posted May 11, 2026

Bike on Lancaster County’s North West River Trail

Hiking or biking, Lancaster has got it all.

Whether by bike or by foot, the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail, located along the Susquehanna River, is a peaceful trail worth exploring during your next outdoor adventure in Lancaster.

Trail specific information

Where & When to Visit

Location

Starting at Columbia Crossings River Trails Center (41 Walnut Street, Columbia, PA) and ends at Falmouth Trailhead (111 Collins Rd, Bainbridge, PA) in Bainbridge.

DOWNLOAD A TRAIL MAP

When

You can visit the trail year-round, however, the best time to visit is in spring, summer and fall.

What to Expect

You'll find yourself surrounded by trees, bushes, streams and tall rock faces. Riding the trail round-trip will be a scenic 22-mile ride, however, if you’re looking for a shorter ride, there are multiple parking and access points along the way.

The trail is pleasantly paved and flat which makes it a great ride for novice bikers, families, or those looking for a leisurely walk or jog. The peaceful path winds through Chickies Rock County Park, through a cool rock tunnel and overlooking the Susquehanna River on the White Cliffs of Convoy.

In need of a bike to get rolling on the trails?

Check out Let's Roll, on Let's Roll is a local family owned business that specializes in Electric Bikes.

They offer temporary rental options to ride around Columbia and for the Northwest River Rail Trail.

Delivery to your vacation rental is also available.

Where to Stay

Campgrounds

Stay awhile in the Great Outdoors of Lancaster County! There are many amazing campgrounds to consider for your next getaway in Lancaster County.

Pequea Creek Campground | 86 Fox Hollow Rd, Pequea
Thousand Trails Circle M Campground | 2111 Millersville Rd, Lancaster
Elizabethtown/Hershey Holiday KOA | 1980 Turnpike Road, Elizabethtown

Bed & Breakfasts

Whether you are looking for a quiet getaway or some quality family time this season you are sure to find the perfect place here in our corner of Pennsylvania.

B.F. Hiestand House | 722 East Market St, Marietta
Railroad House Inn | 280 W Front St, Marietta
Rocky Acre Farm Bed and Breakfast | 1020 Pinkerton Road, Mount Joy

Hotels

Sleep Inn & Suites | 310 Primrose Lane, Mountville
Hampton Inn & Suites | 2301 Strickler Road, Manheim
The Warehouse Hotel at Spooky Nook Sports | 75 Champ Blvd., Manheim

Other area's to explore

Continuing on the trail, you'll pass through a meadow of colorful wildflowers as you approached Marietta.

In the town of Marietta, riders have the option of taking the “Downtown Route”, passing by houses, shops, and local watering holes including McCleary’s Pub and The Railroad House Inn. For those who prefer not to ride through town, the trail cuts through a brief undeveloped trail and rejoins that paved section around mile marker three.

Around mile marker nine, you’ll see the White Cliffs of Conoy – a great place to stop and take a picture or two. The developed portion of the trail ends at mile marker eleven in Bainbridge, PA.

Once you finish your route, no matter how far on the trail you go. Cool off with some yummy ice cream at Coffee and Cream, located right off the trail.

INSTAGRAM-WORTHY ICE CREAM SPOTS

While you're there stroll into the town of Columbia to check out its unique shops, locally crafted brews, and great restaurants.

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Author

Tori•

Marketing Coordinator

Having lived in Lancaster for 3 years, Tori has a fresh perspective on the county and its experiences. She enjoys spending time outdoors, enjoying various international cuisines and participating in the many creative outlets Lancaster provides. Tori wants visitors to visit all the small towns that Lancaster County has to offer and find hidden gems along the way. Outside of work, Tori enjoys visiting unique coffee shops and cafes across the county.

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