Missing link in popular Northwest Lancaster County River Trail will open Saturday

→ Missing link in popular Northwest Lancaster County River Trail will open Saturday – LancasterOnline

As noted in my photo gallery post on the White Cliffs of Conoy the path beneath the Shocks Mill Bridge has been passable for several weeks. This pedestrian bridge, that provides the final link between Marietta and Bainbridge, was officially opened on Saturday November 1, 2014.

My only worry concerning this construction project was with the fate area over which the walkway was to be constructed, which consisted of a lovely stretch of riverside limestone outcrops and usable beach. As was expected some of this area was destroyed by the walkway’s footprint. But judging from the photos some of the outcrop area survived. I’m planning to check out the new construction soon and will be able to get a better idea of the impact the new path had on the existing landscape. You can see a photo of a part of the area in this image from the Shocks Mill Bridge gallery I posted in July of this year. It had been possible to pass under the bridge on foot when the river’s level was low enough but to the general public this option was obviously not a feasible way to make the connection and the construction of the walkway was a necessary step required the larger goal of having a continuous and easily accessible trail from Columbia to Falmouth.

I guess in the scheme of things the loss of the existing terrain at this spot is a small price to pay for connecting the the two halves of the trail but it still sad to see this little spot so dramatically changed. I’m glad I got to enjoy it this summer before the pathway was built. Likewise with the massive old rusted buildings that once stood in between the Billmeyer quarry and the White Cliff of Conoy. Although in a sense these structures could have been thought of as marring the natural landscape they did serve of a visual reminder of the history of the area and, in my opinion, were aesthetically pleasing to look at despite ( in fact because of) their dilapidated condition.

Directions to Northwest Lancaster County River Trail trailheads

• Decatur Street Trailhead (Marietta Borough) Parking and trail access is available by traveling through the stone arch tunnel at the end of
Decatur Street, which intersects Market Street.
• Riverfront Park (E. Donegal Township) Located off Rt. 441, trail users can access parking by turning west onto Vinegar Ferry Road and proceeding through the stone arch tunnel.
• Bainbridge Access Parking and Trailhead are located off Rt. 441 by turning West onto Race Street. Follow to the small park by the river.
• Falmouth Boat Access (Conoy Township)
The northern trailhead is located at the PA Fish & Boat Commission access in the village of Falmouth. Parking and trail access is available by turning west onto Collins Road from Rt. 441.

PHOTOS | White Cliffs of Conoy – Lancaster County, PA

On this trip we parked at Koser Park in Bainbridge and walked 1.5 miles south along the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail to find the cliffs. I was told by ...

PHOTOS | Columbia River Park – Columbia, PA

All photos © visitpadutchcountry.com

What to see along the Susquehanna River in Lancaster County

→ The river side of Lancaster County - Bucks County Courier Times Follow the link above for a general overview of places to see along the Susquehanna River's 40 mile frontage in western Lancaster County.

New way of seeing York, Pa: Heritage Rail trail northern extension opens up new vistas of city

→ New way of seeing York, Pa: Rail trail opens up new vistas of city - The York Daily Record

PHOTOS | Conewago Falls Potholes near Falmouth, PA – Susquehanna River Set II

All photos © visitpadutchcountry.com

REVIEW | The Turkey Hill Experience – Columbia, PA

June 6th marked the 3rd anniversary of the grand opening of The Turkey Hill Experience - what started out as the hulking ruins of the former Ashley & Bailey silk mill building ...

The Turkey Hill Experience + Chickies Rock County Park

UPDATE: Click the link to read my in depth review of The Turkey Hill Experience. → The Turkey Hill Experience | NBC 10 Philadelphia The link above leads to a very brief roundup of ...

Lancaster County now has its own viewing of live eagle nest

Lancaster County now has its own viewing of live eagle nest - LancasterOnline What a great idea, and a brilliant way to promote awareness of the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail.

MAP | Susquehanna Riverlands

Best spots for long view of fall foliage in Pennsylvania

To many leaf-peeping enthusiasts, high, open places are among the best spots for taking in the colors of fall foliage, and Pennsylvania is accommodating to that view with an abundance ...

Local Links | May 12, 2015

5 delicious things to know about the 2015 Lehigh Valley Food & Wine Festival | lehighvalleylive.com 6th Annual Lehigh Valley Food & Wine Festival will be held June 12 - 14, ...

PHOTOS | Shocks Mill Bridge Bike Path Flooded

Lebanon County’s Mount Gretna offers nature, art, fun and ice cream

→ Mount Gretna offers nature, art, fun and ice cream - LancasterOnline Very informative article about things to do and see in the Mt. Gretna area. Be sure to click over ...

VIDEO | Conoy Township’s white cliffs now open to public

These "cliffs" were created by the J.E. Baker quarry that once operated just inland from the river and whose flooded depths are now a popular scuba diving destination named The Bainbridge ...

Explore geology of Chickies Rock, Lancaster County Recreational Trail

One of my projects underway is the development of a geological guide of the Northwest Lancaster County Recreational Trail. This trail stretches from Columbia north to Falmouth, about 14 miles, ...

PHOTOS | Shocks Mill Bridge – Lancaster County, PA

Built in 1905, Shocks Mill is a train bridge that crosses the Susquehanna in between the Lancaster County river towns of Bainbridge and Marietta. The mid-section's appearence is different due ...

PHOTOS | Conewago Falls Potholes near Falmouth, PA – Susquehanna River Set I

Click here for a map of where to park and how to get to the best area for exploring the potholes and rock formations. The best time to go is ...

Picnic hike at York’s Apollo County Park

→ Picnic hike at York's Apollo County Park - York Dispatch

11 great places to go hiking in Lancaster County

Seasoned hikers and beginners alike don't have to go far to find that perfect trail. Source: 11 great places to go hiking in Lancaster County - LancasterOnline

New Susquehanna River trail center in Columbia hosts open house

→ New Susquehanna River trail center in Columbia hosts open house, wows visitors - Lancaster Online

14-mile Northwest Lancaster County River Trail nears finish line

→ 14-mile Northwest Lancaster County River Trail nears finish line - LancasterOnline I've walked most of this route over the years starting from different locations, but having it all connected will ...

PHOTOS | Riverfront Park – Lancaster County, PA