{"id":10006,"date":"2026-02-26T14:29:32","date_gmt":"2026-02-26T14:29:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wix-post-1947896e-1a19-44db-b56a-b63748cabcf8"},"modified":"2026-10-05T16:47:39","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T16:47:39","slug":"visiting-two-of-pa-s-underrated-trail-towns-things-to-do-in-hanover-and-new-freedom-pa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wechoseadventures.com\/?p=10006","title":{"rendered":"Visit Two of PA’s Underrated Trail Towns in York County: Things to Do in Hanover and New Freedom, PA."},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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York County, Pennsylvania is home to two of the most underrated trail towns in Pennsylvania<\/strong> \u2014 Hanover and New Freedom. Connected by the Heritage Rail Trail County Park, these small towns are the perfect weekend getaway if you’re into easy hikes, good food, and historic small towns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Where to Play<\/u><\/p>
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  2. Best Hikes<\/u><\/p>
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  3. Where to Eat<\/u><\/p>
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  4. Where to Stay<\/u><\/p>
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  5. 3 Day Itinerary<\/u>
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    Where to play:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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    1. Heritage Rail Trail County Park<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Walk or bike one of the best rail trails in Pennsylvania, with flat, easy terrain that runs directly through both towns Tip: In New Freedom, you can see historic trains along the rail corridor as you walk.<\/p>
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    2. Howard Tunnel<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 A historic 1800s railroad tunnel and one of the most unique features on the trail. From downtown New Freedom, it\u2019s about 2.5 miles one way (5 miles round trip).<\/p>
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    3. North Central Railway<\/strong> \u2013 Visit the train museum to see historic railcars and learn about the railroad history that shaped the region. Tip: Steam engine train rides are offered on select days, check their calendar.<\/p>
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    4. Guthrie Memorial Library<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 A free, community-focused library in Hanover with public events and programming throughout the year. Tip: Check their event calendar before your visit.<\/p>
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    5. Whistle Stop Bike Shop<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 A convenient stop for bike rentals, gear, or quick fixes if you\u2019re biking the Heritage Rail Trail. Tip: Especially helpful if you\u2019re riding with kids or planning a longer section.<\/p>
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      Where to eat:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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      1. Departure Coffee<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 A great breakfast and coffee stop in New Freedom serving lattes, bialy (a specialty bagel), and flavored hot chocolates for kids.<\/p>
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      2. Vortex Brewing Company<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Grab wood-fired pizza, house-brewed root beer for kids, and craft beer for adults. Tip: Trivia nights and live music make this a fun lunch or dinner stop.<\/p>
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      3. Burtt Bakery<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 A must-stop for dessert with excellent baked goods, including a delicious s\u2019mores brownie. Tip: They also offer gluten-free options.<\/p>
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      4. Gunpowder Falls Brewing<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 A laid-back brewery option in New Freedom.<\/p>
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      5. Merlin\u2019s Coffee<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 A locally owned Hanover staple for over 20 years, known for espresso drinks and a wide selection of gourmet coffee beans. Tip: Try one of the pastries they bring in from Baltimore \u2014 the chocolate mousse was SO good.<\/p>
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      6. Greer\u2019s Burger Garage<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 One of the best burger stops in the area, with a fun garage-style setup and seriously good food. Be sure to check out the disco bathroom!<\/p>
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      7. Lydian Stone Brewing Company<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 A great place for a drink and sunset views over Hanover, known for wine slushies. Tip: It\u2019s located above Greer\u2019s Burger Garage, making this an easy combo stop.<\/p>
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      8. Aldus Brewing<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 A family-friendly brewery right on the square with games in the back. Tip: Kids loved the Shirley Temples and shuffleboard.<\/p>
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      9. Fat Bat Brewing<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 A creative brewery with a fun, community vibe. Tip: Check their calendar, they had live comedy when we were there, very fun!<\/p>
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        Where to stay:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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        1. Atland House- <\/strong>A historic inn in downtown Hanover, close to restaurants, breweries, and trail access. A great base camp to explore both trail towns.<\/p>
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        2. Forney House- <\/strong>Another classic Hanover stay with historic charm and an easy downtown location.<\/u><\/p>
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        3. Holiday Inn Express Hanover- <\/strong>Convenient, modern option if you prefer familiar amenities while staying close to Hanover\u2019s trail-town core.<\/p>
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          Our Weekend Itinerary:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          Day 1- New Freedom<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n