Lancaster County is home to many well-maintained trails for enjoying the outdoors and getting a little exercise! One of the best is The Northwest Lancaster County River Trail, a multi-purpose, public recreation trail that connects the historic river towns and villages of Columbia, Marietta, Bainbridge, and Falmouth. Approximately fourteen miles long, it spans five municipalities at the northwestern edge of the County. 

Following the route of the historic Pennsylvania Mainline Canal, the trail uses some of the original towpath that remains along the corridor. This provides ample opportunities to interpret the numerous industrial archaeological remains such as abandoned canal locks; the iron furnaces at Chickies Rock; and the old quarry operation at Billmeyer.

The latest section is the paved path between Falmouth and Bainbridge, known locally as the Conoy Canal Trail. It runs along the Conewago Canal, part of the original Mainline Canal, that was built to bypass Conewago Falls on the Susquehanna River. In addition to seeing original stonework in the form of old bridges and locks, visitors will also come upon the White Cliffs of Conoy, a limestone deposit and popular overlook with views of the Susquehanna River.

PARKING AND TRAIL ACCESS

In Conoy Township, parking is available at the Falmouth Boat Access. From Route 441, turns onto Collins Road.

In Bainbridge, parking is available at Koser Park, located where Race Street ends at the Susquehanna River. A portable toilet is also available there.

In Marietta, parking is available in Riverfront Park, the Decatur Street Trailhead, and the Furnace Road Trail Head.