Trail info: Trail follows the abandoned Cumberland Valley railroad from Shippensburg to Newville.  No motor vehicles.  Open daily dawn to dusk. Length: 11 Miles.  Surface: .5 miles from Newville is concrete & asphalt, 10.5 miles from Shippensburg Park to Camp Rd is a two-tread trail, grassy, hard-packed earth for equestrians & packed stone dust for hikers/bikers.  Slope: Easy.  Type: Out & Back.  Entrances: McFarland Park, Newville (restrooms), Oakville Rd, Oakville, Shippensburg Park, Britton Rd (restrooms).

Dogs permitted - please clean up after your pet and keep them on a 6' leash | ADA Accessible | Restrooms

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Wildlife viewers of all ages and experiences can enjoy this 11-mile trail that follows the abandoned Cumberland Valley railroad corridor. The trail is open to the public daily, dawn to dusk. Look for future upgrades to the trail and signage.

This corridor of woods and shrubs adjacent to farms and grasslands provides habitat for dense populations of wildlife including Belted Kingfisher, Cedar Waxwing, Downy Woodpecker, Eastern Meadowlark, American Kestrel, Great Horned Owl, Indigo Bunting, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Common Yellowthroat, and red fox. The Oakville area provides opportunities to observe grassland species such as the Horned Lark.

The trail between Shippensburg and Oakville is well-maintained with new trail material. Access to the Rail Trail can occur at the following locations:

Newville: From the north exit I-81 at Newville (exit 37, PA 233 north). As you enter town, take the first left onto Vine Street and follow through town becoming Fairfield Street (PA 533W). As you leave town, turn left on Cherry Street and go to street end at McFarland Street. Parking and restrooms available.

Carlisle: Take PA 641 through Newville, turn left on Cemetery Road and follow to end of the road on McFarland Street.

Oakville: From US 11 or PA 533 turn west on Oakville Road and follow into village. Park on the northeast side of the road in the marked area along the treeline.

Shippensburg: Exit I-81 (at exit 24 or 29). From King Street (US 11) turn onto North Earl Street and go to the first light. Turn left onto West Burd Street and go 1 block. Parking is available in the Municipal parking lot on the left. To access the trail go 1 block north on Seneca Street, then 1 block East on Fort Street.

Shippensburg Township Park: From King Street (US 11) in Shippensburg, turn onto North Queen Street then right onto Britton Road; approximately .5 mile to the Park. Parking and restrooms are available.