Favorite Places to Run: 7 reasons we like the Conewago and Lebanon Valley rail trails

This is the first in an occasional series about our favorite places to run in Central Pennsylvania. Do you have a favorite place to run? Tell us about it.

 
Our home base is Elizabethtown, Pa., and we are fortunate enough to be just a few miles from the Conewago Rail Trail, which hooks up with the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail. As much as we love to lace up our shoes and step out the door for a run, we sometimes like to hop in the car to get to the rail trail. Especially if we’re more in the mood for a nice, easy run without hills!

The rail trail is one of our favorite places for many reasons.

It’s flat

Some of us at ARMS like our hills and in fact can be masochists sometimes. But as any runner will tell you, a course that flat and fast is ideal. And that’s what the rail trail offers. There are times when we just want to run and get an easy workout in without the exertion of all the hills — and Elizabethtown seems to be blessed with plenty of them. Keep in mind that as you head toward Lebanon on the trail, there is slight grade uphill. You can’t see it, but if you’re running hard you’ll likely feel it. The good news is that the return trip will feel like you’re flying.

Different surface

If you’re at all concerned about the wear and tear on your joints from pounding asphalt and concrete, the rail trail gives you a break from that. The surface is crushed stone, which is a relief. Your knees will thank you for the variety after an easy run on the trail.

No traffic

Cars and vehicles are the nemesis of runners. On the rail trail, you don’t have to worry about oncoming cars not yielding the right of way to you. It’s a nice feeling. That said, keep in mind that many people ride their bikes on the rail trail. They are supposed to announce “On your left” as they approach from behind you and pass. As cyclists approach you coming from the other direction, make sure you get as far to the right as possible so they can get by.

Also keep in mind the rail trail crosses several roads, some of which are busy state roads. Before crossing any of the roads, make sure to look left and right to ensure there’s no oncoming traffic and that it’s safe.

It’s easy to access

All of those roads, both in the Lancaster and Lebanon county sections of the trail, make the rail trail easily accessible. If you want to get a long run and start from the trailhead at Route 230, that’s not a problem. But if it’s more convenient to meet running buddies at another section, it’s easy to find one of the intersections and hop on in the middle of the trail. Our recommendation for groups of more than 3 runners is to meet at Colebrook where there’s adequate parking.

Miles are marked

On the Lancaster County section, markers show every half-mile, making it easy to know how far you’ve gone. In Lebanon County, the markers are every mile. One thing we like is the 2.5 mile section from the Conewago trailhead to Route 743. If you’re looking for a quick 5-mile run, it’s easy to start at either end of this leg (just watch the traffic on Route 743 as you park).

It’s well maintained

The Conewago section is part of the Lancaster County Parks Department, so it gets attention when it needs it. The nonprofit Lebanon Valley Rails to Trails maintains the other section and keeps it in nice shape. At times, you see the wear and tear of bikes and evidence of horses and dogs, but by and large people do a good job policing themselves and cleaning up after themselves.

It’s scenic

On both sections of the trail, you’ll pass beautiful farmland and woods (in Lebanon County, you’re right next to the state game lands) that make for a relaxing time. Lebanon Valley Rails to Trails says that section takes you through the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country.