The best cycling routes around Harrisburg

There are several touring cycling routes around Harrisburg, with komoot currently featuring 4 routes. These routes cater to various preferences, from easy loops to slightly more challenging paths.

Yes, all the routes currently featured on komoot for Harrisburg are rated as easy. For example, the Bathrooms, Water and Shelter – The Arc of Dreams loop from Tuthill is an easy 17.8 km ride, and the Bike loop from Lincoln High School offers another straightforward 17.8 km cycling experience. The Capital Area Greenbelt, a 20-21 mile loop around the city, is also known for its family-friendly sections with a mix of paved and gravel paths.

Harrisburg's touring routes often feature the scenic Susquehanna River. The Capital Area Greenbelt offers continuous views of the river and passes through beautiful areas like Riverfront Park and Wildwood Park. Fort Hunter Mansion & Park also provides stunning views of the Susquehanna and the historic Rockville Bridge. You can also explore highlights like Sertoma Park or the Nature Walk.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Harrisburg are designed as loops. The most prominent is the Capital Area Greenbelt, a 20-21 mile loop that encircles the city. Komoot also features several loop routes such as the The Arc of Dreams – View from bridge loop from Lincoln High School (18.4 km) and the Bathrooms, Water and Shelter loop from Central Baptist Church (16.9 km).

The touring cycling routes in Harrisburg are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 6 reviews. Cyclists often praise the well-maintained trails, the scenic river views, and the accessibility of the routes for various skill levels.

Many parks and attractions along the major cycling routes offer parking. City Island, accessible via the Walnut Street bridge, is a popular spot for parking and provides easy access to the Capital Area Greenbelt. Wildwood Park and Riverfront Park also have parking facilities that serve as convenient starting points for rides.

While the routes directly featured on komoot for Harrisburg are generally shorter and easy, the broader region offers longer options. The Capital Area Greenbelt itself is a substantial 20-21 mile loop. For those seeking more distance, the Stony Valley Railroad Grade Trail near Dauphin offers a peaceful 19 to 21-mile trail, and the Hershey Medical Center Trail provides 10 miles of varied terrain.

Spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in Harrisburg, with mild temperatures and beautiful foliage. However, with well-maintained paths like the Capital Area Greenbelt, cycling can be enjoyed for much of the year, weather permitting. Some trails, like the Stony Valley Railroad Grade Trail, are particularly peaceful outside of peak seasons.

Many of Harrisburg's outdoor spaces, including sections of the Capital Area Greenbelt and Riverfront Park, are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash. It's always a good idea to check specific park regulations before heading out with your furry companion.

Absolutely! Harrisburg offers a wealth of outdoor activities. Beyond cycling, you can enjoy paddleboarding or kayaking on the Susquehanna River, explore hiking trails at various parks and preserves like Boyd Big Tree Preserve, or visit the Olewine Nature Center at Wildwood Park for educational exhibits. The Capital Area Greenbelt connects many of these recreational areas.

While popular routes like the Capital Area Greenbelt can see more traffic, especially on weekends, you can often find quieter sections or explore less-trafficked paths. The Stony Valley Railroad Grade Trail, located near Dauphin, is known for being a peaceful trail through Pennsylvania's second-largest roadless wilderness tract, offering a more secluded experience.

The terrain around Harrisburg is quite diverse. You'll find flat riverfront paths along the Susquehanna, urban routes, and sections with gentle inclines. The Capital Area Greenbelt, for instance, features a mix of paved and gravel paths, while areas like Wildwood Park offer routes through meadows and forests.