Best attractions and places to see around New Salem, Pennsylvania, include a mix of historical infrastructure and natural features. The area is known for its extensive rail trails, offering opportunities for cycling and walking through scenic landscapes. Visitors can explore impressive engineering feats and enjoy outdoor activities in county parks featuring lakes and forests.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
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its awesome, short little tunnel area. its dark going thru but fast. flashlight recommended but not needed. love this trail
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This section of the Heritage Rail Trail goes through the North York Borough Park. The borough itself has a rich history, dating back to the 18th century. You can enjoy a peaceful journey as you follow Codorus Creek.
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This section of the Heritage Rail Trail goes through the North York Borough Park. The borough itself has a rich history, dating back to the 18th century. You can enjoy a peaceful Journey as you follow Codorus Creek.
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For its time, constructing a tunnel through solid rock was a remarkable engineering feat. The brick-lined tunnel stretches for an impressive 275 feet (ca. 84 meters). Trains carrying everything from everyday goods to President Abraham Lincoln's funeral train traveled through this tunnel.
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This is a particularly peaceful section of the Heritage Rail Trail. Fields, farms and the presence of the old railway line accompany you as you cycle along.
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Here you can leave your car and take the fantastic Heritage Rail Trail. Heading north you'll be heading towards the city of York and if you cycle south, towards Towson.
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The park, established in 1976, includes two lakes, Williams Lake and Redman Lake, and an extensive network of trails. The ideal place to spend your time.
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New Salem, Pennsylvania, offers a blend of historical infrastructure and natural beauty. Key attractions include the Beautiful rail trail section for peaceful cycling, the historic Howard Tunnel, and the expansive William Kain County Park with its lakes and trails.
Yes, a significant historical site is the Howard Tunnel. This 275-foot brick-lined tunnel was an impressive engineering feat for its time and famously carried Abraham Lincoln's funeral train. The Heritage Rail Trail at North York also passes through an area with a rich history dating back to the 18th century.
The region is rich in natural features, particularly at William Kain County Park, which boasts two beautiful lakes, Williams Lake and Redman Lake, surrounded by extensive forests and trails. The various sections of the Heritage Rail Trail also offer scenic views of fields and farms.
Many attractions around New Salem are family-friendly. The Beautiful rail trail section and the Heritage Rail Trail at North York are suitable for family cycling and walks. William Kain County Park, with its lakes and trails, is also an ideal spot for families to spend time outdoors.
Yes, several attractions are dog-friendly. The Howard Tunnel and the Heritage Rail Trail at North York are noted as dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy these sites with your canine companion.
The area around New Salem is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, road cycling, and running. Popular spots include William Kain County Park and the extensive Heritage Rail Trail system.
Absolutely! There are many hiking opportunities. You can explore trails within William Kain County Park, which features an extensive network. Other options include the easy South Shore Trail loop and the moderate York County Heritage Rail Trail. For more details, check the Hiking around New Salem guide.
For those looking to access the Heritage Rail Trail, the Seven Valleys Parking Lot is a convenient option. It's also noted as wheelchair accessible, providing a good starting point for your visit.
Visitors particularly appreciate the peaceful experience offered by the Beautiful rail trail section, where they can cycle through fields and alongside old railway lines. The historical significance and unique structure of Howard Tunnel also receive high praise, with many finding it an 'awesome' and 'short little tunnel area'.
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. The Heritage Rail Trail offers peaceful sections for cycling through fields and past old railway lines. You can find various road cycling routes, including loops from Seven Valleys Parking Lot and routes connecting to Four Springs Winery.
While specific seasonal data isn't provided, generally, spring, summer, and fall offer the most pleasant conditions for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and exploring parks and trails in Pennsylvania. These seasons provide comfortable temperatures and vibrant scenery.
The area's charm lies in its scenic rail trails and the natural beauty of William Kain County Park, where the two lakes and extensive forests provide picturesque settings. The peaceful journey along Codorus Creek on the Heritage Rail Trail at North York also offers lovely views.


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