Visit Two of PA's Underrated Trail Towns in York County: Things to Do in Hanover and New Freedom, PA.

York County, Pennsylvania is home to two of the most underrated trail towns in Pennsylvania — 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.

1. Where to Play

2. Best Hikes

3. Where to Eat

4. Where to Stay

5. 3 Day Itinerary
   

Where to play:

1. Heritage Rail Trail County Park – 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.

2. Howard Tunnel – A historic 1800s railroad tunnel and one of the most unique features on the trail. From downtown New Freedom, it’s about 2.5 miles one way (5 miles round trip).

3. North Central Railway – 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.

4. Guthrie Memorial Library – A free, community-focused library in Hanover with public events and programming throughout the year. Tip: Check their event calendar before your visit.

5. Whistle Stop Bike Shop – A convenient stop for bike rentals, gear, or quick fixes if you’re biking the Heritage Rail Trail. Tip: Especially helpful if you’re riding with kids or planning a longer section.

Where to eat:

1. Departure Coffee – A great breakfast and coffee stop in New Freedom serving lattes, bialy (a specialty bagel), and flavored hot chocolates for kids.

2. Vortex Brewing Company – 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.

3. Burtt Bakery – A must-stop for dessert with excellent baked goods, including a delicious s’mores brownie. Tip: They also offer gluten-free options.

4. Gunpowder Falls Brewing – A laid-back brewery option in New Freedom.

5. Merlin’s Coffee – 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 — the chocolate mousse was SO good.

6. Greer’s Burger Garage – 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!

7. Lydian Stone Brewing Company – A great place for a drink and sunset views over Hanover, known for wine slushies. Tip: It’s located above Greer’s Burger Garage, making this an easy combo stop.

8. Aldus Brewing – A family-friendly brewery right on the square with games in the back. Tip: Kids loved the Shirley Temples and shuffleboard.

9. Fat Bat Brewing – A creative brewery with a fun, community vibe. Tip: Check their calendar, they had live comedy when we were there, very fun!

   
   

Where to stay:

1. Atland House- A historic inn in downtown Hanover, close to restaurants, breweries, and trail access. A great base camp to explore both trail towns.

2. Forney House- Another classic Hanover stay with historic charm and an easy downtown location.

3. Holiday Inn Express Hanover- Convenient, modern option if you prefer familiar amenities while staying close to Hanover’s trail-town core.

Our Weekend Itinerary:

Day 1- New Freedom

• Breakfast and coffee at Departure Coffee.

• Walk the Heritage Rail Trail through New Freedom, check out the historic trains along the rail corridor.

• Lunch at Vortex Brewing Company — pizza, house-brewed root beer, and trivia on weekends.

• Visit the North Central Railway Museum and explore the rail history.

• Dessert stop at Burtt Bakery.

Day 2

• Morning coffee at Merlin’s Coffee.

• Easy walk on the Heritage Rail Trail.

• Lunch at Greer’s Burger Garage.

• Head upstairs to Lydian Stone Brewing Company for drinks and sunset views over Hanover.

• Evening stop at Aldus Brewing to enjoy their family-friendly games and locally made brews.

Optional Add-Ons if You Have Extra Time

• Stop by Guthrie Memorial Library in Hanover and check their event calendar.

• If you bring bikes, plan extra time at Whistle Stop Bike Shop and ride a longer section of the trail.

Want to make it into a longer road trip? Add these other cool York County Trail Towns:

1. York – Home to Central Market (the oldest continuously operating farmers market in the U.S.), tons of cool mural art, breweries, and multiple Heritage Rail Trail access points right in the city.

2. Seven Valleys – One of the most scenic stretches of the Heritage Rail Trail, think farmland views great trail biking sections.

3. Glen Rock – Very cool small town with where you can see Glen Rock Mill Inn ruins, the remains of a historic mill complex, right off the trail.

4. Railroad – A tiny trail town best known for its preserved railroad history and some of the least crowded sections of the Heritage Rail Trail.

5. Wrightsville – A river-based trail town where the Susquehanna River, historic bridges, and riverfront paths give you a gorgeous view of York County.
   

Check out https://yorkcountytrailtowns.com/ for more info on things to do in each town!

Ready to Plan Your Adventure?

For more family-friendly road trips and info on our favorite destinations for adventurous families check out our adventures at We Chose Adventures. Join us as we explore more family-friendly trails, scenic drives, and outdoor getaways in the Mid-Atlantic and beyond!