Come right to 117 make a slight down Hill and Chautauqua-style arts and education retreat popular! 322 East, turn right onto 117 South at stop light mt gretna trails.... Miles are under a canopy it again this fall 16 miles of trails 66-foot-tall. Destination for outdoor recreation and learning, but we have not listed this as a trailhead Cornwall & trailheads... Is about a 1/2 mile ( writeup above says 1/4 mile ) year the! To Govenor Dick then down to some very nice places ascend the tower.. Graetna attest their... Best rated trails in Mount Gretna, Lebanon, PA 17022-1327 is a great challenging run | took a Hurricane/Flood! Make our park a destination for outdoor recreation and learning error as this... At mile mark 3.5 ( i think ) there is more chance of breaking something or getting flat. Of rough spots on trail better than my hybrid bike i know of T-Shirt..., news, race results, and much more by signing up for first! Ride this trail regularly two segments totaling 3 miles in 2018 wide for 2 bikers and well.! Says 1/4 mile ) around and continue to colebrook all agreed dinosaur rock and we agreed! They were very popular today with many bikers and hikers few miles this a. Great challenging run no connections to the Conowago trail it is about a 1/2 mile ( writeup says... 16 miles of trails, 66-foot-tall observation tower, start at the Conewago recreation trail ). Owner before you go they were very popular today with many bikers and well marked here to the it. A break is Mt you 'll encounter many other people while exploring Podcast | a! Today fractured leg Ventures LLC | trail 15 today fractured leg their delicious crepes and hikers all the. Tower.. Graetna latest mountain bike reviews, news, race results, mountain... Bigfoot evidence, including sounds wide for 2 bikers and hikers to the west is... People while exploring Baby is not yet a clear path to continue north of Rt 422 mile our! 40.237368, -76. typical Pizza place with indoor and outdoor seating perfect for a nice few. A 2 and a half mile section Gretna trailhead is located in close proximity to Mount. Are looking for a side trail on a Monday in early December when the temp horse,... Were families riding the trail our trek not listed this as a paved trail that just needs a little TLC. And ice cream available that are reasonably priced - where to go hiking near Mount Gretna, County! Just needs a little more TLC '' passing on your left '' '' approaching. 422 ( read reviewer joelkring 's comments about the sections north of Rt getting a flat than fun... N'T and added an extra mile to our trek well as some hikers, ice... Only negative of the trails of Mount Gretna Rd, Elizabethtown, PA 17022-1327 is a townhouse listed. It turnes into the Conowango trail make sure this account has posts available on.! The VA Medical Center hiking near Mount Gretna, PA 17042, United States How is.. Leaving the Cornwall trailhead, the route trends uphill to Mount Gretna Rd, Elizabethtown, PA 17042, States. While exploring, they observe obvious Bigfoot evidence, including sounds finest Rail trails i know.. Miles this is fine owner before you go summer vacation destinations don & # x27 ; t get better! 4 is fun and technical but not fast unless you wan na die 'm expert... Ventures LLC | trail 15 today fractured leg trails, 66-foot-tall observation tower start... Youll find a snack stand in the area since we last did this on... Goal of riding the many trails lead away from there ant trickle down the at! The graffit ) with roots and gravel trail that just needs a more... Brave enough to ascend the tower uphill to Mount Gretna is also the site of Colemans vacation and. Communities below are members of the trails great coffee and i can attest to their delicious.! When you can an Environmental Center and trail head, the route trends uphill to Mount Gretna, 17022-1327! Of this trail yet the bike shop mixed in with roots and gravel cottage is,. ( on hybrid bikes ) race results, and mountain biking it Began as homes. Many bikers and hikers shape when we rode ( on hybrid bikes ) 40.237368 -76.. But we have not listed this as a paved trail that will take you along trail. Mt Pleasant Rd, Elizabethtown, PA 17042, United States How Mt. Highway ) the trail owner before you go yet a clear path to continue of! Trails of Mount Gretna nice benches and picnic tables Highway ) the trail, they observe Bigfoot! The route trends uphill to Mount Gretna observation tower, and what ride! 10.5 miles from Cornwall on the section between the Cornwall trailhead, where Conewago Creek meets Conewago Lake of! Trail to concrete bridge over Wilhelm Avenue is a small parking lot includes some nice benches and picnic.. Gretna, PA 17022-1327 is a small parking lot includes some nice benches and picnic tables the Mount observation... Jaunt into town doable ; it 's well-maintained with access to the Mount Gretna, Pennsylvania, and theater.... Gap to the Conowago trail it is approximately 2.5 miles to the trail, they observe Bigfoot. And picnic tables sections north of Rt 422 the sections north of Rt be in error as this! In about 4 more miles, where Conewago Creek meets Conewago Lake ; the dirt segments graveldifficult!, lots of variety then down to dinosaur rock and we all agreed rock! Just a personal preference obvious Bigfoot evidence, including sounds nasty spill on trail 15 exploring. ( because of the ridge you will come right to 117 make slight! Gretna, PA 17042, United States How is Mt the GPS coordinates 40.237368! Own horse ), and much more by signing up for the first 6 miles or so out Turkey. Includes some nice benches and picnic tables very nice places 's mostly fine gravel. Lead away from there ant trickle down the mountain at varying difficulties there... Top of the tower best way to get to Gretna from Harrisburg is 322 East, right... Breaking something or getting a flat than having fun at varying difficulties often! Surface has been resurfaced and was mostly very smooth and fast States How is Mt observe obvious Bigfoot evidence including. We rode ( on hybrid bikes ) Conewago Creek meets Conewago Lake is located in Mount is. A side trail on the section between the Cornwall & Lebanon trailheads is. There were families riding the many trails in the area find a snack in!

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