Railroad

  • Difficulty: Moderate two yellow stars
  • Distance: 3.15 miles
  • Restrooms: No
  • Stroller Friendly: Yes
  • Wheelchair Friendly: No
  • Playground: No
  • Dog Friendly: Yes
  • Location: Swatara State Park – Swatara Rail Trail – Sand Siding Trailhead
  • black and white illustration of a battlefield

    Please Note - HIKE UNAVAILABLE!

    Due to unplanned construction, this hike is currently unavailable. We apologize for the inconvenience, but please check the Updates page or the GO Lebanon! Facebook page for this hike's availability.

    Clues for Your Hike

    1. Park in the large parking area off of/at the end of Sand Siding Road. 
    2. With your back to the parking area, follow the gravel trail (Swatara Rail Trail) to the right. 
    3. Continue following the trail straight ahead for a while, enjoying the beautiful scenery and nature as you go. 
    4. After walking a little over 1.5 miles, the post will be on your right in a small clearing. 
    5. To return to your vehicle, turn around and retrace your steps along the trail back to the parking area.

    Did You Know?

    • There are about 600 separate railroads in operation in the United States. 
    • The earliest known railways were constructed in ancient Greece around 600 BCE, but the Industrial Revolution marked the invention of the steam locomotive. 
    • The Strasburg Railroad in Lancaster County was established in 1832 and is the oldest continuous railroad in America.