Cumberland Valley is a cyclist's dream, with miles of trails along scenic roads, rail trails, and mountain paths. The Valley and its towns are bike-friendly, and our rolling hills and landscapes offer nice ride options to connect one town to another. Viewing all our routes with cue sheets and directions is a great place to get started.
Our region is also a craft brew destination, with new local hotspots always popping up. For a full brewery experience, follow the Cumberland Valley Beer Trail. For a unique experience, plan a getaway filled with enjoyable cycling and microbrew tastings.
Shippensburg
Cycling
Start your bikes and brews adventure in Shippensburg. This college town has one of the trailheads to the 13-mile Cumberland Valley Rail Trail that runs from Newville to Shippensburg. The trail is also great for wildlife and history enthusiasts. Interpretive signage details the area's agricultural and Civil War significance, while the farmland allows for views interspersed with woods and farmland.
Shippensburg Station connects the business district of Shippensburg, located two blocks from the trail's end, and the campus of Shippensburg University. Shippensburg Station is also home to the Cumberland Valley Railroad Museum, located inside a restored 1956 Penn Central 50-foot boxcar, and the Conrail Museum, located inside a renovated 86-foot boxcar. Both museums feature artifacts and exhibits that represent the history of railroads in the region.
HINT: Merv's Bike Shop in Shippensburg offers daily and weekly bike rentals and can also assist with bike maintenance.
Brews
Plan an out-and-back ride to finish in Shippensburg, and check out these local favorites for a cold one.
- Maxie's Brew House: The drink menu features a variety of craft brews, from crisp and clean to dark and roast and spicy and fruity to sour, tart, and funky.
- In Newville, Whiskers Brewing Co. specializes in drinkable, light-bodied lagers and ales with lower ABV and bitterness. It has 12 beers on tap, brewed on the premises.
Carlisle
Cycling
Carlisle moved to become a bike-friendly town several years ago by adding bike lanes and signage throughout the downtown. Enjoy a ride through this charming town by following the Carlisle Bike & Pedestrian Trail. You'll roll past restaurants, shops, galleries, historic sites, and beautiful architecture.
HINT: Cole's Bicycles in Carlisle sells several accessories and can assist with maintenance or repairs.
Brews
Carlisle is also known for its great hangouts and local brewpubs. Thanks to a recently approved ordinance, visitors can take their beer and wine with them in a non-breakable container while strolling through downtown's commercial district.
- Molly Pitcher Brewing Co.: This taproom offers a constantly changing selection of new, innovative beers and classic styles.
- Cafe Bruges: Enjoy a taste of Belgium at this cafe that offers traditional dishes and a huge selection of Belgian beer.
- Market Cross Pub & Brewery: This Carlisle staple features a large list of beers brewed on-site, including an assortment of beers. They also offer a menu of American and British classics.
- Back Porch Brewing: Guests can sample from a rotating selection of 12 beers on tap.
From downtown, take a short ride along Spring Road to stop at Desperate Times, where you can enjoy their award-winning beers. The outdoor Biergarten is the perfect location to relax in warmer weather.
Mechanicsburg
Cycling
Three planned routes start in the town of Mechanicsburg and allow for easy biking. Take the route from Mechanicsburg to Boiling Springs for a leisurely ride on scenic roads. The Mechanicsburg to McCormick Road Loop includes rural roads and a few steady climbs, and the Mechanicsburg North Loop will take you past views of mountains and creeks.
Brews
After a day of biking the quiet roads leading to and from Mechanicsburg, settle in for a brew at these locations.
- Appalachian Brewing Company: Enjoy an open and airy dining experience with a great brewpub menu and 20 ABC beers on tap. The Mechanicsburg site also houses ABC's "Soda Works," the manufacturing and bottling facility for their popular line of sodas.
- Wolf Brewing Co.: This award-winning brewery and taproom features artfully crafted, small-batch creations.
- Cold Springs Inn Brewing Company: Cold Springs takes full advantage of its scenic location along the Yellow Breeches Creek with a large outdoor deck where you can their craft beer, wine, and spirits. (NOTE: They are open seasonally from spring through late fall.)
West Shore
Cycling
Take a long ride from Carlisle through the West Shore Communities and into Harrisburg. Although this ride is along a busier road, it will lead you right past lots of great places to stop and check out, including shops and restaurants. You can also enjoy a residential ride leading you through two parks and busier streets from Camp Hill to New Cumberland.
HINT: Holmes Cycling in Camp Hill offers repairs, bike rentals, and accessories.
Brews
Relax after these rides with a brew on the West Shore area of Cumberland Valley.
- Grateful Goat Brewing: Beers, ciders, and hand-crafted artisan cocktails pair beautifully with the delicious menu.
- Watershed Pub: The carefully renovated 1830s building sets the backdrop for craft beer from their sister restaurant, The Millworks, in Harrisburg, plus wine and spirits and creative artisan cocktails.
- Wild Rabbit Pies & Pints: One of the newest restaurants in downtown New Cumberland, Wild Rabbit serves beer from Ever Grain Brewing Co., and has a menu focused on wood-fired pizzas.
Plan Your Getaway
With all these great riding options and breweries to check out, you'll want to stay the whole weekend. Browse our collection of hotels and B&Bs, or order a free visitor guide to help you plan your visit.
Click here to read more about 5 Favorite Biking Trails in Cumberland Valley.
