Explore the best rated trails in Reading, PA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Palmer Township Recreation Trail (Towpath Bike Trail) and D&L Trail . With more than 166 trails covering 975 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Definitely not for biking the whole way, but nice for a short hike. Good view of the river! Without looking at the map, we took the steeper right trail at the first marked intersection that just showed it going to the overlook. That side trail is confusing without a map, as we ended up in a dead end without a view and had to backtrack a little and then the path ended up on the main trail. If you don't want to have to climb over a very short section of rocks at the end to see the western view, this path wouldn't be for you.
We have ridden the section that connects with the Schuylkill River Trail several times and that section is fine. We went to ride the other two sections. First we stopped at the Hopewell Furnace Visitor's Center. there is lots of parking and clean rest rooms, however we could not find the trail. We asked a park ranger and he directed us to the trail. It was down a steep hill covered with large stones (for biking over) followed by an unmarked turn. Finally there was a sign and the trail was wide and paved most of the way to the pool where we turned around although a wide gravel path continued on. Next we drove to Elverson and rode that section of trail. Other than being short, part of the trail was little more than a single track.
This was a well maintained trail with sprinkled with many benches throughout the route. The trail is mostly paved except for a mile of the northern most section. Many scenic bridges across the creek.
I was in Harrisburg for the weekend and looking for a bike ride on Sunday morning with friends. We greatly enjoyed biking the Capital Area Greenbelt. The ride is paved with short bits of gravel, mainly flat but with some steep but short hills. The trail does cross some busy intersections, but there was always a crosswalk and usually a traffic light. Cars often stopped for us at crosswalks. We rode counter-clockwise, starting at City Island. I agree with other reviewers that this trails is not the best for small children due to crossing these intersections. There was a short trail closure along the river on the southern part of the route, but I found the detour signs easily and we returned to the trail without problem. We biked on roads for a few miles, but we found only 1 road to be remotely busy (it was on the detour), the rest were neighborhood streets. There were walkers along the trail, especially in the parks, so caution was needed, especially at Wildwood Park. The trail was picturesque - both along the Susquehanna river and through several Harrisburg parks. Trail markings were present most of the time, but I agree with others - have a map. Or better, use the TrailLink app on your smartphone or download the route to your cyclecomputer (I found the route on Garmin.com and MapMyRide). We brought water and snacks, there was water along the way but few options for food. The bathroom at Wildwood Park was clean with running water and a water fountain. We are experienced riders, so I did not consider this a strenuous 20 mile ride, but it will be a challenge for beginners. Overall it was a very pleasant few hours exploring the area around Harrisburg, and if you are looking for an urban style bike ride this one will meet your needs.
My first ride of the season on this trail in my hometown. Lancaster Co. Parks & Rec Dept decided to patch this trail with large non-bike-friendly gravel which makes for a rough ride where it's patched. It is especially bad in the first couple miles between Rtes. 230 and 743. The Rt. 743 (55 mph 2 lane road) crossing is dangerous, but they are working on putting up lights, for what it's worth. If you want to ride this trail, park at Trolly Line Park off of Beverly Road and just ride north to the connecting Lebanon Valley Trail. ...you'll avoid the Rt 743 crossing and the roughest part of the trail.
The trail was nice and enjoyed the bird songs. I had started at the Northern trail head and heading south to MD border. The problem is the trail isn't well marked once I had made York. I had gotten lost and wasted a lot energy and looped around York trying to locate the southern Heritage Rail trail. Decided to head back, luckily my phone hadn't run out of charge.
All that being said I will try it again later this year.
We have been riding on Chestnut St. since the 25th Street trailhead opened to ride to Long Lane. Last year they began working on the Chestnut St. extension of the trail and it is finally complete. It runs from near the VW dealership to Gloninger Woods Park. If you want to the 25th St. lot, turn right at 22nd Street, go straight at the traffic light then follow the parking lot around the Lebanon Valley Mall to right on 25th St. to the trail on your left just after railroad underpass.
Rode 10 miles north from Jim Thorpe parking lot today. Very nice ride along the Lehigh River. Parking lot was 2/3rds full so easy to off load bikes and pay the $8 at the kiosk. Trail is well marked and easy to navigate. The only issue is the compacted stone has turned into several inches of loose sand in some areas. Between miles posts 110-112 it was most noticeable. My wife and I have regular 2 inch mountain bike/cruiser tires, so the sand slowed us down but did not stop us. Roadbikers may have more trouble. All in all it is a great section and worth Another vists. And some really nice old trains to He k out.
Truly a magical and wonderful place.
The wide crushed stone trail is nestled on a shelf between the Lehigh River and the vertical gorge wall of red/purple/brown shale and sandstone. The rushing river alternates between white water and calmer sections. North of Rockport, there are a number of remnants of the locks that were built with the local rock during the industrial revolution. The vertical gorge wall is exposed rock in many parts and covered with mountain laurel in others. The wider sections of the valley are forested with hemlock and hardwoods. Throughout the entire trail waterfalls and rushing streams cascade down the gorge wall and into the river. Even during the this rainy spring, the trail was puddle and mud free and in great condition from Glen Onoko to White Haven.
We rode e-bikes from 12th and Cumberland down to colebrook trailhead and back on a Tuesday . Very nice ride. Easy going. Pleasant folks. Seemed about 1/4 e-bikes of the bikes we saw.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
Scan the QR code to get TrailLink on your phone
