Swatara Rail Trail

The Swatara Rail Trail begins at the southern end of Swatara State Park near the Lickdale Interchange of I-81, where a developed parking area offers easy access. The trail heads north along a wide, gently graded former rail corridor, closely paralleling Swatara Creek through a scenic valley beneath Blue Mountain. The surface varies between crushed stone, dirt, grass, and old pavement—suitable for hiking and biking with wide tires. Along the way, trail users pass historic canal locks and railroad remnants. About halfway through the route, a secondary trailhead at Sand Siding provides another access point. Near this area, hikers can take a short spur east to cross the historic Waterville Bridge—a former iron truss span now used by the Appalachian Trail. From there, Sand Siding Trail continues north on the creek’s east side before crossing back over a second bridge to reconnect with the Swatara Rail Trail. The main route stays on the west side of the creek throughout, eventually ending near the Pine Grove Interchange of I-81. With consistent grades, riparian scenery, and opportunities for connection, this route provides a straightforward way to explore the core of Swatara State Park.