My Favorite York County Mountain Biking Trails
With multiple State and County Parks, offering miles and miles of trails, York has become a main destination for mountain bikers in South-Central Pennsylvania. Here are just a few of my favorite places to mountain bike in York County!
ROCKY RIDGE PARK
Trail Rating: INTERMEDIATE/DIFFICULT
Probably the most popular mountain biking destination in York County, Rocky Ridge (located northwest of Hellam) offers 750 acres of forest and over 12 miles of fun, technical, and challenging mountain bike riding. This York County park features a multitude of rock gardens and super cool trails with names like Broken Arrow, Rusty Chair, and The Gut…just to name a few. On the most challenging of the trails you can expect to climb an average of 100 feet per mile! Oh…and don’t forget the rocks. They are endless! If you’re up for the challenge…then Rocky Ridge is the place for you!
WILLIAM KAIN PARK
Trail Rating: INTERMEDIATE
Over 12 miles of marked trail loops around the two lakes (Lake Redman & Lake Williams) that make up William Kain Park. These trails offer spectacular views of the lakes as well as challenging climbs, sweeping singletrack, and two tunnels that make their way underneath Interstate 83! If you have the time to spare, you could spend hours looping and crisscrossing the trail system of William Kain Park.
CODORUS STATE PARK
Trail Rating: INTERMEDIATE
Located in southwestern York County, near Hanover, Pennsylvania, the 3,500 acres of Codorus State Park have been traditionally known for boating and fishing at Lake Marburg. Recently however; Codorus State Park has become more and more popular with mountain bikers. With almost 15 miles of trails (which also network with XC-ski/snowmobile trails) it is possible to put together some crazy fun loops. With minimal elevation change, you can expect a twisty and fun ride.
HERITAGE RAIL TRAIL
Trail Rating: EASY
This 21+ mile, 10 foot wide, ADA trail runs through scenic sections of southern York County. The Heritage Rail Trail is popular with cyclists, joggers, walkers, horseback riders, and even cross country skiers. The trail covers more than 170 acres and runs north to south connecting historic downtown York and Maryland’s Northern Central Rail Trail. While riding the trail users can see and experience a multitude of historic sites such as the York Colonial Complex, Howard Tunnel, and Hanover Junction Train Station. It doesn’t matter if you’re riding for exercise or pleasure, alone or with your family, relaxing on a day off or commuting by bicycle to work…the Heritage Rail Trail has something for everyone!
To read more about the author’s passion for mountain biking visit his blog, All Trails Lead to Ice Cream