Best Fall Bike Routes in Lancaster County, PA for Leisurely Rides

Autumn in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania offers a stunning backdrop for leisurely bike rides. The crisp air, vibrant foliage, and charming countryside make it an ideal season to explore the region on two wheels. In this post, I’ll introduce you to four of the best fall bike routes in Lancaster County, complete with trailhead parking information.

1. The Enola Low Grade Trail

Overview:
Enjoy a 21-mile crushed stone trail that runs alongside the Susquehanna River, extending eastward to Quarryville. Notable attractions along the route include the recently constructed Safe Harbor Bridge and the Martic Forge Trestle. While the Turkey Hill section offers access to portable toilets, the rest of the trail is relatively secluded, lacking service stops. This trail caters to both casual riders seeking shorter excursions from the parking lot and more experienced cyclists looking to cover distances ranging from 20 to 40 miles.

Trailhead Parking:

• Turkey Hill Nature Preserve / Overlook Trail: 2501 River Rd., Conestoga, PA 17516
• Colemanville Church Road Lot: Colemanville Church Rd., Conestoga, PA 17516
• Red Hill Road Lot: 18 Red Hill Rd., Pequea, PA 17565
• Sigman Road Lot: 50 Sigman Rd., New Providence, PA 1756
• Fairview Road Lot: 503 Fairview Rd., New Providence, PA 17560

2. Northwest Lancaster County River Trail

Overview:
Take in a gorgeous ride along the Susquehanna River. The one-way distance from the Columbia Crossing River Trails Center to the Falmouth Boat Launch is approximately 13.5 miles. There are various parks with portable toilets along the way. Additionally, there are various restaurants on the E. Front Street in Marietta as well as a small bar & grill in Bainbridge. Sites along the way include Columbia Crossing River Trails Center, the Point Rock Tunnel Chiques Rock, the Musselman-Vesta Iron Furnace Center, Shocks Mill Bridge, the White Cliffs of Conoy, and the York Haven Dam.

Trailhead Parking:

• Columbia Crossing River Trails Center: 41 Walnut St., Columbia, PA 17512
• Marietta Iron Furnace Park: 1 Furnace Rd., Marietta, PA 17547
• Riverfront Park: 551 Vinegar Ferry Rd., Marietta, PA 17547
• Koser Park: 107 Race St., Bainbridge, PA 17502
• Falmouth Boat Launch: 111 Collins Rd., Bainbridge, PA 17502

3. Warwick to Ephrata Rail Trail

Overview:
If you’re looking for a shorter but equally delightful ride, explore a 6.7-mile journey through charming countryside, starting from Lititz and concluding in downtown Ephrata. Along this scenic route, you’ll encounter Warwick Township Municipal Park and Ephrata Linear Park, which is home to the inspiring Winters Leadership Memorial. These sites add cultural and natural dimensions to your cycling experience, making it an ideal option for riders of all levels seeking diverse and rewarding routes.

Trailhead Parking:

• Lititz Trailhead: 35 N. Oak St., Lititz, PA 17543
• Warwick Township Municipal Park: 304 Clay Rd., Lititz, PA 17543
• Millway Road Lot: 94 Millway Rd., Ephrata, PA 17522
• Steinmetz Road Lot: 459 Steinmetz Rd., Ephrata, PA 17522
• E. Queen Street Lot: 42 E. Queen St., Ephrata, PA 17522
• Ephrata Linear Park: 200 Railroad Ave, Ephrata, PA 1752

4. Conewago Recreation Trail

Discover the Conewago Recreation Trail, a picturesque 5-mile route that meanders through serene landscapes, offering a relaxing journey for cyclists of all levels. Starting from the charming town of Elizabethtown, this trail takes you on a scenic adventure along the Conewago Creek. You’ll have the chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the area, including lush greenery and the calming waters of the creek. Along the way, you’ll find convenient amenities such as rest areas and benches, making it perfect for a leisurely ride. Whether you’re a beginner cyclist or someone looking for a tranquil escape, the Conewago Recreation Trail has something for everyone to enjoy. The trail continues another 15-miles into downtown Lebanon, PA as part of the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail.

Trailhead Parking:

• Elizabethtown Trailhead: 2385 N. Market St., Elizabethtown, PA 17022
• Old Hershey Road Lot: 988 Old Hershey Rd., Elizabethtown, PA 17022
• Old Trolley Line Park: Beverly Road, Elizabethtown, PA 17022
• Koser Road Lot: 230 Koser Rd., Elizabethtown, PA 17022
• Bellaire Road Lot: 1101 Bellaire Rd., Elizabethtown, PA 17022
• Prospect Road Lot: 855 Prospect Rd., Elizabethtown, PA 17022

Now that you know where to find these scenic fall bike routes in Lancaster and have discovered our convenient mobile bike repair service, it’s time to gather your gear and explore the beauty of autumn in Pennsylvania. Whether you’re a local resident or planning a visit, these trails promise a memorable and leisurely ride through the vibrant fall foliage. Enjoy your cycling adventure!