4.6
(11)
257
riders
16
rides
Touring cycling around East York offers diverse landscapes, extensive trail networks, and natural attractions. The region features numerous rail trails, providing generally flat, well-paved surfaces through natural areas and historic sites. Many routes traverse picturesque landscapes with rivers, lakes, and woodlands, alongside various parks and green spaces. The terrain varies from easy, paved paths to more challenging routes with elevation gains.
Last updated: October 1, 2026
4.5
(2)
34
riders
45.9km
02:52
190m
190m
The York County Heritage Rail Trail offers a delightful touring cycling experience, blending natural beauty with significant historical landmarks. You'll pedal through diverse landscapes, from open farmlands to serene wooded…
16
riders
18.3km
01:15
90m
90m
The York County Heritage Rail Trail is a fantastic option for a relaxed touring cycling adventure, winding through scenic farmlands and woodlands, often alongside the peaceful Codorus Creek. You'll ride…

4.8
(4)
36
riders
113km
07:13
610m
610m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
35
riders
17.9km
01:09
90m
90m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
27
riders
36.5km
02:19
170m
170m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Porta potty is available here in the parking lot. A good starting point, but Brillhart is my favorite.
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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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As you ride along the NCR Trail there is an unexpected sight: a hillside full of gnomes and gnome homes! The Gnome Garden is a fun little local landmark that is great for kids and adults alike to stop at as you ride.
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John Rudy Park is a great 150 acre public park. It has benches, a picnic area and restrooms. It is also one of the trail heads for the York County Heritage Trail.
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This historic farmstead, once owned by Michael and Magdealena Bixler, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. The house itself now serves as the main office of the York County Parks Department, and the surrounding area is a public park.
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Cute garden of gnomes guarding the cycleway and watching over cyclists on their journeys
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This historic farmstead, once owned by Michael and Magdealena Bixler, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. The house itself now serves as the main office of the York County Parks Department, and the surrounding area is a public park.
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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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There are over a dozen touring cycling routes available in East York on komoot, catering to various skill levels. These include 5 easy, 5 moderate, and 3 difficult routes.
East York offers diverse terrain for touring cyclists. You'll find extensive rail trails that are generally flat and well-paved, passing through natural areas and historic sites. Many routes traverse picturesque landscapes featuring rivers, lakes, and woodlands. While some paths are easy and paved, others present more challenging routes with significant elevation gains and can include unpaved sections.
Yes, East York has several family-friendly options, particularly on its rail trails which are often flat and well-maintained. Routes like the shorter York County Heritage Rail Trail (18.3 km) or the Howard Tunnel – Seven Valleys Parking Lot loop from Brillhart (18 km) are classified as easy and suitable for a leisurely family ride.
East York's touring cycling routes offer a blend of natural beauty and historical interest. You can cycle past the historic Howard Tunnel, an impressive brick-lined structure. The Northwest Lancaster County River Trail winds through farmland and woods alongside a river, while William Kain County Park offers trails around two lakes. The Heritage Rail Trail at North York also provides scenic views along a historic rail line.
For experienced touring cyclists seeking a longer challenge, the Howard Tunnel – Monkton Train Station loop from Brillhart is a difficult 113.6 km route with significant elevation changes. This route offers a substantial ride through varied landscapes.
The best time for touring cycling in East York is generally during the spring, summer, and fall months. These seasons offer pleasant weather conditions for exploring the diverse landscapes, from rail trails to woodlands and lakeshores. Some trails may be accessible in winter, but conditions can vary.
Yes, several circular routes are available for touring cyclists in East York. Examples include the Howard Tunnel – Monkton Train Station loop from Brillhart and the Howard Tunnel – Seven Valleys Parking Lot loop from Brillhart, allowing you to start and end your ride at the same point.
The touring cycling routes in East York are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's extensive rail trails, scenic rivers and lakes, and diverse woodlands, which offer options for all ability levels.
Yes, many of the popular touring cycling routes in East York, especially the rail trails and park areas, offer convenient parking facilities. For instance, the Howard Tunnel – Seven Valleys Parking Lot loop from Brillhart suggests a starting point with parking availability.
Yes, several trails in East York offer convenient amenities. The region's rail trails often pass through or near quaint villages and towns where you can find cafes, pubs, and other services. Some routes may also have picnic spots or food trucks available, enhancing the cycling experience.
A popular moderate touring cycling route is the York County Heritage Rail Trail. This 45.9 km trail follows a historic rail line, offering scenic views and a manageable distance for a pleasant ride.
Absolutely. The York County Heritage Rail Trail follows a historic rail line that notably carried President Lincoln's funeral train. Additionally, the Howard Tunnel – Monkton Train Station loop from Brillhart passes through the impressive Howard Tunnel, a significant historical engineering feat.


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