Lancaster County is home to some of the country's best hiking and biking trails and outdoor adventures. Explore the Great Outdoors with the whole family or find peace and quiet on a solo hike. Any time of year, here's a round-up of some of the best spots to explore!
Check out Let's Roll, these local family-owned businesses specialize in renting, selling, and servicing regular and electric bikes.
The largest public green space in the county, Central Park features more than 13 miles of interconnected multi-use trails. Hiking and snowshoeing are permitted on all trails while select trails are open to off-road biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. Seeking your next family hiking or biking adventure? Unveil the wonders of Lancaster County Park through a selection of three family-friendly hiking trails. If you crave a more challenging trek, there are an array of trails boasting elevations ranging from 75 to 656 feet. No matter what your agenda holds, rest assured that Lancaster County Park has the ideal trail awaiting your arrival on your next expedition.
The Conestoga Greenway Trail is a 2.6 mile out-and-back trail near Lancaster City that runs along the Conestoga River. It's the perfect trail for biking, running, and walking. Take advantage of this peaceful trail year-round, but especially in spring-fall.
The Lancaster Junction Recreation Trail is 2.33 miles located in Manheim. The trail is flat & gravel, perfect for walking, running, biking, and horseback riding! There are Amish farms along the trail so you can often hear or see farm animals. The rail runs along the Chiques Creek making it a peaceful, quiet trail to explore
Nestled in the southern part of Lancaster County, Susquehannock State Park offers some of the most scenic hiking trails in the region, with panoramic views of the Susquehanna River and its forested hills. Visitors can explore over 5 miles of well-marked trails, ranging from easy walks to moderate hikes, including the popular Overlook Trail, which leads to the breathtaking Hawk Point Overlook. This peaceful park is ideal for spotting wildlife, birdwatching, or simply soaking in the natural beauty of rural Pennsylvania.
"The Local" Mountain Bike Park is a community-built destination for mountain biking in Lancaster, PA, offering trails and features for riders of all ages and skill levels. The park is conveniently located at the 301 E. State Street Trailhead in Quarryville, alongside the popular Enola Low Grade Trail. Riders will find a diverse network of trails designed for every ability, including:
As a public mountain bike park in Lancaster County, The Local is an ideal place to practice new skills, ride with friends, or add adventure to a day on the Enola Low Grade Trail. Its combination of approachable trails and advanced challenges makes it one of the best spots for mountain biking in Lancaster.
Lancaster County is a great destination to visit year-round. Be sure to check the weather forecast and pack accordingly before heading out for the day. These seasonal trails are totally worth braving the elements and provide unique outdoor experiences for adventurers of all ages.
Located along the border between Lancaster and Lebanon Counties, Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area was created to be a wildlife oasis, specifically for waterfowl and grassland nesting birds. It features 16 miles of hiking trails, including more than eight miles of the famed Horse-Shoe trail that connects Valley Forge to the Appalachian Trail. When the game lands are open to the hunting season, trail goers are to abide by the seasonal orange requirements; trails are open throughout the year.Access is restricted during fall and winter when the game lands are open to hunters, reopening every March for the annual snow geese migration.
The Lancaster Conservancy is dedicated to preserving natural lands throughout Lancaster County. Many include hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulties. Be aware, hunting is permitted in designated areas of select tracts. Below is a partial guide to the open spaces managed by the Lancaster Conservancy.
A 1.4-mile hike to the river and back is easy along an unpaved road that’s closed to motor vehicles. Wildflowers are plentiful along the walk in spring, summer and fall. Because it is a wildlife preserve, hunting is prohibited at all times.
Take the Ralph H. Goodno Trail Loop for a challenging 2.4 mile hike. Turn south to stay along the edge of the meadow and enter the woods. Follow a single path dirt trail, cross House Rock Run, and connect with the Conestoga Trail at the House Rock Scenic Overlook. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are April through September. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
At 1,180 feet, Texter Mountain is the highest point in Lancaster County. Experience this 2.0-mile loop trail near Denver, Pennsylvania. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 58 min to complete. This trail is great for birding, hiking, and walking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. The namesake nature preserve offers more than two miles of hiking trails that cross streams and springs. The preserve is open to hunters in-season.
Though only 27 acres, the Turkey Hill Nature Preserve features a 3.5-mile trail with two scenic overlooks along the Susquehanna River. Hikers can return via the Enola Low Grade Trail, an easy 2.5-mile walk in the flatlands along the river. The trail is open to archery hunters in-season.
Grind that gravel beneath your bicycle’s wheels and take in the countryside with a ride through rural Lancaster County. Lancaster Farmland Trust’s savviest cycling friends helped create unforgettable bike routes on some roads less taken for more scenic and peaceful rides alongside preserved farms.
Get ready! Find all the best things to do, places to stay, where to eat, an events calendar, and exclusive coupons! Order the FREE 2025 Lancaster County Visitors Guide today!
ORDER NOW!
Whether you’re planning some free fun ahead of time or are looking for a quick way to fill a few hours while you’re here, we’ve rounded up a list of Lancaster’s free attractions, outdoor spots, and events for your weekend…
Hiking or biking, Lancaster has got it all.
Explore the great towns and activities along the Susquehanna River.
41 Walnut Street Columbia, PA 17512 (717) 449-5607
125 Lancaster Ave Strasburg, PA 17579-9606 (717) 687-8484
3510 Willow Street Pike S. Willow Street, PA 17584 (717) 330-7836
132 Locust Street Columbia, PA 17512 (717) 380-2203 Find A Room
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more
Where to See Santa Claus in Lancaster, PA
Santa Claus is coming to town! See the 2025 list of places to see Santa in Lancaster.
Lancaster County Gift Guide
Find the perfect gift for all those in your life, from the adventurer to those that appreciate a hand-made gift.
Top Drive-Thru Holiday Light Shows in Lancaster, PA
Drive through the most dazzling holiday light displays in and around Lancaster County, PA! From immersive 3‑mile LED drives to festive stadium shows and animated…
