Take a Ride on Lancaster County's Scenic Cycling Trails

With its picturesque countryside, rolling terrain and well-maintained trails, Lancaster County is a cyclist's paradise. It's no wonder that cyclists from near and far flock to Pennsylvania Dutch Country to ride. Bring your bike and riding gear the next time you stay with us at After Eight Bed and Breakfast to take advantage of all of the amazing trails that surround our historic bed-and-breakfast.

Lancaster County offers a diverse range of cycling trails suitable for riders of all skill levels. While the list of bike trails around the county is long, here are three to get you started on your cycling adventure:

• The Enola Low-Grade Trail is a 29-mile crushed gravel rail-trail that runs from Conestoga all the way to Atglen in southeastern Pennsylvania. The section that runs along the Susquehanna River is a beauty with towering cliffs on one side and river vistas on the other.
• The Warwick-to-Ephrata Rail-Trail extends 7.5 miles through villages, farmland and forested areas. Historic downtown Ephrata and Lititz bookend the trail, making for a 15-mile round-trip trek. The trail features a mild grade running across paved and unpaved sections. 
• Northwest Lancaster County River Trail is a 14-mile trail along the Susquehanna River that connects the historic river towns of Columbia, Marietta, Bainbridge and Falmouth. The majority of this flat, mostly paved trail runs parallel to the lower branch of the Susquehanna River, providing incredible scenic views.

Exploring Lancaster County's bike trails becomes even more enjoyable with the help of que sheets provided by the Lancaster Bicycle Club. These que sheets are like treasure maps, guiding cyclists through the intricate web of trails with turn-by-turn directions, landmarks and valuable insights. They ensure that your cycling journey is smooth and worry-free, allowing you to focus on the breathtaking scenery rather than navigation challenges.

Lancaster County doesn't just offer remarkable trails; it's also a hub for cycling events that draw cyclists from all around. One of the most notable is the Lancaster Covered Bridge Classic, now in its 44th year. Register for this premier ride on Aug. 20, which offers beautiful routes of 100 miles, 65 miles, 50 miles, and 35 miles. No matter which length you choose, you'll encounter rolling terrain with moderate climbing — there are no flat routes. The longer the route, the more covered bridges to traverse. You'll encounter 14 bridges on the 100-mile trek, not to mention soak in the stunning Amish countryside as you pedal to the finish.

Lancaster County's cycling trails, que sheets from the Lancaster Bicycle Club, and premier cycling events come together to create a cycling experience that is both enriching and exhilarating. Load up your bike and riding gear, grab your que sheets and get ready to pedal your way through the captivating landscapes of Lancaster County. After your ride, come back to your relaxing retreat at After Eight Bed and Breakfast to rest your weary legs and reflect on your accomplishment.