The Low-Key Rail Trail Weekend
A casual 2 to 3-day bike & train adventure connecting Baltimore to Philadelphia. Expect scenic rail trails, light rail rides, leisurely stops for food and brews, and zero rush.
The Day-by-Day Journey
Flexible, chill pacing with plenty of time for snacks, photography, and exploring local spots along the way.
Friday, Oct 9th
Amtrak to Baltimore Penn Station
Catch an evening or afternoon Amtrak train from Philadelphia 30th St Station down to Baltimore Penn Station.
Explore Baltimore & Dinner
Check into hotel/AirBnB, grab food, drinks, and relax before Saturday morning's official start.
Saturday, Oct 10th
Early Amtrak from PHL 30th St (For Saturday arrivals)
If coming in Saturday morning, take an early train to Baltimore Penn Station so you arrive before 8:45 AM.
Meetup at Baltimore Penn Station
Group rendezvous at Penn Station, then a short roll out to Mt Royal / MICA Light Rail Station.
Take Northbound Light Rail
Hop on Maryland MTA Light Rail north toward McCormick Rd station.
View MTA Light Rail Schedule ↗Arrive McCormick Rd & Enter Torrey C. Brown Trail
Unload bikes at McCormick Rd light rail stop and ride a brief connecting road to the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail entrance in Cockeysville.
Ride Torrey C. Brown + Heritage Rail Trail (~40 mi)
Cross the Mason-Dixon line into Pennsylvania! Seamless transition from Torrey C. Brown into the Heritage Rail Trail. We'll ride at a super leisurely pace with multiple stops for nature, lunch, ice cream, coffee, and drinks.
Arrive in York, PA & Dinner
Roll into downtown York, PA. Check into hotel/AirBnB, shower, and head out for dinner & drinks at a downtown pub or brewery.
Sunday, Oct 11th
Transit from York to Columbia, PA
Transit options: Bike route (some traffic segments) or Rabbit Transit Bus. Note: Rabbit Transit buses have front bike racks (capacity ~2 bikes - great for Bromptons, tight for large groups).
Optional Side Quests & River Trail
Choose your adventure before heading onto Enola Low Grade:
- 🍦 Turkey Hill Experience: Interactive ice cream tasting!
- 🕰️ National Watch & Clock Museum: Cool horology museum in Columbia.
- 🌊 NW Lancaster County River Trail: Head up river toward Marietta, PA for stunning river views before turning back.
Enter Enola Low Grade Rail Trail (~30 mi)
Join the Enola Low Grade Rail Trail. Ride over spectacular trestles (like Safe Harbor Bridge!) and gorge scenery all the way to Parkesburg, PA.
Amtrak Parkesburg to PHL 30th St
Catch either the 5:58 PM or 7:58 PM Amtrak Keystone Service train back to Philadelphia 30th St Station. High fives all around!
Trail & Waypoint Explorer
Click markers to view details for stations, trail entrances, river trails, and night stops.
Key Stop Highlights
Trail Guides & Transit Links
Quick links to schedules, maps, trail park guides, and local attraction details.
Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail
MD DNR official guide. Formerly the NCR Trail. Cinder/gravel surface extending 19.7 miles from Cockeysville to the PA border.
Visit MD DNR Site ↗Heritage Rail Trail County Park
York County Parks guide. Seamless continuation from MD border to York, PA (~21 miles) along active Northern Central Railway lines.
York County Trails ↗Maryland MTA Light Rail
Schedule for Mt Royal/MICA to McCormick Rd light rail. Bike roll-on friendly with designated train cars.
Check MTA Schedule ↗Amtrak Bicycle Reservations
Carry-on bike reservation guidelines for Regional & Keystone trains. Book your bike slot early ($20 addon)!
Amtrak Bike Policy ↗NW Lancaster County River Trail
Columbia Crossing River Trails Center info. Scenic paved trail along Susquehanna River through Marietta.
Columbia Crossing ↗Turkey Hill Experience
Interactive ice cream tasting and tea creating experience in Columbia, PA right off the trail route.
Turkey Hill Info ↗National Watch & Clock Museum
World's largest museum dedicated to horology, timekeeping, and vintage clocks located in Columbia, PA.
Museum Website ↗Rabbit Transit Bus (York ↔ Columbia)
Local bus info. Front rack holds max 2 standard bikes. Folding bikes (Bromptons) can be carried inside bag.
Rabbit Transit ↗Estimated Cost Per Person
Adjust the options below to estimate your individual budget for the weekend.
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✋ Official Trip RSVP
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