Heritage Rail Trail

Smooth riding. Lottsa seats to relax.

Fun ride

If you’re in the mood for a rail trail, this is a pretty one for sure. It’s not just the 10.6 miles mentioned here, you can ride for a good long time. If you’re going to do this section out and back, I recommend starting in the north (in Seven Valleys or Hanover Junction), heading south, and turning around at New Freedom. Rail trails may have only a 3% grade, but my 20 miles was a bit of a slog at the end with the last 4+ miles back to new Freedom being mostly uphill. Be aware that the trail crosses roads once or twice per mile, which is a bit annoying, but all trails can’t be secluded on their own land. If you were to walk your bike across each as the signs suggest, you’d be off and in quite a bit, but I didn’t see anyone else dismounting and most of the crossings are visible enough that getting off the bike would be overkill. Just be conscious and come to a full stop to look before crossing.

A beautiful day to bike out n back from New Freedom to where I turned at Seven Valleys. Well maintained trail, crews were out cutting back summer growth.

I hadn't done this trail in many years but always liked it. This past Wednesday three friends and I rode the section between White Hall and New Freedom, a total of approximately 25 miles up and back. Up hill with a definitely steeper grade the last mile or two into New Freedom. And a very pleasing down hill ride back to White Hall. A moderate workout for a group of novice bikers.

Was a great walk, two miles more than it recorded as my iwatch died two miles in

For a photo trail map, go to https://api-v4.alltrails.com/explore/recording/heritage-rail-trail-new-freedom-to-maryland-11958df This review is for the section of the Heritage Rail Trail from New Freedom, Pa to Gun Powder State Park in Freeland, Maryland. The trail is very flat and hard packed, making it perfect for strollers, walkers, bikers, and joggers. It does not have any mud or wet sections, even after a few inches of rain. The surface for the section in PA is a hard crushed stone that is well packed, with some short sections that are asphalt. The trail is very wide...more than two-track wide, with plenty of wooded scenery. It runs along side railroad tracks. When the trail crosses over into Maryland, the surface becomes very hard-packed sand, and it narrows to two track wide. There are no more railroad tracks, so the trail is much more natural, and the tree canopy over-hangs the trail closer. This is also inside Gunpowder Falls State Park in Maryland, and the trail runs along streams, making it for a very nice scenic, peaceful, and idyllic setting. May you always find joy in the scent of fresh air, the way breeze feels, the glistening reflection of a splashing creek, and the sound of wind in the trees.

Trail ride, New Freedom North to MM6 round trip. Easy access, plenty of parking, trail was in good condition. During COVID, majority of people were wearing masks. Varied scenery. Will definitely be back to sample more of the trail on both sides of the Mason Dixon Line.

Nice bike path. All fine gravel and smooth. Keep in mind that there is a slight uphill grade on your way back so I wouldn’t do the whole thing with young children. We rode to Glen Rock and my 8 y/o struggled on the way back.

level trail, easy ride and not to many people. shade for most of the ride. will definitely be back

Nice wide scenic trail. Train still uses the tracks running adjacent to the trail.

Fun time for kids- lots to look at!

Great for biking or walking! It is a beautiful trail and I definitely will tell you to go on the trail if your into the outdoors.

My wife and I have biked the entire trail several times. I take the kids on day trips and we do 6 to 10 miles sections at a time. Mostly level, some gentle inclines, packed gravel and well care for. Very nice trail for young ones to ride on. Great trail for biking, hiking, nature watching, birding, and picnics!