Cumberland Valley Rail Trail

Trailheads along the route offer convenient parking. For example, the Shippensburg Station trailhead provides access to the trail and is also home to the Cumberland Valley Railroad Museum and the Conrail Museum.

Yes, the trail is generally considered easy due to its flat, converted railroad grade. It's suitable for all ages and abilities, and all road crossings are designed to meet ADA specifications, making it wheelchair accessible.

The majority of the trail features a well-packed, crushed limestone surface, providing a smooth and stable path. Sections within Shippensburg and Newville, as well as numerous road crossings, are paved with asphalt. As a rail-trail, it is notably flat with minimal elevation changes.

You can enjoy diverse and attractive scenery, including bucolic valleys framed by the Blue and South Mountains. The trail passes through wooded areas and opens up to expansive views of farms and pastureland. Near Greason, a two-mile segment offers unobstructed, sweeping views of both North and South Mountain. It's also common to see Amish families with horse-drawn buggies.

Yes, the trail offers several points of interest. You can find public sculptures and art installations, some created by Shippensburg University art students, such as the Art on Cumberland Valley Rail Trail. The Shippensburg Station trailhead hosts the Cumberland Valley Railroad Museum and the Conrail Museum. Additionally, there are informational signs highlighting the region's Civil War and agricultural history.

The trail is multi-use and generally welcoming to dogs. However, always ensure your dog is on a leash and that you clean up after them to maintain a pleasant experience for all users.

The trail offers enjoyable experiences year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, summer offers lush greenery, and fall showcases vibrant foliage. Even in winter, the flat terrain can be suitable for a crisp walk, though conditions may vary.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access and use the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail.

Yes, the trail is a segment of the ambitious September 11th National Memorial Trail, which connects the World Trade Center, Flight 93 Memorial, and the Pentagon. The route also passes through sections of the 9-11 Trail (Pennsylvania Loop).

Yes, trailheads often provide convenient amenities such as restrooms and picnic areas. For instance, Oakville offers a shaded picnic area, perfect for a break.

The trail currently spans approximately 15.8 miles between Shippensburg and Newville. There are additional disconnected segments in Greason and Carlisle, with plans for future connection, aiming for a total length of 20 miles to Carlisle.

Yes, the trail council has an interesting approach to managing invasive weeds: they employ goats to consume them, which is an eco-friendly and unique method of ecological stewardship.