The Lebanon Valley Rail Trail
The Lebanon Valley Rail Trail near Annville Inn is like “manna” to many outdoor enthusiasts.
A majority of Annville Inn’s Guests like getting out into our gorgeous countryside to take in the views, the excitement of being outdoors, and getting a bit of exercise in the process. For that reason, this post is the first in a series of blog posts we will publish that highlight hiking opportunities for our Guests here in the fertile and beautiful Lebanon Valley.
Enjoy the Fresh Country Air as You Wind Through the Valley
The Lebanon Valley Rail Trail, part of the “Rails-To-Trails” nationwide initiative, is an exceptional trail that winds through our valley, stretching from Elizabethtown on the Valley floor to Pine Grove, up in the Blue Mountains. This mixed-use greenway (hiking, cross country skiing, horseback riding, bicycling (no motorized vehicles)) offers users of all ages and abilities the opportunity to explore nature, enjoy the fresh country air, and along the way perhaps learn a bit about the economic impact of railroads in our Valley.
The Lebanon Valley Rail Trail offers multiple entry points to access the trail, and the trail itself offers branches into interesting areas. The Trail’s Website offers maps, entry points, suggestions and ideas, and other features as well as a description of the plans that are in place to move the project to a length of over 40 miles.
Explore Mt. Gretna and Lebanon
One can discover and walk around a very walkable community: Mt. Gretna. Moreover, you can also start in downtown Lebanon and walk either direction…south toward Elizabethtown or north toward Pine Grove.
Two interesting spurs in our area: Branch off and walk around the quiet and “quaint” community of Mt. Gretna. This town is very arts focused; for example, one can take in a Broadway play in the playhouse as well as recitals, poetry readings, specialized concerts and much more – even swing dance lessons! Many homes feature public art in their front yards. Most houses (called “cottages” by locals) are unique in design, and hug the mountainside. Many are multiple stories, yet each floor is a ground floor due to access to the side of the mountain.
Mt. Gretna is widely known for its annual international outdoor arts festival, the Pennsylvania Chataqua and Gretna Music, sources of much of the artistic presentations presented in Mt. Gretna.
Paramount in Mt. Gretna during the summer is the Jigger Shop, one of the longest operated ice cream emporiums in the country. This delightful find also features sandwiches and other foods. Dine outdoors on an enormous deck under the canopy of the forest. Located between milepost 6 and 7, this is a “don’t miss!”
We have a blog post about Mt. Gretna; we hope you search it out!
A Second Trail Just Miles from Annville Inn!
The Lebanon Valley Rail Trail has a second spur just a few miles from Annville Inn, which leads one to Union Canal Tunnel Park. We have a blog post on this remarkable piece of Americana. Interestingly, the park features the longest continually navigated transportation tunnel in North America! Additionally, in the summer, volunteers operate canal boat rides along the section of the canal including going through the tunnel! Discover Mt. Gretna and it’s surrounding areas along the route, or start your trek from Downtown Lebanon and step into our rolling countryside.
Fall Foliage Views
When it comes to viewing fall foliage in the Valley, the stage is already set on this Rail Trail. With 10 trailheads and over 20 miles of mixed-use greenway, the rail trail is a great way to see fall colors while enjoying a quiet walk or leisurely bike ride.
History of the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail
Created from the former Cornwall-Lebanon Railroad built by Robert H. Coleman in the 1880’s, the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail follows a route rich with social and economic history.
In the old days, special passenger trains carried visitors to the popular summer resort community of Mt. Gretna.
The trail passes through communities of Lawn, Colebrook, Mt. Gretna, Cornwall, South Lebanon and the City of Lebanon. The trail is a great resource for recreational activities like walking, running, bicycling, cross country skiing, horseback riding and nature studies.
The Lebanon Valley Rail Trail is currently in various stages of development. Eventually, it will run over 40 miles from Elizabethtown to Pine Grove, and will cross through or near 15 locations, which you can see on a mileage chart located on the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail’s Website.
The Lebanon Valley Rail Trail’s newest section opened a few years ago, and passes very near Annville Inn. The new section includes a newly built tunnel/overpass allowing the trail to continue under Tunnel Hill Road unabated.
Enjoy your stay here at Hershey’s Five Star Annville Inn, famous for
- Rosalie’s breakfasts and hospitality
- Our quiet country elegance
- Amazing views…
And more amenities than most inns:
- Full sized in-ground swimming pool
- Six-person hot tub
- 20-seat movie theatre with Dolby 7.1 Surround just like at the “movies”
- Plant conservatory glassed in on all sides with a wood burning fireplace for winter
- Three acres of botanical gardens with over 600 roses and 10,000 bulbs.
- Large game room with pool table
- Three dining areas for breakfast,
- Jacuzzis in Guest Rooms,
- Most rooms with private entrances and decks
- Fireplaces in all rooms
- King and queen beds throughout
- …and much more to enjoy at Annville Inn!
