CYCLING in the LEBANON VALLEY

The Lebanon County Scenic Bike Rides map is available.  This publication is the result of the combined efforts of the Lebanon County Planning Department, the Lebanon County Tourism Promotion Agency and LVBC.  

 A copy can be obtained at the Visitors' Center at the Expo Center  located at the intersection of Rocherty and Cornwall Roads or by contacting  www.visitlebanoncounty.com.

While Lebanon County is a small county, it is giant-sized when it comes to all the bicycling that can be experienced.    Road cycling, mountain biking, and rail trail riding opportunities are available for bicycling enthusiasts.

For road bicyclists, Lebanon's countryside provides miles and miles of cycling by 18th and 19th century farms as well as historic sites such as Cornwall Furnace and the Union Canal locks. Cyclists share the road with Amish horse drawn buggies and wagons.  Cycle into Lebanon’s hills and discover  routes that meander through gaps and valleys. For an entirely different scenic ride, bicycle in the city of Lebanon to view incredible architecture, historic buildings and enjoy great food at the Farmer’s Market and restaurants.  A collection of scenic road rides on themes related to Lebanon Valley geography, history and culture are available at www.bikelebanon.org  under “Scenic  Narrative  Rides”.  The bike loops vary from 10 to 50 miles and range from easy to difficult.  There is also a 100 mile perimeter route.  

Mountain bikers can enjoy their sport on single track trails at all skill levels at Swatara State Park  and Clarence Schock Memorial Park at Governor Dick in the Mt. Gretna area.  Directions to trailheads, trail maps, and additional information are available at www.sambabiker.com and www.parkatgovernordick.org.   There are also designated trails, including the 9 mile Horseshoe Trail, on  Pennsylvania Game Lands. Visit www.pgc.state.pa.us to locate the designated bike/horse trails and regulations during hunting seasons.

For the Rail to Trail enthusiast, two outstanding rail trails, the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail and  Stony Valley Rail Trail provide  diverse views of the county.  The Lebanon Valley Rail Trail, with a crushed limestone surface, travels over 12 miles connecting the villages of Lawn, Mt. Gretna, Colebrook, and Cornwall.  In 2009, the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail will reach the city of Lebanon.  You can also extend your ride an additional 5 miles on Lancaster’s Conewago Trail.  Maps and trailhead access points are available online at www.lvrt.com   The Stony Valley Rail Trail  has a dirt and gravel road surface.  This 20 mile trail passes through Pennsylvania Game Lands and parallels Stony Creek, one on Pennsylvania Wild and Scenic Streams,  Cyclists will pass through ghost towns that once thrived in the 19th century and woodlands that dominate over the ruins at Rausch's Gap, Cold Spring and Yellow Spring.  For a short distance cyclists actually ride on the Applachian Trail.  The Stony Valley trailhead is 8 miles from I-81 to SR72N/SR443 to Gold Mine Road..