Cumberland Valley Rail Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

This crusher fine rail trail takes hikers from Newville to Shippensburg and vice-versa. If you're looking for a mellow out-and-back hike, look no further than the CVRT.

Though this trail is buffered by trees in some areas, you'll have expansive views of South Mountain and Blue Mountain for nearly this trail's entirety. The folds of the surrounding Appalachian topography are very apparent from this vantage.

In addition to these Appalachian mountains, you'll note that almost every property this trail rolls through is a farm. This valley is so filled with farms because of its flat topography, access to water, and its limestone-rich geology.

Soils formed from limestone-rich rock is subsequently rich in calcium carbonate. This soil component improves the nutrient uptake of plants by increasing the pH of the soil. This also affects water penetration of the soil and provides plants with calcium and magnesium.

Keep an eye out for birds of prey, especially Red-Tailed Hawks.