LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — Lancaster County's Northwest River Trail is an outdoor experience where you are bound to find something new every time you visit and with warm conditions sticking around its the perfect time to explore.
"It is the season for you to get out and find a new outdoor adventure," said Hope Byers, vice president of visitor engagement for the Susquehanna National Heritage Area.
The trail runs along the Susquehanna River from Columbia to Falmouth and has no shortage of things to find and do. A Bald Eagle nest lookout, Riverfront Park and the Conoy Wetlands are just some of the trail's special features.
There are also several historical land markers along the way, including the iron furnace ruins, the White Cliffs of Conoy and many other remnants of the area's past.
"You might not know that you're learning but you're connecting to this culture in this community that has been here for centuries," said Byers. "Our job is to let you go on adventures and discover the history along the way."
No matter what in the outdoors interests you, there's a little bit of everything for everyone on the Northwest River Trail.
"The Northwest River Trail has a paved surface that's 12 to 14 feet wide. If your kid is on a balanced bike or still needs training wheels, they can go up and have a good time. If older seniors are using a pedal assist ebike [it can be] used. If you've got some families that need ADA accessibility, [the trail offers that too]," said Byers. "The Northwest trails [are] perfect for all of those different abilities and everybody in different seasons of their life."
Even if you don't own the equipment to take your outdoor adventure to the next level, there are plenty of businesses that offer rental services. Chiques Rock Outfitters in Marietta offers bikes, kayaks and paddleboards.
No matter what you decide to do, the Northwest River Trail and all that it has to offer will make you want to come back again and again.
"You can come over and over and over again and see something new every time, " said Byers. It will keep you busy all summer long."