Originally constructed by the York and Maryland Line Rail Road, it formed a critical link in the north-south line assembled by the Northern Central Railway.[2]. The trail offers a number of activity options. Take care when crossing roads. Take a headlight so you can ride through the historic tunnel. The York County Heritage Rail Trail is an exceptionally well maintained trail. The main track is easy but still had some enjoyable areas to ride. It has it all. The line was again damaged during Hurricane Agnes in 1972 and rebuilt by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1985. There are car parks in Greenmount at the junction of Morrison Rd and Swan View Rd and also at the Mountain Quarry on Rason Parade. What an awesome Trail. Freight traffic failed to materialize and the line again fell dormant by 1996. Some trails or park services may be closed this weekend so check with local authorities before heading out. Along the whole trail there are signs saying to keep your dog on a leash and clean up after it. This old railway track provides a long circular loop in the Perth Hills. The ride is a loop and there are several places to park and join it. In operation since 1838, it is the second oldest active rail tunnel in the U.S. York County provides the park as a recreational area for hiking, jogging, biking and horseback riding. About 5.5 miles south of the Colonial Courthouse in York, the park’s northern terminus, the historic Howard Tunnel sits near Codorus Creek. Perfect conditions for a family ride... Next time I might check which direction I need to go, so that the family get to go through the tunnel! [4] and in August 1999 the county government completed a track-side trail, the Heritage Rail Trail which led to the tunnel being refurbished in 1999 and again in 2003. The longest rail tunnel in WA is still open to ride through. The 21-mile Heritage Rail Trail County Park parallels the Northern Central Railway, a vital link that connected Baltimore and York from 1838 until 1972. The main fun is going off the main track and into the multiple side trails. Long up and a long down. New Freedom is the high point between the Heritage Rail Trail and the trail in Maryland that meets the trail. Suitable for all skill levels or bikes. It takes some nerve in the dark though. The Heritage Rail Trail also connects to the Munda Biddi (heads south from Mundaring) and the Kep Track (East towards Northam from Mount Helena). Help keep our trails and parks open during COVID-19 by committing to social distancing. Access to Railway Reserves Heritage Trail is free, although a National Park fee applies for visitors who access the Trail from John Forrest National Park's main car park. Others: There are lots of signs and information boards on the trail. The Northern Central Railway (no relation to the original owner) leased the line in 1996 and operated the Liberty Limited dinner train from New Freedom through the tunnel to York until September 2, 2001.[3]. It is suitable for walking and cycling, with dogs welcome on a lead and horses can be ridden along the Trail, except in National Parks. If you don't have a car it is possible to take your bike on the Trans Perth train to Midland and then cycle the short distance to Rason Parade where the Rail Trail crosses the road.