Northwest Lancaster County River Trail
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Description
The NW River Trail is a fourteen-mile, multi-use recreation trail along the Susquehanna River.
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1. Columbia Crossing River Trails Center
Columbia Crossing River Trails Center is a visitor center, museum, event space, and education center in Columbia, PA. It serves as the Columbia visitor center for Susquehanna National Heritage Area.Inside the building, visitors can access restrooms, purchase snacks and drinks, and learn about local trails and attractions. In particular, visitors can learn about the Northwest River Trail, a 14-mile bike and walking trail that begins a block from the center. The exhibit hall features rotating art, historical, and cultural exhibits on a range of topics related to the Susquehanna River.Columbia Crossing also features a river deck with views of the Susquehanna and the Veteran's Memorial Bridge. Visitors can enjoy picnic tables, rocking chairs, and free wifi on the deck.
2. Point Rock Tunnel
This 180-foot tunnel of solid rock was created by the Pennsylvania Railroad in order to lay track in the 1850s. Eventually, the creation of low-grade (flatter) railroads in the early 20th century made this tunnel obsolete, so there's no need to check for trains before passing through the tunnel. However, some people claim that ghosts from the railroad era still travel along the old route!
3. Chickies Rock
In a land full of rolling, tree-covered slopes, Chickies Rock stands in sharp contrast. The quartzite cliff towers 220 feet above the trail! It is the largest anticline (an arch-shaped fold in the rock with visible rock layers) in the eastern US. Often, hikers and bikers can spot the multi-colored helmets of climbers making their way up and down the rock face.
4. Musselman-Vesta Iron Furnace Center
This building served as the office for the Mussleman-Vesta iron furnace from 1868 until the 1920s. In the past, this area relied heavily on iron production. In fact, it was so productive that it was known as the "Pittsburgh of the East." Today, this building is managed by Rivertownes PA USA. It is a public education center about the area's iron-making heritage.
5. Riverfront Park (East Donegal Township)
This section of trail runs through scenic river woodlands and farmland. A long trail section traverses Riverfront Park, a key visitor access point that boasts beautiful views of the Susquehanna. The park offers a large pavilion, promenade, boat ramp, and places for picnicking and exploring nature. On the concrete base of the pavilion, a beautiful mosaic faces the waterfront.
6. The White Cliffs of Conoy
Here along the river, the landscape suddenly looks alien. The moonscape-like mounds are known as the White Cliffs of Conoy. They made from limestone and dolomite, and were created from the leftovers of an old limestone quarry here. The White Cliffs showcase the river's industrial history in a natural setting.
