“A view of the trail on the east bank of the Codorus Creek looking back towards Route 30 on the day of the official opening of a new section of the Heritage Rail Trail County Park in Springettsbury Township Wednesday, April 22, 2015. The new 2.5 mile section runs from a new bridge over the Codorus Creek at Emig Road in Manchester to a new lot at Loucks Mill Road and Route 30 in Springettsbury Township. Kate Penn Daily Record/Sunday News”
The York County Heritage Rail Trail is a favorite historic site in York County. Here are a few things to check out while you’re there.
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Steam Into History
Steam Into History is an authentic railroad ride through time. While you enjoy the amazing scenery both inside and outside the replica Civil War-era steam locomotive, you’ll meet presidents and generals and experience the Wild West in all its glory. You’ll visit historic train stops, like Hanover Junction Rail Station, and learn about the Underground Railroad. During the fall, you can enjoy a Fall Foliage train ride to take in the changing of the leaves, or you can take the kids on the Eggspecially Fun Bunny Run where they can visit and take pictures with the Easter Bunny.
These and more authentic themed programs run year round on premium equipment. Bring the kids to see Santa or host a tea party with all your friends.
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Walking and Biking
The North Central Railroad Trail (NCR) and York County Heritage Trail (YCH) make up the York County Heritage Rail Trail. Stretching 41 miles, this majority-rural trail begins in Ashland, Maryland, as the North Central Railroad Trail. It travels north 20 miles, across the Mason-Dixon line, into Pennsylvania, where it becomes the York County Heritage Rail Trail. The trail then continues for 21 more miles to York, Pennsylvania.
The NCR section is more rural, so bring any food or drink you may need on your trip. The YCH stretch has amenities every few miles so you won’t go hungry, but you may want to bring change along for the vending machines. Parking can also be limited, but there are several points along the trail where you can park your vehicle. You may need to walk to the access point from the parking area, though.
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Tour the Colonial Complex
The Colonial Complex is adjacent to the Rail Trail in Downtown York. The four historic buildings can be toured in 45 to 60 minutes with a guide who will walk you through York County’s role in the Revolutionary War as well as the everyday life and culture of the 18th century.
The Golden Plough Tavern, built in 1741, was a place for travelers and locals to get their news and information. The General Horatio Gates House, built in 1751, was an upper-class English home. The reconstructed Colonial Courthouse tells the story of the Second Continental Congress. The Barnett Bobb Log House, built in 1812, is also on site. This building was relocated to the Colonial Complex and is used for artisan demonstrations and hands-on activities.
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York County Fire Museum
Found in the 1903 Royal Fire House, this museum is home to a collection of over 225 years’ of firefighting equipment and shows how York firefighters worked and lived. With six fire trucks from the 1920s through 1950s, hand-drawn pumpers, historic alarms, and uniforms, this museum is very educational for all ages.
Enjoy all of the activities and interactive attractions on York County’s Heritage Rail Trail.
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